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And with every word, he flips my life upside down.

TWO

Nick

“No. This is a joke, right?” I laugh humorlessly, glancing at my brothers for backup.

They’re just as shocked as I am. This means they didn’t know about it either.

“Dad, we run the most successful company in the fucking country. We’re expanding in London too. We don’t need to resort to this just because some competitors are trying to grow. Nobody can surpass us.”

We’re all at home because Mom and Dad “felt the need” to have us for dinner—you know, “to catch up.” Now, my siblings and I realize that was just a bullshit excuse to drag us here and flip my life upside down.

Yeah, apparently only mine. Because I’m the most famous, the most visible under the public’s microscope.

But it’s not my fault. I’m a hockey player and a businessman. Every time I step foot somewhere, even if I do nothing to attract this kind of attention, I’m plastered across newspapers and online articles.

When I’m out with my colleagues, my brothers, or friends, a lot of my nights end with a woman on my arm, never the same one. This is how I like to live.

I’m happy and at peace this way. I’m honest with them from the start. They all know it’s just sex and, after the action is over, I call them a cab and they’re gone before I return from the bathroom. I don’t do this love bullshit, I’m not made for it.

“As funny as it is to see Nick scared for his life,” Ethan says, pulling me from my thoughts and laughing at my shocked expression, “neither we nor they need this merger. I mean, the company is split in two only for business purposes, but in the end, we’re already one. Why do we even need a marriage between us to consolidate our image?”

“Boys, the company needs a more serious image. Right now, it’s run by nine kids, all single. And eight of them are men who work all day and have sex with a new woman every other night.” Mom tucks her hair behind her ear and smiles, eyes twinkling.

“Jesus, Mom. We’re not kids anymore. No need to discuss our private lives,” Ryan says. “We can live however we want. We won’t let what the media writes dictate us. Plus, Nick is a hockey star, it’s obvious he’ll always be the center of attention. So why should he be the one to make this sacrifice?”

In this moment, I’m grateful for all my siblings because I know they’ve always got my back.

“Because his private life is a circus show every time he’s out, and because we think Sierra and him will make a good couple…” Mom begins, but I cut her off.

“Mom, you can’t talk about me and Sierra as a couple.” I start to stand, ready to walk off to show them how serious I am, but my dad will not let this fucking conversation die.

“Sons, the other companies are managed by people twice your age or as young as you are, but with families of their own. Married. With kids. Meanwhile, you nine work hard and party just as hard.” He points at each one of us. “I’m not saying that’s bad, but we need a more mature image if we want to keep our position and prosper. We don’t want mergers with other businesses, so Sierra being the only woman, it has to be her who marries one of you.” Dad glares at us and continues. „And based on your private lives, Nick is the first one who needs to slow down with parties and women,” my father says, his expression unreadable.

“Fuck,” I shout and Mom yells “Language,” but I ignore her. “I don’t even know Sierra very well. I didn’t see her in ten years. And now I’m expected to marry her? Only because ‘we need to become more serious?’ What am I supposed to do, become a husband and stay at home with my wife every free day I have?”

Frustrated, I run a hand through my hair and sigh.

“I play hockey, I travel almost all the time, and spend the rest in the office. When do I even have time to be a husband? And have any of you considered that I don’t want to be married?”

Everyone goes silent so long I think my questions won’t be answered. But after what feels like two hours, though it’s only five minutes, Dad speaks.

“Nick, I want you to know I’m very proud of you. I’m proud of all of you. I could never want anything more than what we have. I’m happy we’re so close, that we love and respect each other. Your mother and I are blessed to have you as our children and we hope you feel the same about us.”

He takes my mom’s hand and kisses it.

“As you already know, Matthew and Maya met in high school, fell in love and have been together ever since. Our story, your mother’s and mine, is the complete opposite. We have been forced to get married by our parents and the first time we saw each other was on our wedding day. I understand you think that was a bad idea that could destroy our lives—because that’s how we saw it too, but it wasn’t. We started this marriage as enemies,” he says, laughing and watching my mom with an expression filled with adoration, the one he uses only for her, “but we became lovers. She’s the love of my life. The best thing that ever happened to me. And I sure as hell hope I’m the love of hers. Sweetheart?”

“Oh, please. You only want to hear for the thousandth time today that I love you.”

She rolls her eyes, but I see the happy smile on her lips. “Kids, what your father said is the truth, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I fell in love with him after our marriage, but it was a beautiful journey.”

Her eyes soften even more when she looks at me. “Nick, I know Sierra was like a sister to you back when you were kids, but it was many years ago. She’s a stunning woman now, and we believe you two would be a powerful couple.”

No. I’ve never looked at Sierra brotherly and that’s the first fucking problem.

The thought of her takes my breath away. She was always the one I wanted, but couldn’t have.