Page 110 of Rule Breaker

“It’s nice to meet you too, Kayden. I was impressed by your defensive skills out there. I’m going to be joining you guys for dinner, if that’s okay?”

“Cool. Then you can give me the lowdown on this guy,” Kayden pointed towards me.

“Hey!”

“What?” Kayden shrugged.

“Don’t be taken in by his innocent expression,” I warned Daniel.

My former coach was staring at us like he couldn’t quite believe what was happening.You and me both, Daniel.

Daniel pointed to my wrist and then Kayden’s. “What’s that you’re wearing? Team bracelets?”

“I made them,” Kayden announced proudly. “You want one?”

“Absolutely,” Daniel replied. “With Maddox’s number and a grumpy face emoji.”

Kayden chuckled. “I’m on it.”

“You two are hilarious,” I snarked, biting back a smile. “Let’s get with the leaving already.”

Kayden gripped my shoulder. “Come on, bee. We upset Langston College. Show your happy.”

“Bee?” Daniel stared at me.

“Shit,” Kayden whispered, his cheeks flushed.

“He nicknamed youbee?” Daniel asked me.

My face was overheating. Where was my mask when I needed it?

“Angry bee,” Kayden corrected.

Daniel laughed out loud. “I love it! It’s perfect.”

He offered Kayden a high five. Jesus. These two were never going to let me hear the end of it. I threw up my hands in mock frustration, but really, it was all good. Who wouldn’t like Kayden? Or that silly nickname? If he could melt my salt, he could do anything.

It wasn’t until we stepped outside and I took a deep inhale of fresh air that I remembered what had happened after the game.

“I thought I saw him in the crowd,” I blurted out.

“Saw who?” Kayden asked, stopping short.

“My father,” I admitted. “That’s weird, right? It was a panic attack. Probably from the stress of the game.”

Daniel turned to me. “Not to mention the calls from the lawyers.”

My father’s estate. I couldn’t put that off forever. I nodded.

“Have you been keeping up with your therapy?” Daniel asked.

I shrugged.

“Yeah, virtual sessions. But we talk mostly about school, and how I’m dealing with the environment here, ” I paused. “Talking about my fathertakes a lot out of me, and most days, I don’t have the energy to deal. And I hate talking abouthim, churning it all up again. I’ve been in therapy for four years now. When’s it going to be enough?”

Never. Bruises faded with time, but the pain of his abuse stayed with me. It dug in deep, and I don’t think it was ever leaving.

Kayden slid a hand to my back. Knowing that he had mine calmed me. I never thought I’d trust in anyone else like this, but I did.