Chapter 13 #2
Julian cared enough to leave his post and check on me?
My heart filled with warmth. “He’s the owner’s son.
It’s fine if he knows about my injury.” It held more weight than telling the doc he was the operations assistant.
I twisted my wrist as a test and, surprisingly, it didn’t hurt as much. The ice was working.
Placing his hands on his hips, the doctor said, “I don’t see a fracture, so it’s a soft tissue injury. You should keep it iced for now, and immobile for a week as needed according to pain, and then reassess.”
“Thank you, Doctor Phelps.” Sanderson strode across the room and opened a drawer.
“Of course. Hope to see you back on the ice again soon, Alex.” The doctor walked out.
“Shoot, I don’t see the correct brace in here. I’ll be right back.” Sanderson eyed Julian as he left the room.
“Alex, what does that mean?” With his forehead wrinkling, Julian strode to me and grabbed my uninjured hand, holding it to his chest. “Will they send you home?”
“No, my injury’s not bad enough for me to go home. I’ll still travel with the team, too, if that’s what you’re worried about.” God, he was adorable, all worried about me and if we’d continue to be together on this trip. “I’m still the captain of this team.”
“Thank God.” He sighed and held my hand to his lips, giving my knuckles a soft kiss.
“Oh, damn, bad timing.” Big Hopkins strolled into the room and snickered, his gear removed from his upper half and a bruise hovering under his eye. “Volkov, you dog.” He placed his hand on my bare shoulder. “You were pretty damn good at hiding it. Way better than Jett was.”
I gaped and tore my hand free from Julian. “What do you mean?” My gaze slid to Julian’s—his eyes wide and face paling.
“I’m, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it.” Julian’s throat dipped with a hard swallow. “How am I supposed to watch you in pain and not do something?” He glared at Mason and then threw his arms in the air, pacing across the room.
Holding a wrist brace, Sanderson entered the room, stopped briefly, and lifted his brows. “Um…”
“Sanderson, can you give us a minute? We need some privacy. Player meeting.” Big Hopkins ushered Sanderson to the doorway, and as he shut it, he said, “The injury can wait another minute.”
Fucking hell, there was no way out of this. But I’d have Mason’s support. Maybe it was time. With my chest squeezing, I said, “Yeah, you’re right. I’m, uh, bisexual, I think.” Or was I? I could be gay…
With a broad grin and rubbing his hands together, Mason sauntered toward me. “Welcome to the family, Volkov.” He patted my cheek. “And you decided it was a great idea to fuck the owner’s son.” With a cackle, he pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is awesome.”
“We’re not just fucking.” With his hands planted on his hips, Julian stomped toward Mason. “It’s much more than that.”
Mason’s brows flew up. “Oh, is it now? Volkov tamed the great Julian Mercer?” His eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Don’t think you don’t have a reputation.
” He slipped his arm around my shoulders.
“If you’re saying you’re not just hooking up with my buddy here and he falls for you…
” He dropped his arm to his side, strode to Julian and fisted the front of his shirt, his gaze hardening.
“Don’t break his heart, or you’ll have me to answer to. ”
Julian’s jaw dropped. “I, I won’t, I promise.”
As my chest grew tight, I said, “Hopkins, release my boyfriend this instant.” What did I just say? Oh fuck.
Snapping his gaze to mine, Julian stared.
“Boyfriend, huh?” With a snicker, Mason released Julian and stepped back.
“All right, I see we have a situation.” Nodding, he rubbed his chin.
“You’ll have the squad’s support, well, what’s left of it.
You know, me, Jett, Carlson, Ace, and fuck, now Crosby and my brother.
” He focused on me. “You’re in excellent hands.
Just let us know how we can support you. ”
“By keeping this quiet. For now.” This wasn’t right. Julian didn’t deserve this. But our secret couldn’t leave this room. “You know my family is Russian Orthodox—”
“Oh, I understand the religious shit, believe me.” Mason pressed his lips together. “Jett will know about it because I can’t keep anything from him. It’s impossible. But we’ll keep it under wraps. Okay?”
“Yes.” The tightness in my chest unwound. I wished only to return to the hotel room with Julian. We had so much to say to each other.
Knocking sifted into the room, followed by Sanderson’s muffled voice. “Can I come in now?”
“Yeah.” Mason strode to the door and swung it open. “Thanks, man. We’re done.” With a wink at me, he walked out.
“Let’s get your wrist immobilized.” Sanderson stepped toward me with the brace.
Julian sucked his lower lip between his teeth and then came closer. “Let me see how you put this on, so I can help him later.”
“Sure.” Sanderson smirked and then took the ice pack from me.
I was in so much trouble. Julian would prove to be the death of me.
The team dined at the hotel following the game and cool-down routines.
Then we returned to our rooms. It had been clear from all the knowing glances our way that Mason and Jett were keeping close tabs on us.
I couldn’t blame them. They’d been through it and were probably worried for me with my family situation.
Jett’s had been similar, and him coming out had even ended with his father divorcing his stepmother.
Hell, would my mother leave my father if he couldn’t accept me?
I’d hate myself for breaking them apart.
As a wave of exhaustion overtook me, I ambled into my room, my wrist throbbing. It needed more ice, and I was due for some ibuprofen. At least tonight, I had a good excuse to skip the video games.
I swallowed my pain medicine with a cup of water in the bathroom as faint knocking sounded at my door. It was Julian. He obviously couldn’t wait to see me alone. With a glance at his flowers from last night, warmth cradled my heart. I was falling for him. His behavior tonight had solidified it.
I opened the door, and he slipped by me, juggling a few items in his hands. “I have some ice packs of various sizes, a heating pad, and—”
“Julian.” I hooked my arms around his shoulders, hauled him into my chest and then kissed the side of his head. It felt so damn good to hold him after everything that had happened. “Just stay here a minute.”
“Sure.” He melted against me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I’m so sorry about Mason.”
“No, it was inevitable, and there’s no one better to support us.” It wasn’t his fault. If we stayed together, someone would discover us eventually. I released him. “Okay, let’s see what you brought me.” I had my own ice packs, but I wouldn’t let Julian know that.
“This one might fit your injury better.” He held up a long ice pack while biting the side of his lower lip. “Don’t you think?”