Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
I chomp down on the words of denial that want to spring forth, trying to quell the alpha need in me control. It’s never worked before because Juniper has always been her own woman, so I know I’ve got to tread lightly.
The women all wear smiles that tell me they’re confident Juniper will win this argument.
I lead her away from the patio, out into one of the beautiful, manicured gardens. When the din of the party fades, she pulls her hand from mine.
“I’m going to that party,” she says stubbornly.
“Will you at least hear me out?” I ask in a low voice. She huffs in exasperation and crosses her arms over her chest. “I get that you think Joshua is in hand and you might be right. Fuck… I hope you’re right. But I don’t trust him, Juni. I think he’s biding his time and he’s not going to give up on you.”
“And I think you underestimate the power his father has over him. Your mom confirmed he’s back there and trust me, he’s firmly under Preston’s thumb. That’s where he’s been his whole life. He doesn’t have the guts to go against his dad and I’m not important enough to risk his ire. Trust me on this… I know that better about him than you do.”
“I hear you.” I keep my tone calm, my attitude open-minded. “But you have to at least give me some credit for knowing him too. You’re the prize, Juniper, and I’d fucking battle a horde of monsters for you. I think Joshua is willing to go outside of his comfort zone. More importantly, the fucker is cracked in the head and you know that’s true. We cannot underestimate him.”
She throws her arms out. “Maybe you’re right, but what do you want me to do? Never go anywhere? Because I can’t live my life as a prisoner. I won’t. I did that for fifteen years and you don’t have the right to ask me to do otherwise.”
“Just for the time being—”
“No—”
“Let’s just give it a month or two—”
“No,” she snaps angrily. “Because in a month or two, you’ll still be standing before me saying it’s not safe enough. Joshua is back in Incline Village. He has an attorney working with my attorney. I am going to assume this is over and I’m moving on with my life.”
Sighing, I rub at my jaw. “You know he’s only a plane ride away.”
“And you’ve taken every measure to safeguard the house—”
“Exactly,” I pounce, pointing a finger at her. “You’re safe in that house and well protected. But you’re talking about going out in public and you’ll be drinking—”
“I’ll be drinking lots,” she says defiantly, and it’s that stubborn lift to her chin that has me understanding I will not win this argument.
Another sigh but this time, I pull her into me, wrapping my arms around her. She feels my capitulation in the gentleness of our embrace. “I just want you safe.”
“Me too. I want that too,” she murmurs before tipping her head back to meet my gaze. “But not at the expense of giving up this wonderful new life you’ve introduced me to. It’s not fair for you to ask that of me.”
“I know,” I admit in defeat. “Doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”
“And I adore you for it,” she says, going to her tiptoes for a kiss. “Now, let’s get back to the party.”
While I’d rather stay in the privacy of the garden and make out with my girl, the one thing I don’t want to deny her is the social interaction. With this being Coen’s official going-away party, almost the entire team is here, minus a few who had preplanned vacations. Even Sophie and Baden cut their honeymoon to Vienna short by one day to come home and bid farewell.
I part ways with Juniper as she’s immediately pulled back into the group of women and I tell myself over and over again she’s right. She deserves to live her life to the fullest. I’ve got to loosen my chokehold or else it will cause strife between us.
I spy Coen standing at the outdoor bar with his line mates.
Rather, former line mates—Stone, Boone, Kirill and Bain, along with Drake. They’re doing shots and I expect some sore heads tomorrow.
I walk that way with no intention of getting drunk with them, but I definitely want to have a drink with Coen. We went through some rough times that first season as I tried to piece together a new team.
“Callum,” Drake calls out as I approach.
“I’d say next shot’s on me, but since Brienne is the hostess with the mostess and all the alcohol is free, let me join in a drink.”
I’m welcomed into the group, pleased to see they’re shooting tequila, which I happen to love. The bartender lines up a fresh set of shot glasses, all engraved with the Titans’ logo. When we have lime, salt and drinks in hand, I take the opportunity to put the business of hockey aside.