Page 84 of The Penalty Shot (Totally Pucked 5)

Asher reaches for me, “Baby, wait,” but I brush past him, shaking my head, “No, I’m sorry.”

I feel trapped, in a cage that I will never be able to break free from. No matter what I say, my parents will continue to force their way into my life, just to use me for whatever narrative they need.To hurt me. To manipulate me.

Once inside my bedroom, my back hits the door and I slide down to the floor, just as I fall apart.

ASHER

Fuck. This shit went south quickly. My first instinct is to run after Auden, to hold her, to tell her that it’s going to be okay, to dry all of her tears, but I respect the fact that she asked to be alone.

“You’re two are really something, you know that?” I say to her parents.

Her mother glances down at her nails with a bored expression that fucking enrages me, and her father is still pissed, his chest heaving. As if he has any fucking right to be angry after the way he treated her today, after he put his damn hands on her.

“It blows my mind that you both have no idea how incredible your daughter is, and instead of cherishing her and your grandson, you treat her with no fucking regard. How do you even sleep at night?” I say, my gaze locked in on her father. My hands tremble with rage at my side, but spending a night in jail for hitting her father isn’t going to solve the problem. Even if he deserves it.

“This has nothing to do with you. She’s my daughter and you’re just a fucking hockey player that rents a damn room,” he says, stepping closer to me, now we’re toe to toe, chest to chest, and this asshole has no idea who the fuck he’s dealing with.

“That’s where you’re wrong, motherfucker. Auden ismine.Alex ismine.They’remyfamily, and unlike you, I will never let another person hurt my family. Especially not someone who wants to use them for his own personal gain. She asked you both repeatedly, way fucking nicer than I would have, for you to leave her alone and let her go. Let her be happy and stop trying to control her.”

Her mother scoffs. “And let me guess? You’re going to swoop in like Prince Charming and take care of her and Alex? I see right through your facade.”

My eyes drift over her red blonde hair as she pushes it out of her face, somehow lifting her nose even higher in the air. Auden has her eyes, the same pale blue, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Her mother is cold, and hard. The exact opposite of her daughter.

“You can think whatever the fuck you want to think, I honestly don't give a shit.”

She gasps at my declaration, shaking her head.

“Your daughter is the best woman I’ve ever met. I’ve never known someone so selfless and compassionate. Fiercely independent and loyal to those that she loves. You don’t even know the sacrifices she’s made for Alex, to give him the best life. You don’t fucking know her at all. And you know what? I feel sorry for you. I feel bad that you’ll never get to know what an incredible woman she is. That you’re so bitter you pushed your only daughter away. I just feel sorry for you.”

My gaze rakes to her father’s, his eyes hard, partly challenging, partly trying to intimidate me, but it’s not going to fucking work. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Alex and Auden, and if it means facing off with this asshole, then so be it.

“What happens when you get tired of her? Tired of playing house with her and dealing with her kid? She’ll be in the same position she was before you.” Her mother says matter-of-factly, like it’s already happened.

“I’m not going anywhere, and Auden knows that. She doesn’t have shit to prove to you. Now, I’m going to say this once, and I suggest you listen the fuck up because I won’t be repeating myself. This is over. Walk the fuck away, figure out whatever you need to do to save your ass that doesn’t involve Auden or Alex. See, Auden might not have the resources to end you, but the thing is…I do. I have nothing but money and time. I’ve got the press’s attention and I’m more than happy to leverage all of those resources towards damaging your career anyway I can. I’d spend every dime I’ve ever madejust playing hockeyif it means getting them the fuck away from you. Right now Auden is happy to be done with you, but if you keep pushing and showing up, we’ll give the press an even better narrative.The real one. So, I can make your life hell or you can disappear from hers.”

I pause, and step even closer, my chest brushing his. “Walk out that door and stay the fuck gone.”

His eyes widen slightly. “Your threats won’t work on me.”

I shrug. “Like I said, fucking try me. If you want to go that route, I’m happy to take it.”

Hesitation ghosts across his face, and I know that I’ve got him. I’m calling his bluff.

“Let’s go, Audrey.” He turns to face the door but stops before he opens it, and whips back towards me. “I hope you know what the hell you’re doing.”

“Get the fuck out.” I seethe. “I won’t say it again.”

He opens the door and follows behind her mother, slamming it so hard the photo frames on the wall shake. The audacity of that motherfucker.

To put his damn hands on Auden with his grandson in the other room.

I’m still trembling with rage when I reach Alex’s door and knock. I have to check on him, make sure he’s okay.

“Come in.”

When I open the door, he’s sitting on the floor with his back against his bed, a book in hand. Groot’s lying on the floor next to him, asleep.

“Hey, kiddo, can I come in really quick?”

---