Page 123 of Renegade Ruin

Graham opens his mouth to counter me again, but I silence him by continuing. “You forget I grew up playing these games. I’ve witnessed these tactics time and time again. It’s my fault for believing this organization and league had more integrity than a bunch of uptight society families. I should have remembered the only solid lesson my mother ever taught me.”

Graham winces, his eyes falling to his desk as he rasps, “Everyone has a price, and no one gives a shit about you.”

I huff sarcastically. “So, you’ve heard the wise words of Adrianna York.”

“A time or two, yes,” Graham grits, clenching his jaw. “I wish I could tell you you’re wrong, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t meant to lead this team.”

He put it together much faster than Nikki, who let out a gasp. Graham might not have always been around to be the godfather I needed, but when he was, he made sure to pay attention. He knows me better than most and has seen me at some of my lowest moments. He recognizes the look of defeat on my face.

“Wait, what?” Nikki looks between us, disbelief etched in her features. “You’re leaving?”

“No. Not yet, maybe not at all,” I try to reassure her, but my mind is ninety percent made up.“I want to see the evidence against my father before I make any decisions. Until then, I’d like to refine my talking points for the gala interview and prepare a statement for the press.”

“I’ll get right on that.”

“Graham, I need you to give the team a heads up that no one talks to the press until we have more information. Schedule a team meeting first thing in the morning.”

“Done.”

I nod, fighting the endorphins of the press conference as they start to crash within me. “Okay. If you don’t need me, I’m going to head home.”

They both look like they want to say more or stop me, but neither do. They only nod silently.

“Thank you. Keep me posted.”

I should stay and help, but my moment of clarity is passing, swiftly being replaced by depression's guillotine. I need to get out of here before I either go full Bishop on the clubhouse or sink into a puddle of tears.

I make it as far as the door when Graham calls my name, and I look over my shoulder.

His face sinks into a sad smile. “Don’t give up, kiddo.”

“I’m not.”

It’s a lie and we both know it, but it wouldn’t be the first or the last time I put on a brave face for this team. I’m the port that holds safety for so many and that doesn’t change just because a category five storm has wrecked my shores.

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

BISHOP

My knee bounces, shaking the table in the corner of the hotel bar.I sit alone, mostly because of the don’t-fuck-with-me vibes I’m giving off, but we’re all there—the whole team—waiting anxiously to hear anything about the accusations made.

There are a few reporters camped outside the hotel waiting for anyone associated with the team to come or go so they can get a comment. Not that they will. Graham vowed he’d have our cleats if any of us utter a single word, and no one is willing to test him.

I hung back at the stadium for as long as it made sense for me to be there. I just needed to know she was okay. But there was no reason to stay once the rest of the team finished with therapies or extra work outs and cleared out.

My phone buzzes on the tabletop, and just like every other time it has in the past hour, my heart races. I flip it over only to have my stomach sink when I see it’s not Willow, but my sister, Sutton. It’s not that I’m not happy to receive her message. I am. Rebuilding the relationship with my family is something I’m challenging myself to do, but right now, my mind is focused on the fact I haven’t heard from Willow.

SUTTON: You okay? I just saw the reports.

No. I’m not okay. My world is fracturing. The legacy of the team I lost is being called into question, and the woman I love is being torn apart in the press.

So you admit it then,Tommy whispers.You love her.

Fuck.

Now is not the time for groundbreaking realizations.

I type out a snarky reply but instantly erase it. Sutton doesn’t deserve my anger. God knows she’s had enough of it over the last year. Not only that, it would be counterproductive to repairing what I’ve broken between us.

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