Page 75 of Unleashed

“There.” Adele pointed at the screen. “That’s the story. Not the knee, not the drama. Just... that.”

On screen, Jack demonstrated some fancy hockey maneuver with two of his teammates, his movements precise even after a brutal practice session. The footage captured everything about him that Malone had tried to twist into controversy—the dedication, the intensity, the way he put everyone else first, no matter what.

My throat tightened watching him. Even now, even after everything, the sight of him in that practice jersey—the quiet confidence, the way he commanded respect without demanding anything more than to be allowed to play the game he loved—stole my breath.

“You ready to record your part?” Adele’s voice went gentle.

My fingers found their spot at my wrist, seeking that steady pulse. Tap, tap, tap. “Yeah. Just... give me a minute.”

She nodded, pulling up the recording software while I gathered my thoughts. We’d talked about this—my message for Jack. The one piece of footage that wouldn’t make the final episode. Just for him.

“You want me to stay? I can step out, stretch my legs?”

“Would you mind? Just give me five minutes. This won’t take long.”

She passed me a slim remote. “Press here when you want it to start. Red light on the top of the camera tells you it’s filming. It’s ready whenever you are.” She fiddled another minute before giving me a thumbs up and disappearing out the door.

I inhaled a small breath. Pressed the button. And spoke.

“Jack.” My voice came out steadier than I felt. “I owed you the truth weeks ago. About the episode, about Malone’s demands, about...” Another breath. “About how I fell in love with you somewhere between trying to tell your story and actually seeing you.”

The confession burned my throat, one I’d never be able to give him face to face. I forced myself to continue. “You deserved better than what I handed you. Better than someone who let fear drive her decisions. This episode—” I gestured to the office, to the monitors and cameras littering the space and representing months of work, “—this is what I should have done from the start. This is the story I wanted to tell.”

I sucked in another breath even as my eyes burned.

“The real story isn’t about injuries or controversy. It’s about seventeen years of leading by example. About making everyone around you better. About...” My voice cracked. “About being exactly the kind of man I wish I’d been brave enough to choose over my career.”

I swiped at my cheeks, professional composure cracking. “I hope someday you can forgive me. But even if you don’t—you should know that you changed me. Made me remember who I used to be before I learned to compromise my values. So... thank you. For reminding me. For everything.”

Silence filled the tiny office and I hit the button again to end the recording. I had a million more words to say, but no right to say them. No right to demand more of his time.

I gave in then. Let the tears fall until my shoulders shook and my stomach clenched. Until I struggled to breathe and could no longer see. My five minutes must have passed, because between one moment and the next, I found myself in my best friend’s arms, sobbing my heart out.

Filled with regret.

Torn apart by what could have been.

While I’d been worried about impressing some lowlife, Jack had been showing me what it meant to believe in something and do the best you can do, no matter the cost. No matter the risk.

“It’s going to be okay.” Adele’s voice was rough. “You’re going to be okay.”

I nodded, but the motion was hollow, a reflex, a lie. Nothing was ever going to be okay again.

But I had a mission now—one that had been taking shape in the quiet spaces between heartbreak and realization, rooting itself deep in my chest. I might never hold Jack again, might never feel his hands on me, his voice close enough to steal my breath. But I could be the person he’d shown me how to be.

No more compromises. No more choosing the easy way at someone else’s expense. That mistake would never touch me again.

Come hell or high water, I’d be someone he could be proud of. Even if he never saw it. Even if he never knew.

Outsidethewindow,dawnpainted the sky in shades of promise I didn’t feel. The training facility would remain empty and quiet for only another hour or so. I quickened my step as I made my way to the locker room. One last task before I could let go.

The thumb drive felt heavy in my palm. Just a small piece of plastic and metal, but it carried the weight of everything I couldn’t say in person. Everything I hoped he’d understand.

I just hoped he’d watch. It would be just like him to toss the thing in the trash. I shook off the thought as I slipped into the Aces’ locker room.

Memory ambushed me—Jack’s locker had always been the epicenter of team activity. The place where strategy sessions formed, where rookies sought advice, where years of leadership had shaped the heart of this team. Now it stood silent, waiting for whatever came next.

I unzipped the duffle wedged on the low shelf, my fingers lingering on the canvas strap, before tucking my parting gift inside. A simple “Jack” written on the side of the thumb drive in my careful script. No explanation needed—he’d know who it was from.

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