Page 51
“For all the chocolate in Belgium, I’m getting ahead of a scandal before everyone finds out.”
“I can’t stand the thought of people going after you because you’re with me,” I grumble into Sky’s hair, mentally issuing threats to anyone who dares write negative shit about him. We’re curled up in his book alcove. With the fairy lights, the enclosed space feels like a safe haven.
The entire ride home, I schemed revenge plans on everyone who describes Sky in less-than-favorable terms. There’s no chance I could do it, but I bet Liska would know someone, and O’Keefe is the type to be in on a revenge plot.
I won’t let anyone get away with hurting Sky. Not even me.
“Mav.” Sky waits until I look at him to continue. “Anyone you’re with will be subjected to scrutiny, not only me.” He smiles and wraps an arm around my neck. “If you haven’t noticed, you’re kinda famous. You’re an amazing rookie on a great team in a city full of paparazzi. I can take it if you have my back, but if it’s too much, I understand.”
My jaw clenches as my fury rises, but I have no one to blame but myself. The best predictor of future behavior is the past, and I fucked that up. I’m mad that the universe is punishing Sky for my decision to stay in the closet and then claim to be queer when it’s safe. We wouldn’t be in this mess if I had been brave enough to admit my sexuality. “Am I allowed to be angry if someone says something untrue about you?”
“Behind closed doors, yes. Otherwise, no. You’ve had media training and know how this works. You’ll be goaded and taunted into giving a reaction. I’m your weak link.”
“Never.” I hold him tighter as I contemplate telling him our problems began when I didn’t tell my parents the truth.
“You’re my weakness too, but no one cares if the prostitute gets upset about gossip. The revered hockey player is a different story.”
“You’re not a prostitute,” I seethe through gritted teeth.
“These days, the truth has become irrelevant. The twenty-four-hour news cycle is a vicious beast searching for the newest and latest info. I’d be shocked if I’m not labeled a prostitute. Most people don’t understand that there are a variety of jobs in the sex industry which don’t involve sex.”
“It’s wrong,” I complain, and inhale his soothing scent of honey and cedarwood to remind myself this is about him and not me. About building a future, not wallowing in the past. I’ll be a man he can be proud of.
“It is, but there are far worse things we should fix before we tackle the sex workers.” He does a body roll and somehow manages to straddle me. “Big things: renewed racism and sexism and starving children.”
“I want to make the world a better place for you,” I say, and it brings tears to his eyes.
“You’re a good man, Mav. Please tell me if this becomes too much. If—”
I silence him with a kiss. “Please trust me not to let you down.” I search his eyes, and his smile lights up his face. I will prove myself by making it clear I love him and he’s my sole concern.
“Promise,” he assures me with confidence.
Chapter 23
Skylar Engelhardt/ Lark Angel
This time, Mav gives me and Logan his seats, and we’re right against the glass. I’m cheering my face off and jumping up and down. We’re close enough to see the players’ expressions under their face masks.
“Thought you weren’t a fan of sportsball,” Logan drawls.
“This is hockey. Big difference. Huge.” I fling my arms apart and almost knock the beer from the guy next to me. “Sorry!” I yell, and turn away. I’ve been riding the high that is the new Maverick. My Arion.
It’s a fairy-tale version of what I dreamed possible. He’s honest, communicative, and openly claims me in public. Everything I’ve ever wanted.
And that scares the shit out of me.
If it’s too good to be true…it is.
Period.
My real life and impossible scenarios don’t intersect.
Women carrying signs to get Mav’s attention are all over the arena. My insecurities rear up and attack my brain.
The action’s so close our seats vibrate when two players hit the wall.
Mav and I are most definitely on a collision course.
