Page 72

“I suppose, but it is to push you into taking action, to not sit around and wait. For the most part, I have made my life into what I want.”

Without warning, Nico slid away on the bench, putting space between them. Before Bennett could ask where he was going, Nico put his leg up on the metal. “Take off my skates. You have a date with my desk."

Bennett’s shoulders tightened as he reached for the skate laces. This was too risky. They’d be seen, even that high up. “Nico⁠—”

“Do not frown at me, bello. I will keep the lights off and fuck you in the dark. No one will know but us.”

Bennett plucked at the knot, undoing the laces. “That’s a good idea, actually.”

“I know. So, hurry the fuck up.”

CHAPTER 17

He waited until they were at the hotel in Dallas the next night before sending a text to six of his teammates, writing, My room. 1004. Now.

McPherson was the first to arrive. He wore a Reign hoodie and track pants, flip-flops on his overly long feet. “What’s up, Cap?”

“Have a seat.” Bennett pointed to the bed. “We’ll wait for the others.”

“Is it bad? Am I in trouble?” Mac asked as he lowered down onto the mattress.

Maybe, Bennett thought. One of these four had drugged a girl, possibly to render her helpless before sexually assaulting her. And it was time to tackle this head-on. Because it was clear Nico would do anything to get answers, no matter how illegal, and if he found the man first then Bennett might not be able to prevent a murder.

Soon Pence and Taylor arrived. As Pence came in, he hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Bells is right behind us.” Sure enough, Campbell was coming down the corridor, his face drawn and tired.

There were still two more to arrive. Bennett had included Singh and Noah, even though he knew they weren’t responsible. It was only fair to include everyone, especially because Nico had investigated them anyway.

When the six were finally assembled and seated, Bennett sat on the bureau and addressed them. “I know four of you had your places broken into recently.”

“Wait, what?” McPherson looked at the other guys in the room, then back at Bennett. “Who’s place? Mine wasn’t broken into.”

“It was.” Bennett nodded once. “Trust me.”

“Mine wasn’t broken into either,” Pence said.

“It was. They just didn’t take anything.”

“Jesus Christ,” McPherson muttered, rubbing his face.

“Are you sure, Benny?” Noah asked, his eyebrows raised.

Bennett waved his hand. “Yeah, and it doesn’t matter how I know. I only want to talk about why it happened.”

“Do you know who did it?” Campbell asked quickly.

He wasn’t going to answer that yet. “Listen up. There was a girl at The Loop a few weeks ago and she was drugged by a player on the team.”

“Drugged, like roofied?” Taylor asked.

“Yes,” Bennett answered.

Mac was on his feet instantly. “It wasn’t me, I swear!”

“Or me!” Campbell nearly shrieked. “I would fucking never.”

“Shit,” Singh said, his head dropping into his hands. “Cap, come on. You know that I would not do this.”

Bennett sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Sit down, Mac. And look, I don’t want to believe that anyone on the team did it. But there is evidence.”