Page 33 of Traded

“Rosie.” Liam studies. “Do you trust me?”

I… do.

And in the end, there really isn’t a choice at all.

“Okay,” I whisper. “Okay.”

And then I vomit all over Mile’s shiny, perfect suit.

Chapter ten

Scent Matches & Scent Mixes

What a difference a day makes.

Staring up at the ceiling, I slowly turn my head to the right. Jonas’s head is close to mine, eyes closed and mouth parted. Liam’s arm is wrapped around my waist, his breathing a low huff in my ear.

On Jonas’s other side, Carter’s eyes are lined with exhaustion. “You didn’t sleep.”

“Neither did you.”

He’d watched me. I’d watched the ceiling, silent tears soaking the pillow beneath me. And neither of us had said a word.

I wriggle out of Liam’s grip before he can say anything else. Every horrific thought I had through the night sticks to my skin like oil. I hear the bed shift as Carter follows me, and nearly manage to close the door to the bathroom before he grabs it.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I can barely look at him. “I said I’d try.”

“I know.” Carter follows me inside, easing the door closed and leaning against it, folding his arms. He looks as shit as I feel. A brief glance in the mirror tells me the deep circles beneath his eyes match mine. “I meant what I said last night, Ro.”

And I can’t think about that. “I’m not splitting our pack apart. We can’t leave, Carter. Are you honestly telling me you’d give up the Titans so easily? Playoffs? The Cup? Everything we’ve built here? You’restill under contract.”

We couldn’t leave if he wanted to. When he hesitates, I shake my head. “I need to get ready.”

I need to build myself up, piece by piece. Carter’s jaw works, but he nods. “Can I…touch you?”

He’s never asked before.

I step into the circle of his arms, and his sigh of relief brings the tears back. I swallow them down. “Tell me I can do this.”

“You can.” He strokes down my spine, his words quiet but determined. “I don’t want her, Rosie.”

But we both know he might not have a choice. If Liam and Jonas fell first, he’s going to follow. It’s only a matter of time.

I pull away before he can say anything else. “Make me a coffee?”

I don’t want her name in my home. I don’t want any part of her at all.

Carter kisses my head before he slips out. I stare at the door until it wavers, backing up and dropping onto the closed toilet seat before I cover my face and let the cries I held in all night free.

They’re louder than I thought.

Hands gently peel mine away. Liam crouches in front of me. He scans my face closely and inhales. “Oh, baby.”

Sniffing, I reach out and run my fingers over the dark scruff on his neck. He turns his face, lips brushing my palms. “One step at a time. Shower first.”

I watch him flip the shower on, twisting until steam mists the glass cubicle. He pops his head out, drops of water snaking down his neck and his t-shirt soaked. “Hot as Hades, the way you like it.”

I don’t argue when he takes my hand and pulls me in, still dressed. Liam crowds me against the wall until my back is pressed to the cold tiles and tips up my chin.