Chapter 25

“What the fuck?”

The sun’s not up. I may have even only just closed my eyes.

Another round of knocking—a little heavier than the sound that dragged me from sleep.

“What?” I call out. There’s light visible under the crack of the door, shadowed feet obvious.

When there’s no response, I sigh just as Bentley rustles at my side.

“What’s going on? Time is it?”

“Fuck knows,” I grumble.

I clamber out of bed and flick on the lamp, since we’re both apparently awake at—my eyes widen as I look at my phone—4:27 a.m.

“The building better be on fire.” I tug on a pair of sweatpants and unlock our door.

I don’t get the chance to open it before Ty’s barging in, his eyes almost wild.

“Why don’t you come on in?” I don’t hold back the snark.

I go to close the door but stop when I see Logan. He looks wrecked, and not in a just-fucked way. He’s bleary-eyed. He also winces when we make eye contact.

“I’m so fucking sorry. I tried to get him to wait until the sun came up, but he hasn’t slept.”

Jesus. “Okay.” I glance back in the room. Bentley’s up, looking confused as hell. The bedsheets are low at his waist. The trail of hair leading to my happy place is ripe for the viewing. “New plan,” I snap, turning to Ty. “Make coffee. We’ll be down in two minutes.”

Parting his lips, Ty looks ready to argue. Thankfully, Logan steps to my side. “Tyron, come on. Let them get dressed and wake up. They’ll be down soon, yeah?”

“Fine.” Ty huffs as he stands.

I keep my mouth shut, not wanting to get into anything with him right now. Ty, the genius that he is, can become almost manic when he’s fixated on something.

Shit.

What exactly has kept him awake is pretty fucking obvious.

Defeated, I say, “Two minutes,” as I make eye contact with him.

His expression softens. “Okay.”

I’m quick to close the door. As soon as it’s shut, Bentley’s out of bed.

“This is all my fault. Fuck, baby, I’m sorry.”

I wave him off as I look for my hoodie. The chill in the air pebbles my skin. None of us should be awake at this time to feel this level of cold.

No longer freezing my butt off, I step up to Bentley. “I meant what I said last night, okay?”

Exiting the shower at the same time as Ty, and then stumbling upon Bentley losing his shit on the phone, I’d been confused, then startled. It hadn’t taken long to realize he was on my phone and who he was talking to.

The world around me had shifted a little, but what kept me grounded was Bentley. His voice. His words. The absolute conviction in his brutal defense of me.

Getting him home to fuck him, the desperation to show him what his words, his actions meant to me, had kept me silent. Seriously, none of my teammates would have been happy if I’d pushed him onto the bench and fucked him right there.

“Okay,” he finally says, a breath huffing out of him.

A featherlight kiss later, and I pass him a hoodie to pull on. Dressed, we head out, tiptoeing down the staircase.

All of the doors are closed. I have no idea if the rest of our housemates are asleep or awake and wondering what’s going on. Either way, I don’t want a bigger audience for this.

Logan’s next to the coffee machine, four mugs out while he waits for it to brew. His smile is soft, apologetic.

He knows.

Ty’s at the kitchen table, gaze snapping up as soon as Bentley and I step inside and join him.

“Your dad’s parole?—”

“Trevin,” I cut in. He stopped being my dad a long, long time ago. Something I made as official as possible when I turned eighteen and legally changed my last name to match my parents’ and siblings’.

Ty’s frown relaxes as he nods. “Trevin’s early parole hearing is tomorrow morning.”

“That’s right.” I don’t even question how he knows this. This is Ty. He’s going to make a kick-ass agent one day, and honestly, the day he gets sworn in, I’ll feel safer for it.

The hiss of the coffee dripping into the pot fills the void. Its scent is strong, filling the kitchen.

“You were one of the teenagers he hurt?”

Bentley reaches for my hand, and I take it willingly. “Yeah,” I answer. “The other was a friend… another player I was hooking up with,” I correct, no longer needing to lie.

“The reports say that the attack on your friend was a hate crime.”

The banging of my pulse is loud in my head. “Yeah. Trevin found Jamaal sucking me off.”

Two lines appear between Ty’s eyebrows.

I clarify, “That wasn’t reported. Jamaal was out. The only kid in our school.”

He nods his understanding, and I take a deep breath, focusing on the gentle strokes of Bentley’s thumb on the back of my hand.

“Okay, I understand better now.”

Logan places a mug each before me and Bentley. They’re made how we like them. Wrapping my hand around the handle, I smile my thanks.

Another appears before Ty, and Logan gently clears his throat. We look his way, and he smiles a little uneasily. “I can go back upstairs.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind if you stay.”

He already knows, and this shit is heavy. Not only to me but to anyone who knows about it.

“Okay.” He settles close to Ty.

“And he’s threatening you?” Ty asks.

I huff out a breath. “I haven’t spoken to him since this past summer when I visited him.” If Ty’s surprised by that, he doesn’t show it. “He asked me to talk to his brothers and told me about his parole hearing. I didn’t reach out to his family. Not that I know where they are, but even if I did, I wouldn’t.”

When Ty’s gaze flicks to Bentley, he tells him word for word what Trevin said.

There’s a weird bubble in my chest. It feels like a laugh could spill out, inappropriate and truly not funny. But fuck, it’s not even five in the morning, yet Ty’s gone into full FBI mode, and we’re spilling all our secrets with such ease that I honestly don’t know how I kept my mouth closed for eight long years.

When Bentley’s finished and Ty’s peppered him with questions, he asks, “And you haven’t been contacted by the parole board?”

“No.” I shake my head and explain my theory of why that may be the case.

“Yeah. That makes sense. You weren’t viewed as the primary target. Collateral damage.”

“Fuck.” A huff of laughter breaks free, and I shake my head. “Collateral damage. The story of my life with Trevin.”

Bentley draws my attention to him when he lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles.

“So, back to tomorrow,” Ty says after taking a gulp of coffee. “How do you feel about speaking to an attorney about revisiting your previous testimony and providing additional information?”

As Bentley squeezes my hand, a surge of unexpected emotions floods through me.

I glance between Ty and Bentley, surprise, fear, and a glimmer of hope battling it out behind my rib cage. The idea of revisiting my previous testimony, of speaking up about what really happened, feels daunting. For so long, I”d buried the truth, convinced that speaking out would only bring trouble.

But Ty’s reassurance and Bentley’s unwavering support give me a flicker of courage. Can I do this? Anticipation stirs in my chest.

Taking a deep breath, I meet Ty’s gaze, feeling the weight of his words. “I… I think I’m scared,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I also… I want to do this. I want to speak up, to make things right, if I can.”

Above all else, I want Trevin to fuck off from my life and rot in jail. Even if he is released, he doesn’t have any power over me.

Not anymore.

Ty’s expression softens, his eyes filled with understanding. “You don’t have to do this alone,” he says, his voice steady and reassuring. “I’ve already set up a meeting for you with an attorney in Tennessee.”

Holy shit.How the fuck did he manage that?

“They’re good. They’re someone who’ll listen to you, who’ll fight for you. And whatever happens, we’ll be right here beside you, every step of the way.”

With my heart close to breaking free, I look at Bentley. He nods, letting me know whatever I decide, he’s with me.

A spark of determination ignites within me. “When do we need to leave?”

A grin, all pride and approval, brightens Ty’s expression.

“An hour to be safe,” Logan answers for him.

“I spoke to my pops last night.” Ty shrugs, and I know that’s his attempt at an apology for interfering. And for this, I can handle him sticking his nose into my business. “He gave me the name of the attorney. He seems to think there may be a way to get in front of a judge and the parole board.”

“Really?” His pops is a detective, but not in Tennessee.

“Yeah. He’s going to make calls this morning, see what he can do.”

The warmth of Bentley’s hand is a steady presence. “Okay, and all this before tomorrow?” It doesn’t seem possible.

“Yes.”

“Fuck, Ty, you’re one determined asshole.” The words spill out of me with an emotional laugh. I stand, reaching for him to hug the crap out of him.

His grip is tight, reassuring. “We’ll make this happen so you can have your say. And whatever happens, you can know you’ve done your part.”

“And a protection order.” Bentley stands close. “We need a protection order too.”

I step away from Ty, my smile slipping a little. How the hell am I going to pay for an attorney? Not a chance am I asking my parents. They don’t have anything to give. That means they’ll either feel awful or they’ll threaten to sell their car or something.

“How much is this going to cost me?”

“Us.” Bentley loops his arm around me.

I swear, if we weren’t already married, I’d drop to one knee this very second.

“Not sure. Ballpark is likely $350 an hour.”

“Fuck.” Okay, I have maybe nine hundred in my account. Perhaps a little more. It’ll make eating a challenge, and I’m not sure what a couple hours will get me, but it’s at least worth meeting and seeing what he has to say.

“It’s fine.” Bentley’s arm around me tightens as he speaks.

I turn in his arms. “What’s that mean?”

“Uhm… we’re just going to go shower and dress.” Logan shuffles past us, tugging at Ty’s arm.

“It means I have the money.” He trails his hand down my arm and loops my fingers with his.

“You have potentially thousands of dollars squirreled away?” I track his expression. What I don’t miss is his slight wince. “What is it?”

“My parents put money in savings for me. A nest egg, I suppose. It’s money to buy a house, furnish an apartment… whatever I might need it for.”

“How much?” I probably should immediately be saying, “Hell no,” but color me curious.

“They’ve been saving money every week since I was born.” His lips twist before he pulls them between his teeth and finally says, “I think it’s somewhere around $222,000. The interest has gone up over the last few years, so it could be more.”

Fuck me.

“You have over $200K sitting in a bank?”

Even though he shrugs, red infuses his cheeks. “Yeah. Well, it’s in my name, but it’s technically our money now, right?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Absolutely not.”

A stubborn set forms in his jaw, and I narrow my gaze.

“Sammy, you need to hear me. I love you. We need to do this. I’m not prepared for us not to do this. You going through with this, changing your statement, fighting Trevin… you’re honestly telling me if you back out now, you won’t live to regret it?”

The asshole is right.

“But the money?—”

“Is for us to help our future. This right here is more about our future than a house or furniture.” He tugs me close and breathes me in. “Is it so hard to admit I’m right?”

I snort, hearing his light amusement. “You sure about this?” Pressing against him even closer, I absorb his quiet, determined strength.

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

With my heart going haywire, I pull away. “Thank you.”

“Always.” Bright-eyed—as we’re most definitely now wide awake—and smiling, Bentley leads me up the stairs.

I can’t believe we’re really doing this. I have no idea if we can pull this off, but God, I want to try.

It’s been a long-ass day.What’s worse is that we have a session in the gym tomorrow at 7:30 a.m., and Trevin’s parole hearing is at 10:00 a.m.

“What time is it?” Bentley asks as we pull up. He drove back since my nerves are shot and exhaustion licks at my heels.

Also, the clock in my car’s broken. But once again, she’s made the journey to Tennessee and back, so the little bits that are falling apart don’t matter so much.

“Just after nine,” Logan answers.

Yeah, definitely a long day.

We made the trip with Ty, who shot a group text to our two housemates we’d left behind, letting them know we were heading out of state and we’d be back tonight. Unsurprisingly, at some point after eight this morning, when we were already over the state line, the notifications had started.

In the end, I fired off a message, letting them know the guys were doing me a favor and that I had some family stuff to deal with. I also told them not to worry and to give me time before I discussed things with them.

Kieran had responded immediately, making it clear that he and Leon were there for me—when and if I was ready to talk.

We ate drive-through food on the way back. I’m not sure about the rest of the guys, but I feel that crappy deadweight from eating too many carbs and grease. None of it sits well in my stomach.

The engine cuts off, and Bentley unclips his seat belt and stretches. “Everyone good?”

There’s a low mumble of agreement as we vacate my car. Tiredness shrouds us all. I glance at Ty, wincing when I take in his exhaustion. He didn’t sleep at all last night. He managed a couple of hours on the drive back, but those two hours cramped up in my car won’t have given him any real reprieve.

“You heading straight to bed?” I ask.

A jaw-cracking yawn escapes Logan. He quickly covers his mouth and starts nodding, finally saying, “Yeah. You need anything?”

“No, thanks.”

The lock of my car engages, and I hang back for Bentley, calling out, “Thanks for today,” to both of them. Going through this by myself… hell, that wouldn’t have happened. I’d been convinced nothing could change. Believed I’d lost my voice a long time ago.

“All good. See you in the morning.” Ty salutes us with a heavy hand before heading inside with Logan.

When Bentley reaches my side, he pauses rather than heading straight for the house.

“You knew I wasn’t ready to go in yet, huh?”

A tender smile curves his mouth. “I thought you might need a minute. Today’s been a lot.”

“I’m glad it’s over.”

He blinks rapidly as if processing my words. “Over?”

“I’ve done everything I can, right?”

He nods.

“So tomorrow doesn’t matter. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.”

Emotion flickers to life in the depths of his gaze. I have a second to appreciate it before he hauls me into his arms. I land with a grunt and a laugh.

“Fuck, I love you, baby. Do you know how amazing you are?”

My huff is light, and I roll my eyes. “You’re biased, and I’m fine with that.”

I choose to ignore the way my lungs fill, happiness unfurling with pride that he feels that way.

“Uh-huh. Fine, but the words are still true.” He searches my gaze. “Have you thought more about talking to your parents?”

“I will after the gym in the morning. Before ten.”

Fortunately, I don’t have classes after training. My afternoon is slammed, though. It’s a relief it’s panned out this way. Going to the gym and disappearing in the burn is all I’ll be able to handle until I hear from Marcus Allen, the attorney who’s somehow made so much magic happen today.

“Let me know if you want me there.”

“Will do.” I glance down at my wrinkled clothes. My suit needs dry cleaning. The shower is also calling my name. “I need to get out of this getup.”

“I happen to think you look delicious in your suit.” He fingers the lapel of my jacket.

Heat from his compliment winds its way through me, despite me feeling like at any moment I could drop down and fall asleep where I stand.

“You look pretty hot yourself, Mr. Sandford-Hardy.”

The moment his brows shoot high, almost touching his hairline, I shrug. It’s casual as hell, even though my pulse is racing.

“What? Just trying it on for size.”

“You’re thinking a double-barreled name?”

It seems that way. “Yeah. You know my parents’ name is important to me.”

“I do, and I’m more than okay with joining them like that.”

“You think Coach will have a hissy fit if we ask him to change our jerseys?” From Bentley’s scrunched nose, I’ll take that as a yes. “In that case, I think you should ask.”

A laugh bursts out of me as he shoves me lightly before hitching his shoulder under my stomach and picking me up in a firefighter’s lift.

A super-masculine squeal escapes me through my snorts of laughter.

“Your head.” I tap his ass. Damn, he has a good ass. His glutes are something to be worshipped.

“Is fine,” he shouts, walking toward the house.

“This is the best view I’ve had all day.” I squeeze his cheeks for good measure. His glutes tighten in response.

“If that’s the case, you can keep your hands on them when you’re sucking me off. My gift to you.”

My laughter is loud and infectious. I love it when he’s like this. Quick and sassy and ridiculously sexy. And that he’s carrying me with such ease is pretty damn hot too. We honestly don’t do enough of that—me climbing him like a tree, letting him pick me up while he fucks me against a wall.

We need to fix that.

“Whatever you’re thinking, yes.” He smacks my ass, and I grunt and jerk against him.

My hardening dick presses against him. Now it makes sense how he knows I’m horny. To be fair, it’s not like I ever try to hide how he makes me feel.

We enter the house and head straight up the stairs. Kieran offers me an up-nod and a smile, Dean grinning beside him. Leon’s in the kitchen doorway, shooting me a smirk and a wink.

This right here is how I want to end all my days.

Okay, not necessarily exactly like this, but it definitely has merit.

Feeling loved and safe while loving with my whole damn heart.

And my friends…. This may be our last year together—just four more months of living in each other’s pockets—but they’re family. Even when we’re scattered all over the country, they’ll never feel that far away because I know with just a call, they’ll have my back.

And damn straight I’ll always have theirs.

Bentley, this fierce, gorgeous, caring man who I somehow convinced to be mine, drops me on the bed and grins down at me. The heat in his gaze is all for me. It’s pure fire and love, and I don’t plan to be without it ever.

“You ever wonder why everything’s so easy between us?”

His lips curve, fingers nimble on my shirt buttons as he says, “Because, babe, we’re easy, schmeasy!” He chuckles, eyes sparkling with mischief as he pops open another button. “We’re like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and cream?—”

“Sushi and apple pie?” For real, they’re an epic combo. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

A fond smile forms. “—or sushi and apple pie… just meant to be together. No need to overthink it.”

So I don’t. Thinking is the last thing I want to do.

Tomorrow, the only thing that matters is us, our future together.

With a breathy sigh, I lift my ass as he unwraps me like the gift I absolutely am. Once he has, I’ll make good on yesterday’s promise and let him take me in whatever sinful ways he wants to.