Page 299 of Power Play

“No. She hadn’t.”

Everyone knew the story behind my nickname. Most people believed it came from how I played—the speed, violence, and way I cut through a defense before anyone recognized the opening.

A few people knew the name existed before hockey, back when I learned that the cleanest way out of anything was to sever it before it dragged me under.

Charm knew the name. She had never understood the man who earned it.

“I told her I was done, and then I told her to get the fuck out.” The Spanish tore from my throat again, every word carrying the same pain it had inside my apartment. “Vete. Ya terminé contigo. Sal de mi vida, de mi corazón y de mi puta alma. Me mataste. Ahora déjame descansar sin tu recuerdo.”

Cade lowered his voice. “What the fuck does that mean?”

I didn’t know whether he asked me or Briggs, but Briggs answered in a tone I had never heard from him before. His voice sounded sad and hollow, and I hoped the same depth had reached Charm even if she hadn’t understood every word.

“Leave. I’m done with you. Get out of my life, my heart, and my fucking soul. You killed me. Now let me rest without your memory.”

All three of them cursed.

“And now?” Cade asked.

“Now I drive to Flint.”

“That isn’t what I meant.”

“It’s the only answer I have.”

The tires continued humming beneath me. Mile markers appeared inside my headlights and disappeared behind the truck, each one putting more distance between Charm and me.

None of it helped.

She remained lodged beneath my ribs, crying in the hallway.

“I don’t want anyone bringing her to Flint.”

Cade didn’t answer immediately.

“I mean it.”

“She may come on her own.”

“Then don’t help her.”

“What happens if she does?”

“I don’t know, but she isn’t staying with me.”

“What about the cabins?”

“They’re paid for. Everyone can use them.”

“You booked those cabins.”

“For everybody.”

“For Charm,” Bliss said softly.

I swallowed against the pressure in my throat. “Not anymore.”

“What about Saturday?” Cade asked.