Page 139 of Pucking Rebound

“Was I a publicity stunt for you? Some sort of charity case? Help Wade Collins, the fuck up? You made me believe you loved me,” he shouts, and I want nothing more than to stop him from saying the things he is because it’s the farthest thing from the truth.

Kali’s face falls. “I do love you.”

“You sure about that? Was making me fall in love with you all part of the plan too? To distract me from discovering the truth?” His feelings of betrayal are blinding him.

“I didn’t tell you to protect you.” Kali’s tone brims with boldness.

“Protect me?” Wade snaps back and points at the phone. “Thisis protecting me?”

Kali’s eyes look frantic, her voice sounds the same when she says, “Marcus and I agreed to wait until the season was over. We were working out a plan of how to tell you and Nicki. The team.”

He scoffs. “Because the team’s reputation takes priority over people’s feelings. It’s always about the fucking team.”

It’s not. It’s about Nicki. Zane, Me, Wade, Marcus.

Wewere protecting everyone.

“Wade, it wasn’t like that. I promise you it wasn’t.” Kali reaches for him, but he takes a step back. “I love you. I do. Please believe me,” she sobs.

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

What is he doing?

No.

He can’t be serious.

Wade’s not thinking straight.

“No,” Kali says, sounding strong, but the doubt in her voice tells me she’s close to breaking. “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 already splintered heart breaksagain, the jagged edges cutting deeper, unable to withstand another disappointment.

He doesn’t want to know me.

“I quit the team,” Wade announces.

What? No. No. No.

Too shocked to reply, the words I want to say get stuck in my throat.

Kali throws herself in Wade’s path as he storms toward the door, telling him she loves him.

He cups her face, and I think he’s about to kiss her. Instead, he says, “You fucking destroyed me.”

And he leaves.

I’m hot on Kali’s heels as she chases him, but we’re too late and he’s in his truck and speeding away, spraying gravel in his wake.

“He’ll come back,” I tell Kali, not sure if I believe my own words.

“He has to, Lola.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Jordy

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