Page 113 of Slap Shot Scandal
I bristle, his hand still clutching my arm. “Harbor Hayes. And I wouldn’t say the franchise is ‘in the shitter,’ as you so eloquently put it.”
“Well, everyone knows the old coach threw the season. It’s gonna take more than a move down to Florida for them to prove they have what it takes to win. Know what I mean?”
He’s louder now, his voice carrying over the music. A few people glance our direction, including Weston and Tori. A couple phones lift, filming without subtlety.
“They do have what it takes. But thanks for your input. I’ll be sure to pass it on.” I rip my hand out of his grip and his drink splashes on me, cold and strong.
“Damn, now you spilled my drink. You’re a feisty one.” He grabs at the hem of my dress and yanks me forward. More of his drink sloshes out of his cup, this time landing on my chest.
My brain blanks and my limbs don’t work. I’m frozen, caught between instinct and panic.
“Get your hands off her.” Weston’s deep voice booms over the music, and now there’s a crowd of people around us.
“Easy, dude. We were just chatting about how this hot piece of ass is going to save the team with herskills. Bet you know all about that.”
A streak of tanned muscle flies close to my face, then the man’s stumbling backward, both his hands cupped over his nose. Blood streams through his fingers and flashes of light blind me as people capture the moment. Multiple phones are recording, the red dots blinking like predator eyes. Someone’s frantically typing—probably uploading to TikTok before the blood’s wiped fromBennett’s knuckles. Bennett’s reared back, ready to take another swing at the guy.
“Bennett, no—” Callum snags the back of Bennett’s shirt, pulling him away.
“Get this animal off me!” the man cries, cowering. Tori races over, helping Callum and Weston with Bennett.
I stand there, gaping and in shock.
“Don’t you ever touch her, you fucking hear me, you piece of shit!” Bennett screams, his face red and twisted with rage.
“Go inside,” Tori shouts, shoving the Steele brothers toward the door. “Party’s over!”
Tears threaten at the corners of my eyes as I stare in horror at the scene, all the people talking and filming.
“Harbor, let’s go.” Piper’s arm wraps around me as she drags me across the lawn toward the house.
My entire body’s numb, fear and dread mixing into a nauseous cocktail in my gut.
“This is going to go viral,” I whisper. “There’s no way I can stop this from leaking.”
“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Piper’s fingers trace calming circles on my damp, sticky shoulder, but I don’t feel any better.
I’ll handle it.
Weston’s strong, steady voice rings in my head.
He can’t handle this.
And I’m afraid I won’t be able to either.
CHAPTER 31
HARBOR
My phone’s blowing up in my bag before Piper and I even get into the Uber. I’m shaking so badly my teeth click together and my breathing’s shallow and uneven.
“Breathe, babe. It’s going to be okay. Everything’s fine.” Piper strokes my arm as the car pulls away from the house.
“Oh my god. Cops.” I stare out the window in horror at the police cars flying down the street, red and blue lights flashing.
I don’t have time to fall apart now. Right now, I have to do my job. The job Prince is paying me big bucks for.
With trembling hands, I text Weston.
