Since I was a kid, making it into the World Hockey League was the ultimate goal. No relationship could match my first love, and after my rough childhood, I wasn't putting my heart on the line.
When Bellerive makes a successful bid to move the Califo...
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After Sawyer left me on the dancefloor, I mingled with my teammates for a little while before I found myself lingering in her general area. Staying at any party this long isn't my normal behavior. But Sawyer has been pounding the drinks like getting drunk is her actual job tonight, and leaving her at the mercy of anyone doesn't sit right with me. Maybe there are good people on this island, but it only takes one bad apple.
When she comes out of the bathroom close to midnight, I'm exhausted, but keeping close. As I start to approach her, the slick politician who talked to me a few days ago steps into my line of vision, clearly also headed toward Sawyer.
Something inside of me tightens at the idea of him being anywhere near her.
"Doc," I call before he can get to her.
Her gaze is glassy when she meets mine, and she steps toward me, her hands landing on my biceps to keep her steady.
"I'll get her home," slimy politician says beside me.
"No," Sawyer says, shaking her head. She doesn't even look in his direction. "You." She taps me in the chest with her index finger.
"You don't even know this guy," slimy politician says, his tone frustrated and slightly angry.
"But I know you," she says, tearing her gaze from mine to meet his.
Something I don't like passes between them, and I shift to put my body between the two of them. The vibe is all wrong.
"I've got her," I say to him, standing tall. I've got several inches on him, and there's a substantial difference in our muscle mass, I'm sure. And I can fight. Been doing it since I was a kid. "Take a step back before I help you do that."
Sawyer is pressed to my back, and it almost feels like she's hiding.
"You going to lay hands on me? It'd be costly."
"I've got money."
"The government has more. And assaulting a member of the Advisory Council is a capital crime. Substantial jail time."
"You'll swing first. Then it's self-defense."
"Sawyer's well-loved on the island. The Tucker family is a big deal here."
"I've heard." I reach back a hand to Sawyer, and I land on her hip. Her hand settles over mine, and she squeezes. Feels like an agreement that I'm fighting the right battle.
"I wouldn't be doing my civic duty if I didn't make sure she gets home unharmed," he says.
"Sure, if she was alone. But she's got me."
"How do I know you're trustworthy?"
"Sawyer trusts me." Two of my defensemen must have spotted the brewing trouble, and they close ranks beside me. Radek and Auston don't say a word, but they block any view this dickhead would have of Sawyer.
