Page 116 of Defend Her Heart

Finally, Ellie stands and rushes to the two of us.

“Hey, guys.” Her voice is quiet enough that only we can hear. “Everyone was worried about this baseless rumor, but it appears there may be a bit of truth to it?” She raises her eyebrows, looking down to our joined hands and back up again.

“Why is that anyone’s business?”

My voice, on the other hand, echoes off the walls of the giant conference room, gaining the attention of everyone who wasn’t privy to our conversation.

“Because, Connor.” Jerry stands now, his hands on the edge of the table. “We need to know how to protect you if you two need protecting.” He walks to where we’re still standing by the door, and Ellie moves back to her seat next to Lincoln.

“Not only did that ridiculous article get released, but someone called the legal team accusing you of insurance fraud.”

Avery attempts to let go of my hand, but it only makes me grip hers harder. I know exactly who made that call and I refuse to let that piece of shit ruin anything else for her.

“That’s fucking bullshit.”

This time, instead of Jerry, it’s Becky who chimes in. “Well, why don’t you both take a seat so we can clear this up for everyone then. No one is accusing you of anything.”

I huff out a laugh but there’s no humor to this one.

“Sure doesn’t sound that way.”

Lincoln pounds his hand on the table, quieting everyone in the room. “Damn it, Smith. Would you just sit your ass down so we can figure this shit out? We have a game tomorrow we should be focusing on, and I’d rather not deal with bullshit rumors.”

Lincoln rarely gets mad, and even Ellie seems surprised by his outburst. It’s quick but I don’t miss it when she squeezes his hand on the table. Lincoln closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. I just remember when the media leaked my relationship with Ellie and I nearly lost her. I don’t want that to happen to you two.Ifthere is a relationship…”

I look down to Avery to see that she’s already looking at me.

“Come on, Connor. We have nothing to hide, anyway.”

She’s right. I just hate that this is anyone’s fucking business but our own. Keeping a hold of Avery’s hand, we approach the table together. Pulling a chair out for her, I finally let go and she sits down. I slide into the empty seat next to her and immediately take her hand in mine again, resting them on the table so everyone can see thereis, in fact, an us.

I watch as both my coaches clock it and then look at each other. Ellie smiles, and I don’t miss the hint of one trying to make an appearance on Lincoln’s either. Jerry takes his set at the head of the table, but it’s Becky who takes the lead again.

“I’m going to get straight to the point because it’s clear no one really wants to be here.”

Lincoln and I grunt in unison, and Avery kicks my leg under the table. I turn my attention to her and she gives me her bestare you kidding me?look.

“So are you two confirming that you are, in fact, married?”

“Yes,” the two of us say at the same time.

Becky nods and makes a note on the paper in front of her before looking up with a kind smile on her face. “Congratulations.”

Avery thanks her quietly, and Becky continues.

“I apologize in advance for what I’m about to ask, but due to the allegations, I need to be blunt.” We both nod, already anticipating where this is going. “Did you two get married for the sole purpose of insurance benefits?”

I feel Avery shift next to me in her chair, her grip tightening around my hand. Before she can admit the truth, I step in.

“I’ve loved Avery since I was sixteen. Life and my stupid choices may have kept us apart for ten years, but that doesn’t change the fact that she has been the sole owner of my heart ever since.”

Becky tilts her head slightly, and I see Ellie scoot closer to the table, leaning in, enthralled by my confession.

“I promised Avery many years ago that I’d love her for the rest of my life and I finally followed through on that promise. I made it clear not only to her, but in the eyes of the law, that I will love her until the day I die. Quite frankly, that’s all that fucking matters.”

“Connor.” Jerry’s voice is firm when he says my name.