Page 91 of Puck Lust

“No,” I say. “I don’t want to ‘spin’ anything. It happened. I did everything they’re gonna accuse me of. And if I’m gonna be condemned by the public, then it is what it is. At least they’ll get the full story. Let them judge. Everyone makes mistakes, especially kids who were in abusive situations with nobody to turn to. You trust whoever you think you can trust and sometimes, it’s the wrong decision. I learned that lesson,” I say stiffly, my mind tripping back to Carter’s face earlier thismorning.

“Dalton really sent guys to beat you up?” Enver says incredulously. “That’s why you were all bruised when we went to Ohio?”

“Yeah,” I say. “I didn’t realize it at the time because they didn’t tell me who’d sent them. Just roughed me up a little bit. And I’m pretty sure he had something to do with that mob scene, too. I’d never had that experience in Ohio and I’ve played there a ton. He left a note in my room, too. More threats about someone ‘watching me.’ He pretty much admitted to it all when I saw him at that event. I guess Dalton saw this coming and wanted to make sure I kept quiet and didn’t add fuel to the fire.”

“Well, he’s gonna burn based on the allegations I’m hearing,” Marcus says.

“You’re sure you want to do this?” Rex asks, looking at me, uncertainty seeping into his expression. “I don’t love you throwing yourself to the wolves like this. It can make the situation with the kid even worse.”

“I don’t care. And I have to hope that the kid can get out of that situation because I promise you, his dad is hurting him. He’s a bad guy.” I look between the tense faces of everyone at the table. “I knew it the first time I saw the bruises on the kid’s body, and I know it now. Nobody can convince me I’m wrong.”

Rex nods. “Okay, well, I respect that you want to control the story. But I can’t promise that things won’t blow up after your statement. I’ve seen athletes lose endorsement deals for way less, so expect that. I’ll try to stop the bleeding as best as I can, but I’m not a miracle worker.”

“I know, and I appreciate any help I can get. I just need this to be out there so I can put it behind me. It’s been chasing me for too long.”

We work on a statement for the next hour or so until everyone is happy with it.

“And what about Carter?” Rex asks. “What does he say about all of this?”

My eyes narrow. “Why should I give a damn what he thinks?”

Rex recoils. “Well, people are going to ask questions. They know you played together, that you play together now. You’ve been seen together socially. I just figured you might have spoken to him about this. He was there the day of the assault. He could be called upon as a witness.”

“Right now, that doesn’t really matter, right?” I snap. “I mean, you’re not his publicist, so why do you even care?”

Rex’s eyebrows furrow. “Well, from a character standpoint, having him stand by you would be helpful since he’s got celebrity status, too, and is a fan favorite.”

“Character,” I snort. “That’s an ironic word to use.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rex and Eli exchange a confused look.

“If we’re done here, I need to go,” I say, shoving my chair backward. The feet squeak and scrape across the shiny hardwood floor. “I’ll see you all tomorrow. I need to take some time by myself. Thanks for coming and for standing by me. It really means a lot, and I know what you’re all putting on the line for me.”

I turn and walk out of the conference room without looking back. I hear them talking in hushed voices as I walk down the hallway and I know I’ve left them in the lurch. But I’m damn thankful they didn’t do the same to me.

Since it’s Sunday, nobody else is here in the office, and thank fuck for that because I’m not in the mood to deal with anyone. I just wanna go home and shut out the rest of the world until I need to bare my soul tomorrow in front of the press.

I stab the Down button next to the elevator and pace with my arms folded over my chest.

Character.

Insinuating that Carter’s character is stronger than mine. What a fucking joke. If they only knew the truth and the fucking mountains of lies the guy can tell as easily as he smiles.

No. Do not think about his fucking smile right now.

I grit my teeth, stabbing the Down button again.

The elevator doors finally slide open and I stomp into the waiting car, again stabbing the close door button about ten times more than necessary.

Anger rumbles deep in my chest and I want more than anything to unleash it on the asshole who cut me deeper than any of the other shit being slung at me right now.

The elevator dings in the parking garage level. The doors creak open and my breath hitches.

I ball my fingers into tight fists, each one itching to hurl itself at Carter’s chiseled jaw. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I…I…” He snaps his mouth shut, his face drained of all color.

I push past him, ignoring the overwhelming urge to smash his face in.

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