Chapter 25
Rebel Arena, Freedom
D’Angelo
I sit behind the arctic table that’s shaped like a puck in the Bay Rebels soundproofed TV studio, which is emblazoned with the team’s logo. I’m surrounded by electrical cables and cameras.
I blink against the lights that are directed into my eyes.
No one else has arrived yet.
Nerves swirl in my stomach. I tap on my knee rhythmically in threes to calm myself.
This is it.
I’ve never fought back against my public image, despite how offensive I’ve found it, in front of millions like this before.
The press have ripped me apart for being a playboy or because of my bisexuality for six years.
Past PR Directors have advised me to keep silent and concentrate on my performance on the ice.
I’ve had to allow myself to be savaged.
For the first time, I get to bite back.
My nerves settle into excitement. I rest my hands on top of the cold table.
Robyn catches my eye and gives me the thumbs up.
I smirk, nodding.
Robyn’s standing like my white knight in the opening of the tunnel behind the lights and cameras.
I don’t need her to be in front of the cameras.
I’m her champion on the field of battle but I can still feel her lips tingling on my lips in the same way that Shay will be tasting her as he fights on the ice for her.
It’s all about our Robyn.
She’s the woman behind the throne, and we all know that she’s the one with the power.
I glance over my shoulder at the glass wall behind me. During interviews, it gives a backdrop of the rink. I can just see the two teams starting their warmups.
The interview will be shown on screens above the arena. The crowd will see everything.
I twist back in my seat to face the room.
I’ve been in this room many times for post-match interviews as the captain. I hate them and I normally suck at them.
I drove past PR Directors to resign.
What did they say about me in those interviews? I came across as a cocky, grumpy asshole…?
Fair.
It could be because I am a cocky, grumpy asshole.
I don’t like people asking me dumb questions, especially after the high of a game. I don’t trust easily, and people can twist your words.
They use them to hurt you.
This week, however, Robyn’s spent her evenings giving me short bursts of intense media training that’s improved my interview skills.
I hope.
I take a deep breath, straightening my shoulders.
All of a sudden, there’s a commotion in the tunnel behind Robyn.
Robyn and I stiffen at the same time, before I made a conscious effort to relax again.
“I told you to do it. When I say that I want something done, then it’s fucking done, understood?” A harsh and entitled voice says. Melanie. Who the hell is she talking to like that? “Find out by the end of today or you’re done in this business. You wanted to work with me, didn’t you? Do you want me to share those screenshots? People aren’t going to listen to your side of the story. So, be a good girl and fucking do your job. Okay, hun?”
I narrow my eyes.
No wonder people are scared of Melanie in the industry.
Melanie is no different to Wilder. She reels people in with promises and love bombing, then turns on them, if they don’t do what she wants.
People like her make me sick. Sadly, far too many bullies like her get away with it.
Not today.
Melanie strides into the studio, snapping shut her phone.
She’s dressed in a pink power suit that somehow pulls off looking punky with its asymmetrical design. Her hair is streaked with silver. She’s wearing a pair of large, distinctive looking diamond earrings in the shape of ice hockey skates.
A small group of men in black jeans and t-shirts trail behind her, looking miserable and uncomfortable.
They’re keeping their distance from her and making sure to avoid her eye.
Several take up their places as camera operators or behind the lights.
“Don’t fuck up the angles this time,” Melanie snaps, and the camera operator closest to her frowns. “Stop making me look like I have a double chin. I know that you’re doing it on purpose.”
I snort in amusement, and Melanie shoots me a death glare. My amusement dies, however, when she targets the camera operator again.
She pokes him in the side. “This will be your last gig, if I don’t like how I look. Are you fucking listening to me?”
He nods, keeping his focus on the camera.
A young, meek looking man with brunette hair and freckles who must only just be out of college is standing at her side. His shoulders are hunched, and he’s nervously clutching a pile of files to his chest.
I bet that he’s her PA.
Poor bastard.
Instantly, I think of Eden.
“Did you manage to set up that meeting after the interview?” She barks without bothering to look around at the man.
“I… I mean…yes, that is…” The PA stutters, fumbling with his files. He swallows and tries again. “He needed to make it half an hour later than you wanted but…”
Melanie takes a menacing step toward her PA, and he shrinks back. “You useless little idiot. I don’t care what he wants. I employ you to make what I want happen. So, you’ll get his ass back on the phone rearrange it. Understood, hun?”
The man wets his lips. “Mel, I don’t think that he…”
To my shock, Melanie hurls her phone at the PA.
It hits him in the chest, and everyone jumps.
The man yelps, dropping his files. They scatter across the studio’s floor along with the phone.
Robyn’s eyes widen, and she moves toward Melanie as if to block her from attacking the man again.
The camera operators exchange disgusted glances.
“Don’t call me Mel.” Her voice is cool. “I’m not your friend. I’m your boss. Now, pick those up.”
I stand up, clenching my fists.
I’d never treat Eden like this. I’d never treat any of my employees with disrespect.
When you have power over someone, it’s easy to abuse it to make yourself feel big by demeaning them.
If you choose to do that, however, then it actually shows how small you are.
How many people treat others like this and don’t think twice about it, simply because they’re in a higher position, have more authority, or wealth?
How many treat people like tools or ruthlessly as stepping stones to their own success?
It’s the opposite of what I practice.
While her PA scrambles on his knees to retrieve her phone and files, Melanie scans around the room like a shark. She smirks when she sees me and waves for me to sit down.
I adjust my tie, taking my time, before I do.
I hope that Melanie’s going to ignore Robyn.
She doesn’t.
“Raven, right? Nice to talk properly face to face. Wow, it barely seems any time since we were having such fun in high school. Have you lost weight, hun? Good for you.”
I clench my jaw.
I can’t wait to take this woman down. She thinks that she’s using us…but we’re using her.
I’m not nervous anymore. I’m going to fucking love this.
“It’s Robyn,” Robyn grits out. Melanie fucking knows that. “But you can call me Ms. McKenna.”
“Don’t be like that,” Melanie says, sweetly. “This interview is going to be the best one this season. I expect it to go viral. I’m helping the Bay Rebels. You’re the newest team in the NHL. You need the exposure. Romance and sex appeal can make a team explode globally. Don’t you watch what’s trending? You need to know how to package your gorgeous team. Haven’t you seen the montages of their tight asses on BookTok? Atlas has his own fangirls, which doesn’t surprise me. You’re PR Director but you clearly don’t know how to brand the team.”
“So, what…? You’re trying to help?”
“Of course. Just between us girls and off the record, let’s be honest. You were only given the post as PR Director because of your Dad. You should have jumped at the chance to do this interview with me but look at what you made me do to get it. Your brother and you always were…slow.”
Robyn reddens with rage, and for a moment, I think that she’s going to blow our plan and simply tear Melanie apart right now.
Melanie fucking deserves it.
Instead Robyn shows badass self-control by giving a self-deprecating laugh. “We were different people in high school, right?”
Melanie looks surprised. “Right. I mean, nobody would have guessed that you’d have ended up married and then divorced to somebody like Wilder.”
Robyn cocks her head, before reaching to touch Melanie’s diamond earring. Melanie jerks back and the earring sways.
“This is nice,” Robyn says. “It looks expensive. Did someone buy it for you?”
Melanie gives a nasty smile. “Someone who loves me.”
“Hmm.” Robyn turns away, strolling to stand against the back wall. “It’s unusual jewelery. Strange, but Wilder gifted me a pair just like that for our final anniversary before… I never wore them, and of course, I left them behind, when I divorced him. I didn’t want any of his insincere presents.”
Melanie pales.
Then she looks like she may hurl.
Robyn gives her a piercing look, before crossing her arms.
Melanie reaches up to touch the diamond ice skate like it’s Wilder, before she can stop herself.
Then she scowls. “What’s with those sissy pictures that you keep posting with the players messing around baking cookies, riding motorcycles, and smiling to camera like they’re normal men? You have gods, but in the hands of a mortal like you—”
“We’re happy to be in her hands,” I interject, allowing my rage to cool to ice. “The fans enjoy seeing who we really are.”
Melanie chuckles. “Who you really are? We both know that’s not true.” She strolls to the table. “Two minutes to go. Are you ready?”
I sit down. “How can I be, when you gave me no prep materials? Won’t tell me what any of the questions will be? And blackmailed me into this interview?”
I don’t keep my voice down.
Everyone in the room is now watching us.
Melanie glares at me. “I didn’t… I mean, let’s keep this civil.”
How deluded is she? Civil?
“Of course,” I reply, smoothly. “It’s what you’re known for. I was simply wondering something before we start.”
She slips into the seat next to mine, patting her hair. “Shoot.”
I lean closer, lowering my voice this time. “How many rules were you prepared to break to get this live interview? How many laws? And do you truly believe that Talon loves you, simply because he gives you the rejected earrings of his ex-wife and fucks you in hotels the same as at least thirteen other women of right now…and counting?”
Melanie gapes at me, before paling even further. Then pink creeps up her neck.
Wrong-footed, for the first time she doesn’t know how to answer.
People like her always underestimate their prey.
I won’t be Wilder’s prey again.
“Wilder loves me,” Melanie finally whispers back.
The fact that defending their love is her priority tells me all I need to know. She’s going to be heartbroken, but I can’t find it in me to feel any sympathy.
She’s manipulated and bullied too many people. She’s risked pulling Noah’s life down around his ears and wrecking Shay.
She’s hurt Robyn, and I will never forgive that.
My eyes darken. “How about I tell you a secret? Talon only loves himself.”
Melanie hisses in a sharp breath, pulling away from me.
“Ten seconds,” the camera operator calls out.
I compose myself.
My expression is a mask, but inside, I’m flying. I’m as exhilarated as when the siren is about to signal the puck drop.
Melanie, as I’d planned, however, looks frazzled.
She touches her earrings, before forcing her hand away. Her gaze settles on Robyn. She looks like she wishes that she could be anywhere but here.
Melanie’s mouth twists, before she reaches up and wrenches the earrings out, dropping them onto her lap.
Melanie’s PA is watching her with a confused expression.
She’s falling apart in front of everyone’s eyes. Any moment now, I’ll have her falling apart in front of the world.
The camera operator raises his hand in silent countdown…
Five…
Four…
“He loves me,” Melanie mutters.
I don’t know if she’s talking to me or to herself.
Who’s she trying to convince most?
Three…
I catch Robyn’s eye.
Robyn’s expression is kind and warm. It fills me with strength and reminds me why all those years ago, I risked getting my ass kicked to bring her orange roses at college from the frat house.
I’d risk my life for Robyn. Sometimes, that scares me.
Mainly, I know that it’s because she’d risk her life for me.
Two…
The blank eye of the camera stares at me.
I steel myself.
One…
“Good evening, Melanie from the Peninsula Daily News,” Melanie says with a false cheeriness and wide smile. She’s a good actress. “I’m here before the third match of the season between Bay Rebels and the Arizona Coyotes with the Bay Rebels captain, Jude D’Angelo.”
“Hello.” I give a fake smile of my own.
“Now, this is an exclusive live interview because you’ve agreed to talk about some things that are normally off the table, isn’t that right?”
Oh, she’s good.
“Well, Melanie,” I take a steadying breath, “there are some things that have needed to be said for some time. I’m going to step up and be the person who takes the risk and does that tonight.”
Melanie’s eyes light with a horrible excitement. “Listen to that, folks. How exciting. I can’t wait to hear what the man who has been labeled by some as the puck boy captain has to say.”
“By you.” My expression is grim. “You called me that.”
Her smile falters. “You can’t deny that you have quite the reputation as the playboy. After all, we’ve only just published a photograph of you looking…well, some commentators have condemned the depravity. In my opinion, you look gorgeous and as capable of taming…” She winks at the camera, “your lovers, as you do the teams on the ice. Do you have any comment on that?”
“My private life should never have been published in that way.” My voice is frosty.
“At least tell us the name of the pretty lion boy. I’m sure there are many men out there who wish that they could be your boyfriend. Are you officially taken then?” Her eyes sparkle.
“I ask that you respect my privacy and the privacy of anyone who is pictured with me. Neither of us gave permission for that photograph to be printed, and it was taken illegally at a private event. Speculation is wildly inappropriate. I’m a sportsman. Aren’t I here to talk about hockey? I’d prefer to keep this to talk about the upcoming game.”
She smirks. “I’m sure that you would.”
I keep my expression shuttered. But I’m goading her.
What she doesn’t realize is that she’s looking bad — I’m not.
Robyn taught me this. If I don’t rise to Melanie’s taunts, then she looks like the one who’s taking things too far. Then the public will see through her.
Fuck, I hope that they do.
“Okay,” Melanie says, brightly, as if she’s regained the upper hand, “let’s start with hockey then. Your team has had some limited success, but it must be hard to be captain of a team that’s been called the losers since its creation.”
“Again, by you.” I cock my head. “Why don’t you support your local team? Our fans here in Freedom are awesome. They support us with their whole hearts. We as a team love them back.”
I look at the camera as I say this.
I’m not winning over Melanie in this. I’m talking to hockey fans everywhere.
Melanie squirms. “Do you prefer the term misfits instead? But isn’t loser fair? How many times has Bay Rebels made the playoffs?”
I bite the inside of my cheek.
Melanie is smart and unfortunately, she’s been obsessed with the Bay Rebels and me long enough to know my weak spots.
When I hesitate, she jumps on it.
“Don’t worry,” she attempts to sound pleasant, but I can hear the bite beneath it, “I’ll jog your memory. It’s zero.”
I lean over the table. “I’ll take ownership. You’re right. We’re a new team without the deep pockets and high levels of sponsorship that some of the other teams in the NHL enjoy. It’s going to take time for us to get there. On the other hand, we have an exceptional team this year, and I have a good feeling that we’re going to make it.”
“Why is it so exceptional? Who’s the stand out player who makes the difference?”
Anger surges through me, and my shoulders stiffen.
She’s after Shay again.
I knew that she’d go there, but it’s still hard to not react.
She’s watching my face avidly.
I smile, glancing at the camera again. “The whole team is on fire. I’m proud — I’m sure that all the fans are — of every player.”
She can’t hide the way that her brow furrows. “But it’s Shay Prince, the twin whose brother had such an unfortunate fall on the ice that ended his career—”
“It wasn’t a fall,” I bark, before I can stop myself. She has a way of creating fake news and false narratives that makes me sick. “He was targeted and attacked from behind on the ice. Injuries like those shouldn’t be a danger of playing hockey.”
Melanie makes a mock sad face. “Tragic, when he’s so young and just starting out…just like his brother. It must be hard on Shay, when he’s Bay Rebels’ top scorer. Is that why Shay had a breakdown in the middle of the last game?”
My gaze flies to Robyn’s anxious one and then quickly away.
“That’s an inappropriate question,” I reply, carefully. “He needed support for a brief moment on the ice, which I gave him as his captain. There’s nothing else to say. Move on.”
The crew are shifting uncomfortably and glancing between themselves.
“But does this indicate that he has mental health problems?” Melanie presses.
My gaze becomes icy. “That’s no one’s business. You’re crossing a line.”
My words aren’t to her. They’re to the millions of people who are watching this.
I hope that they listen and understand.
“Was he distressed by anything that happened before the game?” Melanie presses. She’s really going to go here? “Does he often rely on you for support? You mentor him, don’t you? In fact, both the twins. Who else are you close to…?”
When her gaze shoots to Robyn, I get the tingling in my balls that tells me she’s about to get Wilder’s revenge on Robyn live on air by revealing our relationship.
Even though her diamond earrings are now lying in her lap, she’s still under Wilder’s spell enough to take this risk for him.
She’s already made herself look like a bully for him. But she’s going to take it further.
It’s time that I step up to act like the angel who swoops in with my flaming sword and cuts down the devil.
No matter what comes from this, we can’t sit back and let her continue to wreck everybody.
Shay and Noah have agreed that even if she reveals who they are in the photographs, then I have permission to take on Melanie tonight. Otherwise, for the rest of our careers in Bay Rebels (for Noah, it means the rest of his life), she’ll be able to hold this over them.
This is the only way to take away her power.
A secret can no longer control you, if you don’t fear it being revealed.
Wilder can’t have given Melanie anything concrete to prove my relationship with Robyn, Shay, and Eden because otherwise she’d have used it by now. Plus, he knows that I’ll ruin him with the evidence I hold on him about his hazing, if he does.
Melanie thinks that she can scare us with her hints and rumors. But we’re going to ruin her credibility. Then she’ll no longer be believed. She can claim that she knows who’s in the photographs. That we’re in kinky relationships with the Easter Bunny or Taylor Swift.
It won’t matter.
Some people may believe her but enough won’t.
“You know, there was another photograph…” Melanie arches her brow. “Do you have any comment on that?”
Is that a threat? A warning?
“If you’re referring to the disturbing photograph that you published of a young man in distress,” I reply, stonily, “then my comment is that you yet again appear to have crossed journalistic lines. They don’t appear aware that the photograph is being taken. I would be interested to know if you had permission to publish it, and whether there was public interest to do so.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the PA shifting.
I bet that he knows more about this.
Melanie is looking at me in shock. She glances awkwardly at the camera, chuckling.
“Let’s get this back on track, shall we?” She nervously adjusts her hair. “So, how are you feeling about the upcoming season?”
Satisfaction floods me.
Time to turn the fucking tables.
I sprawl in my seat, loosening my tie. “Oh, now you want to talk about hockey? But remember, we were going to talk about something special. I thought that we were getting there with your illegally obtained and published photographs. No? Well, how about the fact that you use them to shame and blackmail celebrities into doing interviews with you or even into giving you information on other people?”
Melanie looks wildly at the camera operators, gesturing for them to cut the interview.
They’re grinning, however, and shake their heads.
They keep rolling.
The crew are looking at Melanie with contempt. Robyn’s lips are curled into a smile, as she watches.
I stretch my arms behind my head. “It’s rather like how you forced me into this interview and in order to protect my team, I agreed. I knew that you would character assassinate me, as indeed you have. I couldn’t let you hurt my teammates, however, who are like brothers to me. I love Bay Rebels, Freedom, and the fans. But you Melanie, are poison. You hate, troll, and gain your money and fame by tearing down people with more talent than you’ll ever have.”
“Shut the fuck up.” Melanie stands up, slamming down her hand on the table.
Her diamond earrings tumble to the floor.
“Hello,” I say, calmly. “It’s nice to meet the real Mel at last.”
“Don’t call me Mel.”
Her PA snorts, before walking forward, casting a nervous glance at the camera. Surprised, I shoot him a questioning glance.
He passes me Melanie’s phone. “It’s all on there. The evidence. She does exactly what you say…to a lot of people. I’m sorry. I should have spoken up before, but she…”
“It’s all right,” I say, quietly, “you’re saying something now and that takes courage.”
“What the hell are you doing?” Melanie snarls.
Robyn walks to stand at the young PA’s side, gently squeezing his arm. “The right thing.”
The cameras are still rolling.
What are the players below thinking? How are the crowds reacting?
I can’t look behind myself to see.
“I already have evidence that you phone hack and use shady methods to delve into people’s pasts in order to ruin their futures.” My eyes flash. “You’re everything that’s wrong with the press. As we speak, seven people have come forward wanting to press charges against you with my backing. I have the funds, as you’re aware, to support them.” I look hard into the camera. “What’s the bet that after this interview, more people will come forward?”
The camera operator, who Melanie threatened to have fired, chuckles.
Melanie looks frantic, before she pushes her way out from around the desk.
Robyn gestures to the camera operator, and he moves to track Melanie with the camera.
Melanie was totally wrong about Robyn; Robyn is an incredible PR Director. She knows that this clip will make every news channel. It will likely flood social media. What she needs most is a reaction, and Melanie is giving her one now.
I adjust my cuffs. “I did say that there were some things that have needed to be said for some time.”
When Melanie tries to escape down the tunnel, Robyn firmly stands in her way with the PA bravely at her side.
“I don’t fucking think so.” Robyn looks like a goddess, as she puts her hands on her hips. “You’ve made a career out of hating on people and wrecking their lives and legacies. There are so many keyboard warriors, male and female, who do the same like sheep. Well, this is your karmic retribution.”
I grin. Now that’s Quentin Tarantino worthy.
Shit, Robyn looks hot, standing there with that fierce expression and her red hair tumbling around her shoulders.
I hope that she doesn’t ruin her big moment by falling over her own feet.
“Get out of my way, fat fox,” Melanie snarls.
“Okay.” Robyn gives a small smile, standing to the side.
The PA moves next to her, and Melanie elbows him, as she pushes through only to run straight into the arms of our security team.
“Let me go.” Melanie struggles, as they hold onto her arms.
“I don’t think so,” I say, casually. “You’ve threatened and assaulted different members of staff on this premise. You’re being detained, until the cops can arrive. It’s our duty to keep everybody safe.”
The camera operators, crew, and PA burst into applause.
Melanie’s expression twists with outrage and shock. “Then I’ll tell everyone—”
“I wouldn’t say anything,” Robyn says quickly, “before talking to your lawyer.”
I glance at the cameras and then over my shoulder down at the arena.
The players have stopped their warmups and are staring up at the glass wall of our studio.
1 — 0to Bay Rebels vs Melanie and Wilder.
Now, it will be Melanie’s turn to have the right to remain silent.
Anything that she says, whether to throw out more rumors about our relationship or naming the other men in the photographs will only make her look guiltier, since she’s being accused by a range of people.
She’ll be as good as confessing.
Ironically, she’ll have to keep our secrets.
Yet the footage will go out to every channel, her reputation will be destroyed, and I’ll look like the Bay Rebels’ angel.
Now, I just need to win the game.