Page 231 of Power Play

“That’s different.”

The words escaped before I could fix them. Ryan went completely quiet, and my stomach dropped.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“How did you mean it?”

“They’re going to react because they’re protective.”

“Of you.”

“Yes.”

“And that gives them permission to decide I’m trash before I ever walk into the room?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You just told me I don’t get to judge them based on what they’ve done to you, while they’re apparently allowed to judge me based on what? Tattoos? Hockey? Where I grew up?”

My throat tightened. “Ryan.”

“No, mi hada. You don’t get both.”

His anger was controlled, which felt worse than if he had yelled.

“I have spent years being looked at like I should apologize for surviving where I came from. I’m not doing it for your parents.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

“You’re defending their right to do it before they’ve even done it to my face.”

“That isn’t what I’m doing.”

“I have a game.”

The abrupt shift sent panic slicing through me. “Wait.”

“I don’t have time for the Harlen judgment train right now.”

“Ryan.”

“I’ll talk to you tonight.”

My pulse shot higher. “No.”

He paused. “You can’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Go quiet because you’re mad.”

“I said I’ll call you tonight.”

“That’s still hours.”

“I have a fucking game, Charm.”

“I know, but you promised.” His breathing changed, and so did mine. “You promised you wouldn’t go dark on me if I didn’t go dark on you.”