But Idoknow that whatever’s happening, it’s getting worse. And I can’t ignore it anymore. I push off the counter, grabbing my keys. “I have to get to practice. Then I’ll try to talk to our general manager, Callum Derringer.”
Mila shifts in her chair, looking hesitant. “What should I do?”
I glance at her. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back this afternoon.”
She nods slowly, but there’s still unease in her posture.
Before I leave, I pause at the door and turn back. “Don’t go anywhere alone.”
She frowns. “Why?”
I hold her gaze. “Because I’ve got a gut feeling that it’s not safe.”
The words hang between us, heavier than either of us would like to admit.
Then I turn and walk out the door.
CHAPTER 6
Penn
The locker roomis always filled with energy after a good practice. It’s the start of getting our minds set for the next game tomorrow night against the Columbus Hawks. Laughter echoes off the walls, easy banter tossed between teammates as they dress and sling gear into their bags.
As usual, I don’t join in.
I sit at my cubby, pulling on my socks, aware of the sideways glances in my direction. No one talks to me. No one acknowledges me.
It doesn’t bother me because I’ve earned this distance. I’ve built up a proverbial wall since the day I signed with this team. If anyone asked my former Florida Spartan teammates if I was like this before, the answer would be yes. After leaving the Wraiths and entering the professional league, I brought with me the absolute certainty that there is no true loyalty among men.
Ironically, I’m well aware that many people hate me because they think I breached loyalty for turning in those responsible for Nathan’s death. That’s okay… because I hate them in return for not being loyal to me. It only proved that individual greed and ego is what drives people, not doing what’s right. Call me jaded, but that’s how I am.
While I don’t ordinarily mind the silent treatment from my teammates, I do have a problem that probably needs fixing. Yesterday morning, I took a shot at North, made a scene in front of the entire team, and gave them yet another reason to steer clear of me. Not that they needed one—I’ve spent the last yearmaking sure they knew I didn’t give a shit about being part of their brotherhood.
I keep my head down, tying my laces, listening as the room around me buzzes with post-practice chatter. Stone and Boone are talking about plans for the night. Atlas is laughing at something Bain said. King’s talking to Willa on the phone, but I can feel his eyes flick toward me every so often.
I know I need to fix things with North. I lost my shit in the worst way. No matter my personal boundaries when it comes to relationships on this team, what I did was not cool. I had no right to touch him. It was beyond the pale of decency that I threatened to kill him. I owe him an apology for my words and actions, and I’ll get to it.
Eventually.
But that’s not my priority right now. I’ve got something far more important to handle.
I pull my hoodie on and grab my bag, slinging it over my shoulder. As I walk toward the exit I can feel eyes on my back, but I ignore them. I traverse the hallway that circles the basement level of the arena to a private elevator leading to the executive floor. I use my security badge to gain access and take it to the top.
When I step into the lobby, the receptionist barely glances up from her computer.
“I need to see Callum Derringer,” I say.
She peers up through her glasses. “I’m sorry, Mr. Navarro. He’s in a meeting with Ms. Norcross.”
It wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and include Brienne on this. I didn’t ask for her because if anyone’s too busy to deal with this bullshit, it would be her. “Actually, I’d like to see them both.”
Her smile isn’t warm at all, her eyes glacial as she holds her fortifying position to keep her bosses safe from bother. “I’m sorry… they can’t be disturbed.”
I don’t have time for this shit. I operate on a short fuse to begin with, so it’s no surprise when I turn into a full-on asshole. “If you want to keep your job, I suggest you call them right now and let them know that their star player is here requesting five fucking minutes of their time.”
Her eyes widen, mouth forms into anO, and I can tell she’s on the verge of being truly offended.
So I add, “Please.”
