Page 145 of Wild Blades

“Well, if he was giving you a bonus, it looks like you won’t be getting it now, huh?” I throw her phone on top of the desk. “You and I are done.”

“No.” Much stronger now, Kali says firmly, “We’re not done.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I’m fucking sick of everyone making decisions they think are best for me. I’m done with all of you.” My heart breaks into tiny shards, making me feel like, with every breath, I’m bleeding out.

“I quit the team,” I announce.

Kali throws herself in my path, standing between me and the doorway I desperately need to get to. “Don’t do this, don’t go, please don’t go. I love you.”

I cup her face and look into her eyes, knowing this will be the last time I lay my hands on the woman I love, but no longer trust. “You fucking destroyed me.”

I push past her and run.

From them all.

From my past.

From my career.

I run until I’m all alone.

Again.

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

Kali

Wade Collins missing from tenth NHL game in a row

Kali Roth and Wade Collins disappear from limelight as NHL star revealed as Marcus Edwards’ love child

Marcus Edwards’ wife discovers husband’s secret love child

Eagles win yet another game against the Lynxes despite owner’s love child scandal

“How many times have you been to his house on Caulder Creek?” Ellis asks, sitting at the end of the bed.

“Every day,” I mutter, head to the side, my face squished against the mattress.

“I’ll drive you again today,” Joy offers.

“He won’t speak to me,” I say sadly, because I miss him so much it physically hurts. I feel destroyed.

Which is what he thinks I did to him. Destroyed him.

“He won’t listen to me. Or anyone. Not even Lola.”

“I feel sick.” My stomach spins around like butter in a churner, the same thing it’s been doing for weeks.

“You need to eat; you haven’t eaten for two days.”

“Oh God.” Throwing back the comforter, I leap out of bed and only just make it to the bathroom in time.

Ellis and Joy follow me and pull my long hair back as I heave up nothing. I have nothing in me to give. I’m spent. Completely broken.

“Feel better?” Joy asks, letting Ellis finish tying up my hair as she sits on the edge of the tub.

“Nope.” Not even a little. I pull myself up and grab my toothbrush. “I look dreadful.” I’m unrecognizable, even to myself.

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