Page 41 of Goalie's Obsession

The second he sees me, he right in my face again, picking up right where he left off.

“What the hell were you thinking?!”

I freeze on the spot.

“Nice to see you too.”

“I’m serious, Lucy.” He storms around the room, hands fisting at his sides. “You just—what? Bid on Connor in front of theentire league, embarrass me and make me look even worse, then let the media turn this into some goddamn soap opera by sticking your tongue down his throat?”

“You mean the media you used to love courting?” I fold my arms. “Seems different whenyou’renot in control of the narrative.”

His jaw twitches and I'm impressed that he stops to take a breath for a moment.

“Listen, I’m sorry about the other night, alright?” he mutters. “I shouldn’t have yelled. But you don’t get it. You have no idea how hard I’m working to keep everything together right now.”

“Then tell me, Ethan!” My voice spikes. “What exactly is so bad that me bidding at a charity auction is suddenly ruining your life?”

His whole body stills.

Then, quietly, too quietly, he says, “I can’t. I can't tell you Lucy.”

“Bullshit.”

“Luce—”

“Stop treating me like a child!” I step toward him, fury rising in my chest. “You don’t get to tear me down just because I didn’t play the role you wanted.”

“I’m not trying to tear you down.” His voice is strained. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“From what?!” I shout. “From falling for someone you don’t approve of? From embarrassing the family name? From Connor?”

“Fromeverything,” he snaps.

"You sound just like Mom, you know that?"

Ethan's entire body shakes. “No, I don't. You don't see it, you never have."

I pop a hand on my hip and challenge him with my eyes. "Okay then, wise guy. Why don't you explain it to me then? What exactly are you protecting me from?"

"From all the shit you don’tsee, Lucy. There’s more going on here than you know.”

“Thentell me!" It's my turn to scream now. "Let me help you, Ethan!”

He looks at me then. Really looks. And for one second—I see it again. That samefear. That weight that pushing so hard on his shoulders he can't even stand straight anymore. The cracks in his armor are so deep, my brother is almost unrecognizable now.

But just as fast as he appeared three weeks ago, he locks it all down again.

“Just stay out of it, Lucy.”

And that?

That’s what breaks me.

“Fine,” I say, breath shaking. “You don’t want to talk? I’m done asking.”

He frowns. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m going on the Icehawks’ offseason tour.”

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