Page 120 of Play Maker

“Help? For what?” Preston shrugged. “My father will make sure the charges are dropped. He’s a lawyer, remember? And I’m not staying in this shithole any longer than I need to. I just wanted to confirm the rumor for myself. Our friendship, such as it was Axel, served my purpose.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m sure you’ve taken hits on the ice, especially to that big head of yours, but even you’re notthatstupid,” Preston replied. “But I’ll make it simple for you anyway. Your parents owned that town and nearly everyone in it. Including my father.”

That, I didn’t know. And I didn’t want to know any more.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You grew up with so much influence, but you’re so fucking dumb.”

“Don’t talk to him like that,” Jace snapped. “Just stop with the mind games and get the fuck out of here.”

“Jace, passionate as always. And I thought you liked games?” Preston cocked his head. “I guess the STD I gave you finally cleared up? It’d be a shame for you to lose the only thing you’re good at.”

“You piece of shit,” I growled and started for the boards.

Jace held on to my jersey.

“I can’t believe I ever trusted you,” I bit out. “And, whatever you have to say, I don’t care.”

“But your parents will. And don’t deny it. Jonas told me you were fucking a teammate. I wasn’t sure I believed him at first. But now that I see you two together—” Preston paused. “I’m sureyour parents will be very interested to find out you’re fucking a guy. I wonder what they’d pay to keep that quiet?”

“Go for it,” I snapped back. “Tell everyone. I’m never going back there, so I don’t care. Just get the hell gone and leave us alone.”

Preston’s smirk faltered.

“You won’t get anything from them,” I added firmly, aiming my final shot. “The money’s gone. The Lunds are broke. Feel free to announce that too.”

“I don’t believe you,” Preston replied, his voice low.

“Same goes.”

Preston shrugged.

“Well, then, maybe it’s best that I head back to LA. There’s nothing here I can use.”

“We finally agree on something.”

“I’ll make a stop at Redgewick on my way back,” Preston called out over his shoulder. “Just to be sure.”

“Tell my family I said hi.”

CHAPTER 35

JACE

Axel and I reached for each other, both of us shaking. We didn’t speak, not until Preston walked out of sight.

“I hope like fuck he’s really leaving town,” I said as I finally let out the breath I’d been holding. “How did your brother find out about us?”

“I sent Jonas a text by accident the day we rolled into Albany. It was meant for you. He’s the only one, outside of the guys, that knows.”

“Why would he tell Preston?”

Axel bit his lower lip.

“Jonas threatened to out me. He asked me to send him more money, and I said no, that I didn’t have any and I didn’t care if he wanted to tell. Maybe he figured I was bluffing. Jonas probably thought telling Preston was payback. I don’t know. I don’t think I want to know.”

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