His derisive laughter filled the room, mocking my response. “No, you’re not. Because you’re not serious about anything. Not your team, not your career, andcertainlynot a woman. That’s why I wanted to meet your poor ‘Jane.’ To tell her to wake up and see you for the feckless, lying loser you really are.Ifshe existed, which I strongly doubted.” His words carried a hint of pain and disappointment. “So you can imagine my shock when you showed up here with my own daughter.”
I didn’t say a word. I wasn’t sure there was anything I could say right now that could help. It might help if I told him the truth about Ottavia—but then again, I didn’t want him to turn his anger on her.
“I knew you were full of shit from the moment this all went down,” he growled. “I just wanted to look the man who cost me millions in the eye and let him know thatIknow he’s fucking me.”
Still, I didn’t speak. I felt like Mr. Capuano’s chew toy, and all I could do was wait for him to get sick of me and toss me aside.
“Yourfather—nowhewas a great hockey player. You? You’re a joke.” With a sneer, Mr. Capuano twisted the knife he’d stabbed in my heart. “You don’t even deserve to wear the Easton name on your jersey.”
“Dad,” Ottavia whispered, a plea for mercy.
“I’m not done yet,” he snapped back, sawing off another hunk of steak. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I wasnevergoing to let Killer bring you back next year. After we lost Game Seven, I told him to trade you ASAP. But after he talked to all the other GMs, he realized we’d have to paythemto take you. That’s how much the rest of the league thinks of you, Dakota. You’re worthless. Absolutely worthless.”
My shoulders slumped. He was right.
“Dad …!” Ottavia whispered again, her concern growing.
He ignored her. “But frankly, I think I’ve paid enough already just having you on my team. Now, if we can get your trade value up? Then we’ll happily trade you, and you can take your clown show to some other organization. But after the money you cost me—” He tightened his fist and dropped it to the table like a hammer. “—I would rather send you down to the AHL, where you and your career canrotin the minors, than pay another dime just to be rid of you. Because it’s the principle of the matter, see. You fuck me? Now I fuckyou.”
I gulped. I could tell he was serious about stuffing my contract in the minors.
“So here’s how your off-season is going to go, Dakota. You’re going to keep up your off-season training, and keep your nose out of trouble, so we can actually trade you somewhere else. And you’re going to stay far away from my daughter. Otherwise, I’ll have you sent to the minors, and you’ll have to spend the next six years of your life riding a bus. Understand?”
“Dad! You can’t do that!” Ottavia griped. “It’s not up to you!”
“Sweetheart, I’ve got five million reasons why I can do that. Isn’t that right, Dakota?”
I nodded grimly.
“It wasnevergoing to work out between you and my daughter.” He waved his hand in disgust, dismissing me. “Go.”
Now?I hesitated, unsure if I was supposed to get up and leave during dinner.
A second later, he roared, “I said,GO!”
“Yes, sir.” I stood in a hurry, dropping my silverware with a noisy clatter, and left the mansion in a hurry.
11
Always Hungry League
Ottavia
Dad’s satisfaction was evident as he peered at me over the rim of his wine glass, grinning and swaying his shoulders. “I’d say that went well.”
“What the hell’s the matter with you?”
“The matter withme?” He chuckled in disbelief. “I just did you a favor, princess. That kid is a loser. He’s made it this far in life just coasting on his dad’s reputation, but now everyone knows it. He’s peaked. He’ll never amount to anything. So cut your losses and run.”
I rose from my seat at the table, and said, “You don’t know him like I do.”
“Ottavia. Sit down,” he ordered sternly.
“No,” I said, my voice filled with determination. I tossed my napkin to the table. “I’mdonelistening to you belittle him.”
I turned and hurried out of the dining room, my heels clicking on the marble floor.
“Hey. Hey! Ottavia, don’t you dare walk away from me. Where are you going?”
