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“You heard him though. If we don’t have proof of someone being paid off or given money to target you or any of the other players, there’s no guarantee the league will even investigate. I get it. I do.” I twirl the ring on my thumb, staring down at my desk. And I get it. I understand why that is, but that sucks for us, because I don’t know where or how we’re going to get proof. That’s like searching for a needle in a haystack.

“I’m going to go call the guys.”

“What?” I ask, looking up. “Maybe we should keep this between us. No need to worry them.”

He shakes his head. “They deserve to know. We all need to keep our heads on a swivel during the game tomorrow.”

“Are you sure you want to play?” I have to ask, even though I already know the answer to the question.

“I’m sure.” He stands and walks around the desk. I push my chair back, and he kisses me gently before pulling back and cupping my chin. “You going to be okay here?”

I gesture to my computer. “I’ll be fine. I have stuff to catch up on.” That is if I can concentrate. I do have things to get caught up on. Do I want to do them? No, hell no. But I also know I can’t sit and worry about my father and his threats. I need something to distract me and hopefully work can be that something.

“You’ll call me when you’re ready for me to pick you up?”

“Yes.”

“I love you.”

My heart skips a beat hearing him say those words. I will never get tired of them. “I love you too.”

He blows me a kiss I pretend to catch before walking out of my office and shutting the door behind him, and I turn to my computer, hoping I can focus on my work.

Chapter thirty-eight

Sebastian

As soon as I walk out of Sutton’s office, I send a text to the group chat.

Me: SOS. Meet at my place ASAP.

Eli: On the way.

Hunt: Might be a little late.

Holt: Be there soon.

There has got to be a way to prove that Sutton’s father is behind the bloody awful refereeing and the bad hits that haven’t resulted in any penalties. I have to at least try. I’d never be able to live with myself if I didn’t.

Twenty minutes later, I’m letting myself into my condo. I do a quick cleanup of the living room and kitchen, not that it needs it, but it gives me something to do besides stare at the clock while I wait for the guys to arrive. Eventually, there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in.” I hold the door open for Holt and Wes. Elias rushes down the hallway as I’m about to close it.

“Everything alright?” I gesture to his rumpled clothes.

He glances down as if just realizing the state he’s in. “Oh, yeah, I fell asleep on the couch.” He tugs at the back of his neck. He fell asleep on the couch? I don’t buy that. His clothes wouldn’t be this wrinkled. What’s really going on with him?

“You didn’t tell us you got cats,” Wes says before I can call Elias out on his lie.

“I didn’t. Those are Sutton’s. Meet Bert.” I point at the gray cat Wes is currently giving belly rubs to. “That one’s Ernie.” I point at the tuxedo cat who is watching us from a distance.

“Nice. Maybe Daisy needs a cat friend,” Wes says from his spot on the ground.

“No, I don’t think she does,” Holt says.

“Awwww.” Wes pouts.

“Anyone want a drink?” I ask as I lead the group into the living room, hoping to move on from the cat discussion.