Page 57 of Scarred

“I’ll always have your back,” he says without hesitation. “We all do.”

I nod once and walk away, going straight to my SUV once I leave the building.

I climb in and slam the door harder than necessary, my body frozen behind the wheel as I stare out the windshield.

My head falls back against the headrest as I squeeze my eyes shut tight before my palm slams the wheel, the sharp sound echoing in the confined space.

“Fuck!”

This is the exact thing I was trying to avoid.

Distraction.

Attachment.

The kind of shit that gets people hurt…that gets me hurt.

And tonight it cost me…cost the whole fucking team.

I drag in a slow breath and loosen my grip on the steering wheel.

This ends now—it has to.

Because I know exactly where this leads if it doesn’t, and I can’t afford to lose myself again.

Not for me.

Not for hockey.

Not for Scarlett.

My jaw is rigid as I start the engine.

I need to remember what matters…what comes first.

And right now, my daughter and hockey override anything my body and messed-up mind are trying to drag me into…

Even if it’s already pulling me under.

EIGHTEEN

LUNA

“This is the one,” my sister grins.

“Oh, it’s definitely the one,” Sophia agrees, whistling.

When the girls found out at our Sunday family dinner that I haven’t gotten a dress yet for Miles and Olivia’s wedding this weekend, they immediately took action and set up this shopping excursion.

Or kidnapping…depending on how you look at it.

I had completely forgotten about the wedding, honestly, and would’ve shown up in something from my closet if they hadn’t intervened.

Looking at my reflection, I have to admit I’m glad they insisted I get something new. This dress is already lifting my spirits. The deep green gown hugs my curves, the slit teasing up my leg with the open back dipping low enough to make me feel every bit of a woman.

I feel…confident. Like I’m stepping into a version of myself I haven’t been lately.

“Your eyes in this dress are making a statement,” Emma gushes. “The men at this reception are going to drop to the floor when they see you.”