And I’d sacrifice just about anything to keep him.
“Have you told him that?”
I shake my head. “He’ll just deny it.”
Because nothing hurts Preston Holden.
Nothing penetrates his wall of steel.
Juan places his head on my shoulder. “Maybe you’re right.” He tilts his head to glance at me. “But maybe you’ll also be missing out on the best experience of your life if you don’t.”
I used to think like that…afraid if I didn’t take the leap and jump with my arms wide open that I’d be missing out on something great.
But in the end, falling only leads to heartache.
Only this time, it won’t be my heart that breaks.
It will be his.
And I’d rather die than ever do that to him.
“Well, I’ll never know. Because I’m not willing to lose him. Or who I am.”
“You won’t lose who you are—”
“Yes, I will,” I interject. “My grandmother loathes my gayness so much she used to punish me for it. She legitimately hates me for something I can’t control. Something that doesn’t hurt her or anyone else. Something that’s a vital part of who I am. Something I’m proud of…despite how much she told me I was a sinner or how sickening me being queer was. So, if I give her what she wants…” A sharp pain infiltrates my chest. “It goes against everything I believe in…everything I am.” My throat closes in on me and I swallow hard. “Then she wins.”
And I lose.
“Oh, God. That witch really did a number on you.” He wraps me up in a hug. “I’m sorry, Kit.”
“Don’t be.” As much as I love Juan, I don’t want his sympathy. However, I do want to change the subject since it’s putting me in a bad mood. “Can we please—” I stop talking when I notice Juan’s no longer paying any attention to me. All his focus is on a group of men across the room.
I wave my hands, but it’s no use. “Earth to Juan.”
“Sorry, boo.” He saunters away. “I’m about to snag me an NFL star.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to point out that other than Asher, only one person has ever come out as gay while actively playing in the NFL. I don’t want my friend to end up being a dirty little secret because he deserves so much more than that.
However, he’s already making his way toward the group.
The same group Preston’s been giving the stink eye to.
Instinctively, I find myself staring at him.
On paper, I shouldn’t find him attractive. He’s tall with broad shoulders, strong arms, and chiseled features.
He’s rude and vulgar.
He’s stubborn and crass.
He’s…punching one of Asher’s teammates.
Heart racing, I run across the room as fast as I can. By the time I reach him, it’s turned into a full-blown fight.
You’d think a bunch of burly NFL players would be strong enough to break it up, but they’re all keeping a wide berth.
Then again, Preston’s downright scary right now and every time I take a breath, his fist collides with the guy’s face.
However, the moment I see the guy punch Preston, I lose my marbles.
Faster than a speeding bullet, I jump on the asshole’s back. “Touch him again and I’ll set fire to your balls.”
He tries to throw me off, but someone—make that someones—wedge themselves between us.
“What the fuck is going on?” Asher booms as he and Landon take hold of Preston’s arms and drag him away.
“Holy shit.” Breslin runs up to me. “What happened?”
I honestly have no idea.
The guy spits blood on my clean floor. “This piece of shit punched me out of nowhere.” He glares at Preston. “What the fuck is your problem?”
Asher bares his teeth. “Call my brother a piece of shit again, Rivera and I’ll be the one punching you.”
Rivera’s eyes widen. “Don’t start with me, man. This was all him.”
“Liar,” I yell. “Preston wouldn’t go after anyone for no reason.”
Breslin clears her throat.
“Not usually,” I amend, turning to my husband. “What did this prick do to you?”
Preston rolls his arms, freeing himself from Landon and Asher’s hold.
“Care to share with the class?” Breslin asks after a few seconds pass.
Evidently not because Preston stalks off without another word.
Rivera lifts his shirt to his bloody nose. “Your brother’s a fucking psycho.”
Not unless provoked.
Breslin closes her eyes and sighs. “I’m sorry—”
“Maybe he just doesn’t like homophobic assholes,” Juan sneers, coming to stand next to me.
When everyone turns to look at him, he adds, “I didn’t hear all of the conversation. Just the part where he said, ‘The limp-wristed cocksucker loves staring at my junk while I’m showering.’”
Rivera tries to deny it, but one of the men in the group steps forward. “He’s telling the truth.” Frowning, he exchanges a look with some of the other guys. “It’s why none of us stopped your brother from kicking his ass.”
Breslin launches her fist into Rivera’s face so hard I hear something crack. “You’re the piece of shit, asshole.”
Can’t say the bastard doesn’t deserve it.
Landon grabs her waist when she gears up for a second one and Asher takes the opportunity to shove him. “Get the fuck out of my house. Now.”
Probably not the best time to point out that technically this is my house.
Snorting, Rivera takes a step back. “No problem. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
Asher narrows his eyes. “Pussy.”
He cackles. “Says the fa—”
Landon grabs him by the collar. “I suggest you listen to my boyfriend and get the fuck out, or so help me God, I will fucking slaughter you.”
I cross my arms. “And I’ll make sure the media gets wind of your homophobic slurs against your teammate.”
Some of his fans might not care, but at least the world will see him for exactly who and what he is.
The jerk finally takes the hint and strides toward the front door.
Asher looks around the room before addressing Rivera one last time. “Just so we’re clear, I’ve never looked at your junk.” Giving him a malicious shit-eating grin, he adds, “They don’t make magnifying glasses for something so small.”
A few people chuckle and I signal for the DJ to start playing music again.
“What a scumbag,” Breslin says before her expression turns guilty. “I’m gonna find Preston and thank him.”
Asher blows out a breath. “Me too.”
When they turn to walk away, I nudge Landon. “Do it.”
“Now?” he mouths, gawking at me like I’m insane.
I nod. Neither Breslin nor Asher will be expecting a proposal right now. Especially after that drama.
Plus, I don’t think it’s a great idea for them to talk to Preston right now. That’s like pouring gasoline on a raging fire.
“Wait,” Landon calls out. “We need to talk.”