Page 17 of Protect

Seven

DIMITRI

Jaxon glares at me as the wheels in his head work overtime. So much happened back then, so much we kept from each other as we fought our demons and took it out on Hope. Ican’t blame him for not knowing. I don’t think she’d want me to know either.

I slide my phone out of my back pocket and search for my dad’s number. I haven’t spoken to him in years, and I wasn’t planning on changing that but I don’t see another choice. I click on his name and press the phone to my ear, waiting for him to pick up.

It surprises me that Coach didn’t realize Hope went after Jaxon, but seeing he’s emptying his third beer, I can’t blame him. The room is probably spinning by now.

My dad told me Coach wasn’t always like this, that there was a time where he had this calm over him and helped out wherever he could. In my opinion he still does—he’s helping us.

Hope’s mother left him, and that changed him. At least, that’s what my dad said the moment he heard I went over here. He was thrilled, happy. But he just wanted me out of the house, gone.

I’m a burden.

Always have been, from the moment I came crying into this word and took the most precious person from him. My mother, his wife.

He blames me for it, always trying to keep me at a distance, pushing me away when I need a dad. It all taught me one thing: I don’t need anyone to take care of me.

I’m used to the loneliness, I’m used to the guilt.

The only moments I feel more human, more alive are when I’m on the field. When I’m putting my pain onto someone else.

“Dimitri, you were a beast today on the field,” Coach gushes and I nod.

“Thanks, Coach,” I say and soft footsteps hurry back into the living room. I catch Hope’s gaze. A flick of hurt lingers inside it and it makes me wonder what happened between her and Jaxon.

“Ah, there she is, my little angel. Come here,” Coach says and pats his lap.

My brows pinch and I glance at Knox, who seems unfazed as she hesitantly takes her seat. She squirms slightly and he slaps her ass softly.

“I’m sorry for lashing out, angel, I’ll make it up to you in a little bit. Go get ready,” he says and nudges her off his lap and to the hallway.

Confusion rings but who am I to judge?

“What do you want?” My dad’s voice cuts me back and I blink away the fuzz.

“As loving as always, Dad,” I say, a fake smile curling on my lips.

He huffs and silence takes over.

“We can’t find Coach.” My voice wavers and softens. “Do you know where he might be?”

“Last I heard he was going to see you three,” he mutters.

I clear my throat. “He was here, but he… he left quickly, and we can’t seem to find him. He didn’t go back home.”

“You’re a worthless piece of shit, you know that? It should’ve been you who died that day. You took her from me!”

My head whips to the side; my jaw throbs as blood drips from my lips.

“Dad,” I groan.

“Don’t call me that!” he yells, his boot slamming into my stomach and sending me tumbling to the ground.

I roll my shoulders as his words still haunt me. Reminding me I’m nothing.

“Listen, I don’t know where he is… just… fuck. Dimitri, I really didn’t needyoucalling metoday.”

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