Page 73 of Facing Off
“So you have a team of experts?” I rush out. “A sports psychologist, physician, and a performance coach on speed dial that can mobilize and evaluate you? Because what works for one athlete, won’t work for another. If it’s what you have, this kind of thing needs individualized strategies.”
Sonya comes forward until she’s close enough to grip the back of one of my kitchen island stools. “What are you really saying? That youdohave a team?”
My chest expands. “I’m the captain of the Vancouver Wings.”
It’s answer enough, but when she stares at me, I add, “That means I have access to resources no one else typically does.”
Her nostrils flare. “Your cockiness continues to piss me off, you know that right?”
I force myself to shrug. “I’m aware, darling. Now would you like access to my team or not?”
Say yes, baby.
The stool she’s squeezing rattles. “Why would you do that for me?”
“Because you…”
Mean more to me than I can talk about. “Why would youhelp me?” Sonya asks again, glaring at me with blatant suspicion.
Great question.Considering I have this other, very important thing to do.I have to make sure I don’t fail my teammates as their captain and let them get traded.Players who sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the league need me to step up.That should be my only priority.
“Tell me,” orders Sonya. “What’s your angle?”
My angle? It’s simple, darling.Imagining you having another panic attack makes me physically sick.I can’t stand you getting hurt like that ever again.I die a little bit even thinking about it.
“I’d do anything for you.”
Her body practically vibrates with aggression. “No, be serious.”
There’s a bit of sauce on the edge of my thumb. I lick it off. “Or let’s settle the reasons later. First, you meet with my team. Because what if this helps? Are you willing to walk away from the chance that it might?”
“No. But—” Sonya purses her lips. “I need details. Exact terms of what I would owe you for you doing this.”
My bottom lip protrudes. “Don’t you trust my intentions?”
She rocks the stool back and forth so fiercely. “You can’t tell me this is without strings. Nothing in this world is without strings. When people claim it is, they are lying to themselves. Because you might not consciously think I owe you something in return for what you’re offering me, but deep down, there will be an expectation that I should at least appreciate you.” Color creeps along the tops of her cheeks. “Trust me, I’ve heard that a lot. Be grateful you got a home. Adults agreeing to look after you, but not really. Basic food on the table.”
Be grateful you got a home.Basic food on the table.
Primal protectiveness roars through me, causing themuscles underneath my skin to jump. Adults agreeing to look after you, but not really. What the hell does that mean? My jaw clenches as I scroll through the document again.
“Sonya.” I say her name like I’m pleading and suffering.
“Hughes.” She closes her eyes briefly, before opening them again. “Just answer me. I need to know.”
“You are asking me…what I want from you?” I repeat, trying to focus.
“Yes.”
Running my hand down my face, I shake my head. “What if there’s nothing?—”
“Unacceptable.” She closes her hands so tightly that her knuckles stand out. “You have to tell me what you want.”
“You’re making this more complicated than it needs to be, darling?—”
“Don’t care. Think of something.”
“Right.” My thumb taps on the table.
