Page 117 of Heart Taker

Damien Banning was my husband.

Fucking hell, this was beyond wild. Hockey players don’t do anything by half measure, and we were no exception. We stood for a moment on the steps and locked eyes, then both of us burst out laughing.

“All or nothing, baby,” I said as I squeezed his hand.

“Our worlds are about to implode, you know that?” Damien replied. “What’s your family going to think?”

“They’ll be happy for me. You’ve already charmed them. What about yours?”

“They’ll be… surprised. I haven’t even told them I’m bi yet,” Damien added.

“Is that going to be an issue?”

“No.” Damien paused. “At least, I don’t think so.”

“What about your ex-wife?”

“Ugh, don’t even mention her.” Damien sighed. “She’ll be fine. Except, she’ll probably accuse me of stealing her wedding spotlight.”

“And Dave?”

“He’s going to be more than pissed.”

We arrived at Dave’s around nine, and yes, Damien was right. As we stood on the porch, Damien wouldn’t let go of my hand, and even though we didn’t have rings yet, there was no mistaking the possessive way we held onto each other.

Damien didn’t have to say anything as his friend ushered us inside and completely lost it.

Dave was angry. More than angry. Thank fuck we were in his house and not on campus…

“No, no, no!” Dave shouted as he looked between us. “Are you shitting me? Damien, what the fuck is going on here?”

“I think it’s obvious what’s going on with me and Silas. I was going to tell you sooner but?—”

“You’re sleeping with one of your players? Have you totally lost your mind?! Throwing away your career for a fuck?” Dave yelled.

“Calm down, Dave,” Damien warned, his glare in full effect. “Silas is my husband, so watch your mouth.”

I didn’t think Dave’s jaw could drop any lower, but it did.

“This is a joke, right? You can’t be serious?”

Damien shook his head. “Not a joke. Not at all. And we’re coming out. That reporter who was on sight today? He caught me and Silas kissing in the hallway?—”

Dave made a strangled sound, like he was choking.

“Anyway,” Damien continued. “I wanted to warn you. The reporter wants to verify my claim that Silas and I are married.”

“For real?”

Damien nodded.

“I can’t believe you’ve done this,” Dave repeated, his voice hoarse. “It’s like I don’t know you at all.”

“Dave, listen to me,” Damien insisted, letting go of my hand to step in front of his friend. “Silas and I are married, okay? This is not a fling. We’re both adults and we chose each other. We’re in love.”

Dave started walking back, until he slumped against the wall.

“How do you want me to react to this, D? As your friend, I’m upset you didn’t confide in me. I mean, I didn’t even know you were queer.” Dave sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “And as your boss, I have no choice but to put you on administrative leave as of right now.”

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