Page 22 of There is No Try

The man directly behind you. I’m sorry.

I don’t understand. Everyone behind us has been nothing but kind to Gav and me. Do you know them?

One is James. I don’t know if he is there on purpose, or if I just have the worst fucking luck. I’m so sorry. I promise I didn’t ask him to come.

Several minutes pass and she doesn’t respond. I pocket my phone and rush back to the pitch. Bridget and Gav aren’t seated, and James has a smug smirk I can still spot from here. There’s little doubt in my mind he’s up to something, and all I can see is red.

My phone vibrates and I eagerly check it, not caring if it’ll get me in trouble.

I don’t feel comfortable watching the rest of the match with him behind us. He seems harmless, but it’s best to be safe.

I’m getting concessions with Gav. Call me when you’re ready and we’ll leave.

As I’m typing my reply, my phone is snatched out of my hand by one of the assistant coaches and I’m reprimanded like a child, told I won’t have it back until the end of the match. With no way of contacting Bridget, my anxiety surges. I risk a glance back at the seats Bridge and Gavin were in. James is also gone and my heart rate spikes. If anything happened to them, I’d never forgive myself.

Cheers erupt around me as Jamison sneaks in another try. I can’t focus on any of it. The coach who has my phone is strategising with a player as my heart is thumping wildly in my chest.

“I have to go,” I tell Coach Richards mid-celebration. “Family emergency.” I don’t wait for his reply and march over to the coach with my phone, demanding he hand it over. I trade him for my headset and rush off the pitch to find Bridget. I try calling, but she doesn’t answer. She mentioned concessions and my hope is she’s in line or eating.

I breathe a sigh of relief finding her and Gav having what appear to be sliders or small sanga. They’re laughing, and as I make my way to them, a hand clamps on my shoulder.

“Lucas.” James’ voice has anger instantly coursing through me. I quickly turn and brush his hand away. “Shame you aren’t playing, the match would’ve been more enjoyable.” His gaze rakes my body, landing on my thighs. I’m wearing athletic pants, but I feel fucking naked.

My jaw clenched, I growl, “Why are you here?”

“I heard you were married and had to see for myself how serious it was.

My suspicions were correct, and I hate that I was right. Who knows how long he’s been looking into me or Bridget. Fuck, and Gavin? This ends now. “Stay away from me and my family. If I find out you’ve been in contact with my wife or stepson, a restraining order will be the least of your worries.”

I push past him, not allowing him to get a word in. He calls after me, getting Bridget’s attention. The moment I reach them, I pull them into my arms, feeling like a failure for not protecting them, even if Bridget can absolutely protect herself.

“Luc, what’s going on?”

“We’re going home,” I reply flatly. “And then we’re finding a new place to live or moving back to Cork. I don’t care about my contract. I’ll pay my way out of it if I need to. And we’re getting married, the right way.”

“What?” She laughs but I don’t release them. “Is this about your ex? Lucas, we just flew to the other side of the world to be with you. There’s no reason to run from whatever you’re worried about… But I’m not opposed to a real wedding.”

“If you don’t play rugby, are you going to do what Uncle Ronan does and coach?” Gavin asks, surprising me with his question.

“I don’t know,” I reply honestly. I finally let them go but wrap an arm around each of their shoulders and lead them towards the exit.

There are cheers echoing all around us and I stop to check what has everyone so excited. Our winger brought the score to twenty-ten.

Gav gestures to the pitch with his slider still in his hand. “Can we watch the rest of the match?”

I glance around and James is nowhere to be found. Gav deserves to watch the remainder of his first Union match in Australia, and I need to find a way. Not wanting to risk returning to their seats, we make our way to guest relations where I purchase membership for Bridget and Gavin. There’s a section exclusive to members that includes a private dining area. If I haven’t caused too much trouble with my club, I’ll be playing in a few weeks, and be able to relax knowing they’re safe.

We watch the rest of the match, and it’s another Brisbane win. It’s bittersweet watching when I should be playing. I collect my things from the changing room and smooth everything over with my coaches. After explaining my situation, I’m grateful they are understanding. They’ve assured me they’ll look into safety protocols for the club members to ensure James doesn’t get anywhere near my wife and Gav.

Once we’re home, Gavin’s exhausted and insists he needs to rest before we eat dinner. I have no idea what we’ll make and will likely need to order out. My adrenaline crash is hitting me hard, and after a quick shower, I follow Gavin’s lead and take a nap. Bridget joins me, curling into my side, resting her head on my chest.

I’m half-asleep when her hand wanders lower until she’s toying with the waistband of my shorts. My eyes fly wide and I pull her tighter into me as I tease, “What are you up to, pup?”

“Shh. Can you be quiet for me?”

Sliding her hand into my pants, she takes out my cock. I can’t help the groan that escapes me. She begins long strokes up anddown my shaft, keeping her grip tight. I’ve missed her hands on me and allow myself to selfishly enjoy her touching me. “Bloody hell, Bridge. That feels amazing.”

“When you were in the shower, I put my plug in my arse.”

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