Page 4 of Ruthless Game

“That’s fucked,” I told him.

“Lawson, my parents were murdered when I was just a kid. Our former hockey coach assaulted me, multiple times. People are fucked. Life is fucked. You decide what’s most important to you, figure out how to make it happen, and then don’t let anything or anyone get in your way. Sometimes there’s collateral damage, but that’s just the way the world works.”

I eyed him, troubled. “Therapy’s going great, I see.”

Asher’s eyes flashed. “We’re not talking about me, Lawson. We’re talking about you. I’m going for a run. And then some yoga, so I can be limber for all that ice time I’m about to get. And,” he muttered, “clear my head of this bullshit. Go handle your own shit—unless you want it to keep handling you.”

With that, he took off, leaving me standing in our locker room surrounded by the rest of our team, but still feeling completely alone.

I never thought I’d be that sort of man.

But hockey—and my sanity—mattered most.

Lost in thought, I showered, dressed, and headed out, not entirely sure where to start. Emma had always idolized her douchebag of a brother, Jeffrey, who played right wing for the Tabb U Terrors. She said it was because he was the one who’d chosen her at the group home she’d lived in until she was seven, telling his parents to adopt her.

He’s the reason I have a life. I owe everything to him.

If I was going to blackmail her with someone, it was with Jeffrey. Problem was, the asshole seemed squeaky clean, like a Jewish version of an choir boy.

But no one was pure, or clean. Emma had taught me that.

Grabbing my phone, I texted Jack, our former team captain who’d just started in the NHL, and Asher’s soon-to-be brother-in-law.

Lawson: I need a favor

He texted back immediately.

Jack: Is this about that girl?

Goddamn it. These guys were such gossips.

Lawson: Asher already told you

Jack: It wasn’t some big secret. You’re not stealthy, Lawson. Now, how do I help you get her back?

I glared at my phone.

Lawson: I don’t want her back

I want her to pay

There was a pause, and then Jack finally responded.

Jack: In my experience, it’s the same thing. Like Asher told you earlier, I’m a fan of blackmail, personally. I have an angle for you, but before I get you the information, you need to be sure this is the route you want to take. Because I also know from experience that there’s no going back, and you’ll never forgive yourself for hurting her.

I didn’t even pause.

Lawson: That won’t be an issue

I didn’t want her forgiveness. I wanted to inflict wounds on her pretty skin, and lick up every last tear.

Lawson: Alright.

Her name is Emma Schwartz

I need something on her, or her family

Something that will force her to say yes to whatever I want