Page 78 of Heartless As Puck

“Alec,” I snapped, circling around him and putting myself between him and Austin. “Leave him alone.”

Austin shook his head almost imperceptibly. “He’s right.”

“No, he’s not.” What was it with these men? “I needed you to deal with the people who had to be dealt with, and you have.”

Alec scowled, but he sat and watched us warily.

“How did the meeting go?” I asked, sliding my arm around Austin’s waist.

Austin looked down at me, his glacial eyes thawing several degrees. “Joseph Trent was there too.”

“Oh, no,” I breathed. That couldn’t be good.

“Actually, they were more understanding than I expected.”

I slumped. “Thank God.”

He bit his lip. “They, uh, said they wouldn’t remove my captaincy or penalize me if I do certain things.”

“Like what?” I didn’t like the look in his eyes.

“Nothing. We can discuss it later.”

“Tell me.” When he continued to hesitate, I sighed. “I know I melted down earlier, and I’m still upset, but I’m your partner in this. We can get through it together.”

He watched me carefully. “I have to sign a form swearing not to do it again.”

“And?”

He grimaced. “Get involved with a charity fundraiser to support online privacy.”

I blinked. “That’s not too bad. Why do you look so worried?”

With a rough exhale, he said, “Gus said that we’d both attend, and he wants your family there too.”

“My family,” I repeated dully.

Alec snorted. “You mean the Wright dynasty? The team owner wants us to swoop in and shower you both with approval and remind everyone how much they love Dad and Uncle Wayne while subtly making it obvious that you’re part of us now.”

“We’ll do it,” Mom said quickly, but my chest was already tight, my heart heavy, and tears stung my eyes.

I was so stupid.

Of course he and Gus hadn’t wanted me present for their strategy meeting before heading over to meet with the team’s management. Austin knew how it would make me feel for them to exploit my family connection, yet he’d allowed it to happen anyway.

“I didn’t know he’d offer that,” he said as I disentangled myself from him and stepped back. “I tried to argue.”

“Not very hard, I’d bet,” Alec muttered.

Austin looked down at his shoes, telling me all I needed to know.

“It’s not a big deal.” Dad moved around, so I could see him better, a furrow between his brows. “I never minded doing charity events. I’d be happy to go along. It might even remind me of the old days.”

I rubbed my chest and couldn’t bring myself to meet anyone’s eyes. It might not be a big deal to them, but it was to me. I’d asked Austin why he was interested in me and he’d assured me that it had nothing to do with my parents. How was I supposed to believe that when he involved them the instant it looked like it might benefit him to do so?

Dad put his hand on my shoulder. “Jane. Honey. I know you like being independent, but your mom and I want to help you. We hate seeing you upset. Won’t you let us do what we can?”

I sighed and dabbed at my eyes, hoping no one noticed they were wet. “Fine. Thank you.”