Page 129 of If You Love Me

“Couldn’t you have asked the same thing about Hemi or my daughter?” Roman snaps.

Shilpa leans back in her chair. “This is not the same, Roman. Aurora went through the proper channelspriorto joining the Terror, and she proved that she was committed to the team, and the welfare of the team, when she brought her concerns and her relationship to managementbeforeshe even applied for theposition. Dallas and Hemi’s situation is vastly different. Hemi is not in a position of power over Dallas, and while the way that rolled out was not ideal, it doesn’t pose the same level of challenge as this.”

Shilpa's gaze shifts to me. “It’s my job, as the team lawyer, to assess the facts and determine what the next steps should be. But your relationship with Roman should have been disclosed prior to stepping into your role as assistant coach?”

“I understand, but I didn’t believe it to be relevant as it was one weekend, three years ago,” I explain. “I didn’t think Roman even remembered me.”

“Well, you were obviously wrong since you’re sitting here as a married couple.” Shilpa taps her pen on the conference table. “I’ll need legal documentation, including your marriage certificate. Alexandria, you’ll be on a leave of absence while we perform an internal review.”

“You will not fire her over this,” Roman says hotly.

“You are not in a position to make demands, Roman,” Fielding barks. “And an internal review is standard protocol under the circumstances.”

“This puts the team and the leadership under a microscope,” Shilpa adds. “The problem is the lack of forthrightness.”

“Dallas wasn’t very forthcoming about being in love with Hemi from jump,” Roman states.

“Again, Roman, this is not the same. Lexi is a coach. You are a player. The lines are very clear.”

“I retire in two months and would have handed the net to Ryker to save Lexi from this bureaucratic bullshit if I’d known this was how it would go down, regardless of how ready Ryker is.”

“But that’s not what happened, so here we are.” Shilpa replies evenly. “My job is to take care of the team, and that includes management and the players. It’s my duty to ensure that the people who work for this team also have the team’s best interests in mind.”

Before Roman can go off again, I hold up a hand. “I understand the need for an internal review. I expected this, and if I were in your shoes, I would do the same thing. I am very aware of the challenges I’m up against because of this. If I could have shut off my feelings for Roman, I would have. The easier route would have been to let him retire early, but I didn’t want that for Ryker, or for the team, and especially not for Roman. I hope the review gives you peace of mind, and you’ll see that my allegiance is to the players and the welfare of the Terror.”

“We’ll keep your leave quiet while the review is being performed,” Fielding says. “In the meantime, please hand over your keycard, and I’ll escort you out of the building.”

“Is that necessary?” Roman asks.

“It’s okay.” I squeeze his hand.

“You’re treating my wife like a criminal.”

“We’re treating her the same way we would any coach who marries a player without going through the proper channels.” Shilpa pushes her chair back and looks at Lexi. “You being married to Roman might save your job, but I sincerely hope you’re ready for the battle you’re about to face.”

“I know. And he’s worth it.”

“That’s the right answer.” Shilpa leaves the office.

Vander Zee exhales harshly through his nose. “I need to brief Boxer and Thomas before practice.”

I pass over my keycard and ID badge.

“I’ll walk Lexi out,” Roman declares.

Fielding gives him a look. “I have to function as an escort.”

“That’s fine,” I say, trying to keep everyone level.

Roman is on the edge, and the last thing we need is him doing something that will get him benched. He takes my hand and leads me down the hall. And of course we run into Dallas and Ash on the way out. Their instant jaw drop is a sign of the challenges to come. At least their surprise means we did a mostly good job of hiding what was going on.Fucking Donnie…

Roman dips his chin. “I’ll see you guys shortly.”

I feel bad for them, because we’ve created one hell of a headache for both of their significant others.

The elevator doors open, and Kellan and Connor step out. Their smiles drop as they process the scene.

“Oh fuck. Holy shit.” Connor’s gaze volleys between us. “Wow.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I guess the heat is off me.”

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