“I don’t want you interfering,” I muttered.
“I won’t interfere.”
“You promise.”
“Yes.”
“And no looming.”
He considered that. “I’ll reduce looming.”
That was as close as I was getting.
“Fine,” I sighed.
We moved toward the entrance together. He opened the door, and as I hobbled by him, I caught his scent. It was expensive cologne for sure, but something more human underneath it. Having him there steadied me more than I wanted to admit. It was . . . nice. Annoyingly nice.
Once inside, the sound hit us immediately: wheels on polished wood, whistles, laughter, music thumping through the old speakers.
Home.
And then the sound dipped. Not completely. But enough. Heads turned. Sonia was the first to spot me.
“Belle?” Her gaze dropped immediately to the brace. “Oh, hell no.”
Within seconds, the team had circled us.
Mel skated up, ripping off her helmet. “What’s the word?”
“Tell me that’s decorative,” Robin said.
Zella just stared at the crutches. I exhaled slowly.
“Minor meniscus tear,” I said. “I’m out for six to eight weeks, but no.”
Groans erupted around me.
“Six to eight?” Mel repeated.
“Doctor’s orders.”
“You okay?” Eleanor asked softly, eyes scanning my face more than my knee.
“I’m fine,” I said automatically. Then, softer, “I’m fine. Just benched.”
Mel’s gaze flicked to Raphael for the first time. She took him in from his tailored jacket, controlled posture, to his hand still steady at my elbow.
“And who’s this?” she asked protectively. God, I love these women.
Before I could answer, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen. “I’ll step outside,” he said quietly to me. “I’ll be right back in.”
He looked at Mel briefly before giving her a polite nod.
“Five minutes,” he said to me. It sounded less like a request and more like a time limit. Then he stepped away, heading back toward the doors.
The second they closed behind him, the circle tightened.
“Belle,” Eleanor whispered. “Why is the Beast here?”
