Page 41 of Defend Her Heart

Finally, Avery nods. “Okay.”

I sag with relief, still not quite believing she agreed to let me take her home. But I refuse to have her repeat herself for fear that she might change her mind.

Sadie and Katie help me get Avery to her feet. I take a step back and let the girls chat with her for a minute. Sadie keeps looking over at me, her brows furrowed as I’m sure she’s making sure Avery is thinking clearly right now.

“You just happened to have an electrolyte packet in your pocket?”

Niko.

I turn to see my best friend eyeing me suspiciously. Shrugging, I huff out a breath. “I keep them everywhere, just in case she needs them.”

Niko shakes his head at me then pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, man. She’s been through enough.”

I grind my teeth, anger seeping through my pores, because Niko knows more about what she’s been through than I do. I try to keep my emotions in check and not lash out at him like I just did Sadie a few moments ago.

“So everyone keeps telling me.”

Okay, so maybe my emotions aren’t all the way in check. I’m frustrated everyone but me seems to know what Avery has been through. I’m angry becauseI’mthe reason no one has told me. I’m concerned that Avery is not getting the tests sheneeds because of fucking money. I don’t know what to do with everything I’m feeling.

Niko squeezes my neck before looping his arm around it, pulling me closer. “I know you want to help her, man. Protecting the people you care about is your MO. Just be careful. I don’t want to see either of you hurt again.”

I whip my head toward him, and a knowing grin spreads across his face. “Don’t think I forgot about the night we won game seven when you were pounding back whiskeys like it was your job.”

My silence is the only confirmation he needs.

Niko breathes out a sigh and then nods to the group of girls who are hugging goodbye. “She’s finally fitting in here. I don’t know what you two have been through because you haven’t told me a damn thing, but I do know you care about her. So just make sure you’re making decisions that you won’t regret later.”

I nod once and then pull Niko into a hug. “Thanks, man. For always having my back.”

He slaps me on the back a few times then pushes me away. “Always, brother. Now, get out of here and get Avery home safely. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I salute my teammates goodbye and then meet Avery where she’s standing near the exit with Sadie.

“If you do anything to upset my girl, so help me god, I will bring my nunchucks out of retirement just for you, Connor.” Sadie reaches up onto her tiptoes but still can’t reach my neck so I lean down and give her a hug.

“I promise to get her home safe. You have my word.”

Sadie hesitates, looking between Avery and me for a quick moment before conceding.

“Fine. But remember, Connor…nunchucks.” And then she turns and makes her way back to the group who are still staring after us.

I shake my head at all of them and turn toward Avery.

“You ready?”

Without a word, she nods and begins walking out of the bar. I open the door for her, keeping my hand just behind her lower back. My fingers are itching to touch her, but I don’t want to push her away, so I keep them hovering a couple inches above her, not daring to make contact.

We walk in silence until we finally make it to my vehicle. I open the passenger door for her and when she doesn’t immediately climb into my truck, I turn to her with concern.

“Are you okay?”

She nibbles her bottom lip, looking at my truck then back to me. I wait impatiently for her to answer, wondering if she changed her mind. I’m about to offer to let Niko drive her when she finally responds.

“As much as I don’t want to ask this…” Her words trail off.

I tilt my head, furrowing my brows, hoping she’ll finish her statement.