Stand and Defend (Lakes Hockey Series Book 4)

My hands are shaking. I received an email from Bryan this morning with an attached document. It’s the financial funding approval he received to move forward with his offer to purchase the Minnesota Lakes franchise for one-point-one billion.

I’ve grown up around corporate contracts all my life and worked with them at H&H. It’s legit. Bryan’s dad is the billionaire, not Bryan. And I doubt Mr. Davenport would buy a team. That’s not his style. I’m not sure how the hell he managed this, but I have an idea.

I fumble with my phone, loading up a call recording app before I dial his number.

“Miss me?” His voice makes my skin crawl. I noticed the other day his voice was slightly different. He probably had dental work done after Cam knocked his tooth out. Hearing the new whistle-lisp he’s gained is the only silver lining of this phone call.

“No.”

“Well, considering you’re calling me, I’m guessing this has something to do with me becoming the next owner of the Lakes hockey team. Have you told Camden yet? I’d love to tell him myself.”

“How the hell did you even swing this? One-point-one billion?”

“Good investments.”

“I’m sure.” I roll my eyes. “Do you have any idea how volatile NHL franchises are? For your sake, this is a bad purchase.”

“Don’t talk to me like I’m an idiot. We both know I don’t give a fuck, it’s not about the return. If it succeeds, great, if it doesn’t, oh well, it bankrupts. Like you said, so volatile.”

“How do I make this go away?” I ask, gritting my teeth.

“I don’t want money.”

I move closer to the bathroom. I might actually throw up.

“What do you want?” He wants me. I make this go away.

“You.”

Why did I ever get involved with Bryan? How could I not see how unhinged and cruel he is?

“You cheated on me, Bryan—you didn’t even want me when you had me! Why can’t you let us go?”

“Just because I fuck Veronica doesn’t mean I don’t want you. You and I make a strong alliance. We were meant for marriage. It looks good.”

Makes him look good. He means my financial status, being tied to the Landry name.

“What happens if I don’t?”

“I submit the paperwork and get the ball rolling. The finances are in place, all I have to do is sign the dotted line and your fiancé’s career is over. Either way, I win.”

“This is about Camden. It has nothing to do with me.” He makes me sick. “You’re unwell, you know that?”

“I’ve got to go, Jordan. I’ve got a board meeting. Busy, busy,” he quips. Asshole. “Looking forward to hearing your decision.”

“Wait!”

“Yes, dear?”

“If I do this, you’re never going to lay your hands on me again. If you ever slam me into a wall or put your hand on my throat again—” I choke out a sob. “God, Bryan, why are you ruining my life?”

“Aww.”

My nose sniffles. “How do I know you won’t marry me and buy the team?”

“You have my word.”

“You’re joking, right?” I scoff. “If I do this, I want an air-tight contract that you will never purchase any NHL team. Drafted and in my email by the end of the week.”

“Are we done here?”

“No, one more thing.” Now I’ve got the tears going. Sniffles, snot, hoarse vocals, and all. I should get an Academy Award for this. “I get to tell Camden.”

“Deal. You always were a reasonable girl.” He hangs up, and I wipe my face, clearing my eyes. Step one, complete.

There’s a vetting process for owners, so how the fuck did Bryan get a green light? I grab my laptop and start doing some research. The NHL uses one firm to check out prospective owners. Robux & Holt out of NYC—the same firm H&H uses. Fancy that.

Doesn’t matter. He’ll also need approval from the NHL Board of Governors. My father looked into purchasing teams about five years ago. Once he saw the numbers and returns, he decided it was too “hands on” for him. There’s so much more than the game that goes into ownership. It’s all about expanding the business, and a lot of that depends on the value of the team rather than the revenue. It’s a reselling game, and there are too many variables that fluctuate year to year. It’s unstable.

Fuck, I’m angry! I’m running out of time. I’ve been carefully watching his location since he showed up at Cam’s that night. I slam my laptop shut and pace the floor. Then call the one person I said I’d never speak with again. Veronica.

She answers almost immediately, apologizing profusely over and over.

“Jordana? I’m so sorry! Oh my God, I never should have risked our friendship.” I roll my eyes.

“Stop talking.”

Her whining voice trails off. “Are you still mad at me?”

“Veronica, I’m going to marry Bryan. We’re getting back together. And this time, you’re not going to interfere.”

“I th-thought you were marrying his best man? Th-that hockey guy?”

“Bryan has made it clear he still loves me, and we’ve decided to make it work.”

“Oh.”

I sigh. “So here’s what you’re going to do. While I’m ending things with Camden tonight, you’re going to invite Bryan over to your house for dinner and tell him you’re done sleeping together. This is my marriage and this affair you two have is over. Got it?”

“Mm-hm,” she mumbles between sobs. Her remorse sounds genuine.

“Because if you don’t, I will make your life beyond miserable. Do not misunderstand me. You are done being a homewrecker.”

“Okay, okay. Jordana, I’m really sorry. Truly . . . Do you think we could ever go back to the way things were? Would you like to go out for coffee sometime? We could talk about your wedding plans. I still value our friendship.”

“Maybe someday. But I’m not ready yet.”

“Sure . . . I understand.” Her voice is soft.

“Thank you.”

I hang up and wring my hands. This needs to work. Bryan better be ready to have his whole world flipped upside down.

Don’t fuck with the queen.