Page 1 of Breakaway

CHAPTER ONE

Fletcher

My reflection stared back at me from the forty-seventh-floor window; the scowl I wore was so out of place on my face that it was disconcerting to see. But each time I stepped foot into this building, nothing but hatred and disdain filtered through me. I loathed everything about being at Hat Trick Co headquarters. Even more so now that it had taken me away from Henley, away from the family I’d built.

I’d already dreaded telling her about this, about how I’d come to be the CEO of the largest hockey conglomeration in the United States. But now that Reese had been dragged into this mess, I had no hope she’d forgive me. My secrets had allowed this to happen, to create a fissure in our relationship.

And the only one to blame was me—for being stupid enough to let fear keep me from being honest.

Sighing, I rubbed my forehead, knowing I couldn’t put this off any longer. Turning, I met Reese’s eyes, their small frame huddled into the leather couch that sat along one corner of the office. We’d been ushered in here the moment we’d arrived; the board was too worried I’d try to escape before I could be summoned. Reese had been quiet after my brief explanation, both of us now drowning in the silence around us.

“When they come to get me, I’ll demand they let you use a phone to call Henley. She’s going to be worried something bad happened.”

Reese nodded, their whole demeanor despondent and sending worry swirling in my gut.

On top of ushering us onto their plane surrounded by vehicles, they’d taken our phones to ensure everything stayed top secret. But based on the media trucks at the foot of the building, I’d say that ship had sailed. Walking closer, I crouched down in front of Reese and caught their attention.

“I’m sorry this is happening, Reese. I hate that you’re scared. I’ve tried to avoid this place for so long, but it finally caught up to me.” I shook my head in disbelief. I’d never imagined them kidnapping me in order to get what they wanted. It just made me hate HTC even more.

“I’m not scared, Fletcher. I know I’m safe with you. I’m just worried about Henley.” My eyes widened, and I swallowed, relieved that Reese felt safe with me and hating the worry we were causing.

“Yeah, me too. She will never forgive me, and I don’t blame her.” I hung my head, moving to sit next to Reese on the couch. They chuckled, shaking their head at me. Lifting my brow, I waited for them to explain.

“Henley might surprise you. She’s fiercely loyal and not one to jump to conclusions. She’ll smack you for not telling her sooner, but once you explain, she’ll understand. It’s why she’s the absolute best. She has mama bear energy—she protects what’s hers.” Reese nudged me with their shoulder. “If you haven’t figured out that includes you, then you might need more help than I thought,” they teased.

Smiling, I wrapped my arm around Reese’s shoulder, pulling them into my chest as I placed my chin on top of their head. “You’re special, kiddo. I’m glad I got to meet you.”

“Yeah, you’re not so bad.” They giggled, and I snorted, the levity lightening the mood. It was quiet for a moment, this one not as heavy, before Reese pulled back slightly and looked up at me, a mischievous look on their face.

“If you’re the CEO of HTC and like a billionaire, does that mean if you marry my sister, I’ll be a billionaire too? Can you buy me a car? Or what about one of those VR hockey sticks? In fact, I’ll take three and then rent them out to the highest bidder and buy my own car.”

Reese gave me a smug look at their cleverness. Coughing, I covered my laugh at their words, the anxiety wracking my body easing slightly. I kissed the top of their head, hoping Reese was right that Henley would forgive me. I couldn’t imagine life without her, and now that included Reese. Even the guys, if I was honest.

“Sure thing, kiddo. I’ll get you as many as you want and ignore the bribery of your fellow teammates.”

“You’re the best, Fletch.” Reese’s arms circled my chest, hugging me to them. We stayed like that for a few seconds, the door opening breaking the peace. I released Reese and stood to face who’d entered, my mood immediately switching to protective.

Owen Hewitt—the former VP of Hat Trick and current head of Bar Down, a subsidiary of HTC, walked into the office. His hair had grayed over the years, his middle more pudgy than I remembered, but his condescension of me hadn’t disappeared one bit. He sneered in lieu of a greeting, his eyes tracing over my casual jeans and shirt with distaste.

Excuse me for not being corporate-ready when I was ambushed at the airport!

“Owen.” I didn’t say anything else; tired of lying today, and there was no world where I was happy to see this man.

“The prodigal CEO has finally returned.” His eyes flicked to Reese, their calculation unnerving me. “A little young for your taste, Mr. Cromwell. Or is this a new project? I know how much you like to help others.”

His words were bitter, expertly tossed at me to land a strike and set me off. But I wasn’t the same naïve man I’d once been. I wouldn’t cower to him this time. Ignoring his barbs, I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I’d like for our phones to be returned. There’s no reason they need to be kept from us any longer. The media already knows I’m here, and it wasn’t leaked by either of us, so that lame excuse no longer holds.”

“Protocol.” He shrugged, his face angrier than before, as his brows dipped and his lips thinned. He tried to stare me down, but I stood a good four inches taller than him. Owen sniffed, lifting his nose into the air instead. It was not a good look and Reese snorting behind me, told me they felt the same.

“Since you don’t seem to know how to answer your phone, we figured you didn’t need it,” he gritted out, his eyelid twitching as he clenched his jaw.

“Bullshit.” I crossed my arms, not intimidated by this man in the least. “But you will have a lawsuit and law enforcement at the doors in the next five minutes if my companion here doesn’t alert their sister.” I took a seat, my entire body broadcasting indifference and ease as I crossed my leg at my ankle, my arm going to the back of the couch.

“Your choice, Owen. I’ll be happy to tell the board you were just following... What was the word?” I tapped my chin in thought, snapping my fingers. “That’s it. Protocol.”

I heard Reese cover another snort to my right, but I kept my eyes on the man in front, his face becoming redder by the second. Owen was headed for a heart attack if he didn’t get his anger under control.

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