Page 105 of Breakaway
The case against Gareth had officially closed last week, and he received five years after giving up Mr. Michelson—the man behind the orders. He was now facing charges of fifteen to twenty years. He could rot along with Dakota for all I cared. Dax met me in the tunnel, pulling me into a big hug now that we were on solid ground.
“I love you, Petal. I’m so proud of you.”
Hearing his words hit me, and I held onto him as he lifted and carried me down the tunnel. We could hear the team chanting ahead of us on the way to the locker room, their celebration continuing as we left the ice. Dax placed me on the ground, and I kissed him before facing the team. I gathered around them in the locker room, smiles on every face surrounding me.
“Thank you all for making my first coaching job so memorable. Some of those memories are better than others, but they made us who we are. We’ve come so far over the season, and I love the hockey players that you’ve become. You have bright futures ahead of you, and I can’t wait to see how you succeed.”
“We love you, Coach!” the team shouted, making my cheeks heat.
“Well.” I chuckled, clearing my throat. “Our fall season is over. Many of you are trying out for the National team. I’m not sure what next year holds for me either, so to all those whose journey ends here tonight, it’s been an honor. The rink will be open for practice, and most coaches and instructors will be on hand over Christmas break to work with anyone who wants it before tryouts. Now, get some rest and celebrate. You’ve earned it.”
The team continued celebrating in the locker room as I escaped, Fletcher, Dax, and Reed hot on my tail. The three of us changed while Dax gave us a play-by-play of what we’d missed from Kurt.
“I’m telling you, when the team jumped on the ice, I thought half of the crowd was going to as well. It was insane. The energy was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”
“I still can’t believe Anders pulled that shit,” I seethed, pulling my hoodie on over my head. My phone buzzed on the bench, and I bent to pick it up, stopping in my tracks at the words.
Pippa
It’s done. Rachel’s story has run. Everyone is freaking out here.
They’re going after everyone. The hockey world will never be the same after this.
Tell Reese great game for me.
I’m sorry we met this way. I wanted to make a difference. I hope someday they’ll see that.
Henley
They will. I promise. I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you.
Pippa
Congrats on the win, Coach. Go celebrate. Hockey will need your guidance tomorrow.
“It’s done. The last strike has been made. The Society will be dissolved.”
I sat on the bench with the phone in my hand, lightheadedness overcoming me. I glanced up at my guys, tears in my eyes at knowing it was over.
There were no more threats. At least none I couldn’t handle.
“It’s the Henley Henshaw Hat trick—the decimation of three foes,” Fletcher said, giving me goosebumps.
“Huh. I thought it would be the fucking of three bros.”
“And now I’m dead. Thanks, Dax, for keeping it real,” I spluttered, laughing so hard I could barely see.
“This is why we don’t let him in the locker room. Dude has no sense of respect,” Reed huffed, but the smile told me he didn’t mean it.
Whatever the Henley Henshaw Hat trick was, I was here for it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Henley
The bridal march played softly, the breeze from the ocean carrying it down its shore. I stood with my feet in the sand, a beautiful dress flowing around me as I gazed at the three men I loved. Love and lust stared back at me, promises flashing across their faces of what we would be getting up to in the hotel room once the wedding was over.
Scar nudged me, and I glanced over my shoulder, creasing my brows at her. She smirked but nodded her head at the bride and groom, reminding me why I was standing up here in the first place.