Page 75 of Face Me Off

She beams like I’ve just given her the world. “I’ll be there, cheering you on.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” She places a hand over mine and meets my gaze. There’s an intensity in them that leaves me breathless. “I don’t want to hide anymore, Ryan.”

Her words hit me like a sucker punch because I don’t want to hide either. The thought of her coming to the skills competition, of being able to openly show the world she’s mine, is electrifying. But then, reality sets in.

“And I hate keeping this secret from Amanda. Now that I’ve already made Dad angry, there’s no point in hiding it.”

I hesitate. “I want nothing more than to come clean, but Maddy, your dad can still call Dr. Steinberg. That threat hasn’t been taken off the table.”

Her shoulders sag, and I want to take away that defeated look. “I guess you’re right. I forgot about the team.”

“I only bring this up because…” God, I don’t know if I should say something, but the lawsuit is a big deal.

“Because what?”

“Did you know your father offered fifty grand to settle the suit?”

Her eyes widen. “What? When?”

“A couple weeks ago. Dad received the notice the day we played Colorado.”

The color drains from her face. “Oh, my God. He did that in retaliation because he found out we were studying.”

I jerk back. “Your dad found out. How?”

“Yeah, through Becky. Remember the day he summoned me to his office? He warned me to stay away from you.”

The fresh outdoor air suddenly seems stuffy and stagnant. That bastard really will use everything in his power to keep me away from her, including a bullshit offer.

“And don’t worry; I chewed Becky’s ass for blabbing.” She looks away momentarily, and when her gaze returns, she seems older and somehow wearier. “Ryan, he won’t give up. He’ll do anything to keep us apart.”

“We won’t let him.” I squeeze her hand. “I’m not going anywhere, Maddy.”

“I know,” she says softly. “And you’re right. We should keep this a secret for the sake of the team.”

The words sting, but it’s our only choice. We can’t risk everything we’ve worked so hard for.

“It’s not what I want,” I admit.

“Me neither.”

“Seeing you at the skills competition and not being able to touch you is going to sting like a motherfucker.”

She licks her lips and gives me a wry smile. “It’s a good thing I’m a masochist.”

This dirty, good girl.

“Get on my lap.”

She doesn’t waste time padding over to me. Straddling my hips, she leans down to kiss me. Our external situation may suck, but this right here? It’s fucking on fire. Exactly how I like it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

RYAN

“Sorenson,”Easton yells as I descend the stairs outside the Silverstone Hotel. “You headed home?”

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