Page 111 of Rule Breaker

“I don’t know. But you’re strong, and you’re here. And look at you now. Can’t you see the change?” Daniel asked me. “I can see it.”

I stared at him, then glanced at Kayden.

“He’s right,” Kayden replied. “The first thing you ever said to me was ‘fuck off.’ Now look at us.”

I couldn’t argue with that. But it got me wondering.

“What made you keep coming back?” I asked.

Kayden paused and bit his lower lip.

“Remember our first away game? When I told you about my dyslexia? Your reaction. It told me that you were so much more than an angry attitude. And I knew. I knew that I had to keep trying.”

“Just like that, eh?”

“Just like that.”

CHAPTER 39

KAYDEN

The night we beat Langston College was the night we came out to the team.

Not only me and Maddox, but Dane and Jace, too. In fact, Dane was the first one. At the after party at Ethan’s house, of all places.

“I’m gay.”

The announcement was made in the kitchen as we gathered around for celebratory shots. Dane’s admission was followed by sudden silence. Except for the guys who choked on their drinks and coughed. The rest of them stood around gaping, mouths open, eyes wide.

“Not that it’s anyone’s business but my own,” Dane continued with a sigh, reaching for another shot. “But I’ve come out to my closest friends and family and this is my next step. Y’all know Jackson. He’s not just my best friend and roommate, he’s my boyfriend. This is who I am. And that’s all I have to say.”

There were nods and murmurs from most of the guys. Was that a good sign or a bad one?

I glanced at Maddox, then at Jace. Everyone reached for another shot.

“Dane isn’t the only queer player on our team,” Jace declared as he stood beside Dane. “I’m bi. Like our captain said, this is who I am. And I’m not going to justify myself to anyone. Nothing changes on the ice. Nothing.”

“We’re cool,” Ethan replied.

I was surprised—and pleased—that he was the first one to speak up. Finn nodded, then Julian, and even Silas murmured his agreement. Hell, I was shocked that Silas was even here. He’d never partied with us.

Sean and a few of the others shrugged but said nothing. I couldn’t tell about Axel; he had his head down, staring at the glass in his hand.

I glanced at Maddox and he nodded. Better now than never.

“I’m bi too,” I admitted. “But my situation is different?—”

“Cause he’s with me,” Maddox added, joining me. “Kay and I are together.”

More guys reached for the bottles of vodka and tequila that littered the kitchen island.

“Whoa,” Ethan held a hand up. “One big news announcement at a time. I mean, I don’t have any issue with anyone who’s queer, but, teammates that are dating? Not gonna lie, that sounds pretty fucking intense.”

“Jace said it best,” Maddox replied. “Nothing changes. Kayden and I love hockey. It’s all we want to do?—”

“Besides each other,” Finn snorted.

Maddox gave him his favorite finger. “We’re both committed to the team and to winning.”