Page 109 of Major Penalty

“Do you even know him?” he asks, his voice rough. “Do you even know what Ares is?”

I blink, my anger turning into rage.

“Why are you saying that like he’s a monster?” I ask, the heat rising in my core. “Yes. I know him.”

“No,” he bites out, shaking his head. “No, you don’t. Not like I do.”

“There it is again,” I say quietly. “That tone. That look.”

His eyes narrow, but he stays silent.

“You always spoke about Ares with pride. So, what just happened, Dad?” My voice cracks. “You looked at him like he’s filth.”

His mouth opens as he tries to find the words, clearly confused by what I’m saying. He really doesn’t see it.

“Or are you only proud of Ares when he’s winning you games?” I press, stepping closer.

“What are you saying, Irene?” His brows furrow, and his shoulders tense even more, but I see it—the flash of hurt in his eyes.

“I’m saying you don’t get to pretend he matters to you if your respect ends the second you see him with me.”

Silence stretches between us, heavy and loaded.

“He’s not who I want for you.” His voice is low and defensive.

“Why?” I demand.

“He’s not…it’s not right! He's not good for you.” He raises his voice.

“You don’t get to talk about him like that,” I raise my voice back, even if it’s shaky. I’ve never yelled at my father.Ever.

He stares down at me, eyes wide, like I’ve lost my mind.

But I haven’t.

I’ve finallyfound it.

“You saved him once,” I say. “But he did the rest himself. And now, he’syours. He’s on your team, he plays for you, herespects you.He looks up to you.” My voice cracks. “And that’s how you talk about him the second he does something you don’t approve of? Do you know how many times he’s been abandoned, Dad?”

“Of course, I know!” he shouts, the words sharp and ragged. “I know every goddamn placement form. Every address. Every foster home that didn’t keep him for more than six months. Iknowwhat they said about him in those reports, Irene!”

I flinch.

He’s breathing hard now, his voice cracking.

“You think I don’t remember the day I found him? You think I’ve forgotten what state he was in? He was a kid, but already gone. Hardened, violent, and empty.” His voice lowers. “Do you know how long it took me to feel safe leaving him alone with the other players?” he continues, sounding bitter. “Years.Because I didn’t trust what he’d do. That boy had too much anger in him.”

I swallow hard but hold my ground, waiting for him to get to his point. Because everything he’s pointing out right now is irrelevant to the conversation.

“And now?” he snaps. “Now that same man is doing…thingswithmydaughter—mybaby girl—behind my back?”

My eyes burn, and my throat tightens.

“So he’s good enough to be on your team.” My lower lip quivers, and I have to pause to collect myself. “Good enough for you to bring into our house for lunch. Feed him a meal. Put a stick in his hand. Good enough to win you games.”

“Irene…”

“But not good enough to be an actual part of your family?” I say louder now, fire blooming in my chest. “Not good enough to be with me? Is that how you see him?”

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