Page 140 of Slap Shot Scandal
Or worse—a trade talk.
That wouldn’t be terrible news. Driftwood Cove’s kinda boring. But I’ve never played hockey without Weston and Callum by my side. And I don’t particularly want to start now.
“Super. That’s why I called you in. Both of you.”
I shoot Prince a quizzical look and Tori’s dark brows inch up her smooth forehead.
“What are you talking about, Daddy?”
“Starting today, Tori’s going to be looking after you, Bennett.”
I guffaw and Tori makes a weird, strangled choking sound.
“Excuse me?” I cock my right brow. “With all due respect, sir, I don’t need a keeper.”
Tori snorts, and I glare over at her.
“What? I don’t. I can handle myself.”
“Uh-huh. Just like you did at the party? With a sharp left hook to the nose?”
“He deserved it and you know it.” I fold my arms across my chest, knowing I’m fully vindicated in that matter. The courts fucking said so.
“Enough.” Prince slams his palm on the desk, the sharp sound commanding our silence. “Bennett, you’ll be moving into the condos. Everything’s arranged. Your condo’s directly next to Tori’s, so she’ll be able to keep tabs on you 24-7.”
“What?” Both of our voices rise in unison. Hot panic floods my system, an adrenaline boost I wasn’t looking for this afternoon.
“Daddy, I’m going back to New York. We talked about this. Everything’s on track here and I need to focus on the business…”
Prince waves his hand through the air, cutting her off. “No, someone else can handle that. I need you here. Now. Protecting our investment.” He tips his chin at me. “Someone has to keep an eye on him.”
Tori shakes her head, her long, dark hair swishing across the smooth fabric of her blazer.
“No, thanks. Besides, I’m sure his brothers can watch him.”
“Are you kidding me? Did you miss the whole captain – PR consultant mess?”
She blows out a breath, then scowls at me. “I haven’t babysat since I was twelve.”
“Well, good news then. I don’t need a damn babysitter.” I sit up straight, cracking my knuckles.
“The matter’s settled. Tori, here are the keys to Bennett’s new apartment. Curfew’s nine PM. Every night of the week, except game days.” Prince dangles a set of keys, holding them out to his daughter.
“You’re joking.” My jaw tenses, a vein throbbing at mytemple. Blood roars in my ears and I want to scream. “I’m on fucking lockdown now? You can’t do this!”
“If you want to keep your contract, these are the terms, Steele. Take ‘em or leave ‘em.”
I slide my cell from my pocket, scrolling through my contacts. “I’m calling my agent. This is nuts.”
“Go ahead. Call. But it’s in his best interest for you to be focused on your job—playing hockey. This new living arrangement does just that.” Prince’s lips curve into an almost-smile and nausea rolls through me.
The Ice Queen’s my new damn babysitter.
Could have been a hot scenario when I was thirteen.
Now it’s just kinda fucking annoying.
I swallow down the acid rising up my throat and cross my arms over my chest. “Fine. I’ll agree to this bogus deal. But only until the league clears me to play.”
