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daeniradraconis · 1 month ago

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The Game We Play - C2.

Author’s Note:

First off, a huge thank you to everyone who’s interacted with my story—liked, commented, or just read along. I appreciate every single one of you!Now, warning… I may or may not have a few more stories in the works with different players and characters. I’ve got a ton of ideas floating around, and after I finish Willy and Odette’s story, I’m definitely planning to build a whole series. Stay tuned for more drama and hockey!I hope you all had an amazing holiday! But if it was more "family drama" than "festive cheer," don’t worry, you're not alone. Good luck with the recovery process—I believe in you. 😅As for the tension between Odette and William, it’s definitely building (slow burn vibes, right?), but get ready for some major plot twists in the next chapter. I may have had a little too much wine during Christmas dinner when I came up with the idea... but honestly? I loved it so much, I just had to include it. Hope you will enjoy it as much as I did when I had that slightly tipsy moment of brilliance. 😂

Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope you enjoy this next part of the story! Make sure to check out Chapter 1 first before diving into this one.

Odette's fingers trembled as she rubbed a small lavender sachet between her palms, the calming scent rising to meet her nose. Lavender had always been her anchor. Her grandmother had sworn by herbs and home remedies, and Odette had inherited that belief. Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, sage—these simple, natural remedies were her lifelines in moments of stress. Quinn used to call her “cuckoo bananas” for it, but she didn’t mind. She swore by it. These things worked.

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered to herself, tipping her head back against the seat of her old Volvo. The lavender did little to calm the jittery energy buzzing inside her. Her mind raced as she parked outside the Ford Performance Centre.

She ran a hand through her wild blonde hair, the curls sticking out at every angle—a clear sign that she hadn’t had time for her usual morning routine. Luc, her mischievous dog, had managed to tear apart two pillows during the night, leaving a feathery mess in the living room. Not exactly the ideal start to her first day on a new job.

Focus, Odette reminded herself. You’ve done this before. You can handle this.

Grabbing her bag, she slipped the sachet back inside and stepped out into the cold, sharp Toronto air, which bit at her cheeks. Her boots crunched against the frost-covered gravel as she headed toward the entrance. She adjusted her scarf, trying to shake off the nervous energy, and stepped inside.

The lobby buzzed with activity. People rushed in all directions, clipboards and laptops in hand, huddled in small groups or walking briskly toward the elevators. The sound of footsteps on the polished floor echoed, and despite the professional atmosphere, there was a palpable sense of urgency—a buzz of productivity and ambition.

“Odette Beaumont?”

The voice cut through her thoughts, and she turned to see a woman standing in front of her. She had long, dark blonde hair and an effortlessly stylish outfit—flared pants, an oversized cardigan, and big golden earrings that caught the light. The boho-chic look seemed mismatched in a way that worked. She looked about Odette’s age, and her warm smile made Odette feel instantly at ease as she extended her hand.

“Hi, I’m Rebecca,” she said, her voice soft and deep, a surprising contrast to her cheerful appearance. “Social media. Mandy asked me to show you around since she’s tied up with meetings.”

Odette shook her hand, feeling an unexpected warmth from Rebecca’s touch. “Thanks. This is... a lot.”

Rebecca grinned. “Tell me about it. First days are always overwhelming. I’ll keep it easy, though. Don’t worry about it.”

Odette chuckled. “I could use a bit of ‘easy’ today.”

Rebecca’s smile softened in understanding. “I’ve been there.” She motioned for Odette to follow. “Come on, I’ll give you the quick tour.”

The tour was a blur of new faces and names, constant movement. There was Tom, the scruffy guy who clearly didn’t care much about appearances but had a quick wit. When Odette asked how long he had been with the team, he scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.

“Not long,” he said with a wink. “I’m mostly here for comic relief.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s a great writer. The sarcasm just happens to be top-notch.”

As Rebecca led Odette through the office, introducing her to various team members, they passed the marketing team’s desks. Odette’s gaze landed on a woman with sleek black hair, pale skin, and delicate features that made her look almost ethereal. She was striking—like Snow White come to life—but her icy demeanor matched her appearance. When the woman’s eyes flicked over to Odette, it was a cold, disapproving glance that sent a chill down her spine. With a flick of her gaze, she returned to her work, lips curling into a faint frown. The brief interaction left a cool tension in the air, her icy stare lingering long after they’d passed.

Rebecca gave a soft knock on Mandy’s office door before guiding Odette inside.

Mandy’s presence was magnetic—she commanded attention effortlessly. Dark curls framed her face, and her bright brown eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. She immediately pulled Odette into a warm hug, squeezing her tight before releasing her with a beaming smile.

“We’re so excited to have you with us,” Mandy said, her smile wide and genuine. “Let’s get you all settled today, and then we’ll sit down later this week to go over everything in detail.”

“That sounds perfect,” Odette said, finally feeling a bit of the tension in her chest ease.

The afternoon passed in a blur of introductions, trying to get a feel for the new space. By lunchtime, Odette found herself in the cafeteria, eyeing the menu. A protein-packed dessert was the most appealing option, so she piled it onto her tray and reluctantly grabbed a small serving of greens—more for balance than anything else.

As she made her way to the seating area, her phone buzzed. It was Quinn. She slid into an empty seat by the window, answering, eager to hear his calming voice.

“Quinn! I’m surviving, but barely,” she said, letting out a dramatic sigh.

“You’re a tough cookie, Odie,” Quinn replied, his voice soothing. “Just breathe. You’re gonna be fine.”

“Sure,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “That’s what everyone says. I need caffeine to survive this day... and maybe a little tequila later to celebrate.”

“Tequila? Really?” Quinn’s voice was incredulous. “You’ve got to keep it clean. No more sugary stuff. Your body’s a temple, remember?”

Odette snorted. “Your temple diet doesn’t work for me, Quinn. I need my sugar. Besides, you wouldn’t understand. It’s like you live on air and protein powder.”

“Well, protein powder does wonders,” he teased. “But seriously, how’s the first day? How are the people?”

“Let’s just say I’ve already been side-eyed by someone who looks like the reincarnation of Snow White. And there’s a guy who thinks he’s a comedian,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Should be fun, right?”

“You’ll be fine. Just take it easy, Odie.”

Odette was about to say something more when she noticed a group of players entering the cafeteria. William Nylander led the way, with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner following closely behind. Odette’s heart skipped a beat as her eyes locked with William’s. His gaze widened in surprise, clearly not expecting to see her here. The heat in her chest surged as their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

William froze, then quickly glanced back at Auston and Mitch, muttering something under his breath. His teammates exchanged confused glances before returning their attention to him. Odette took a moment to study them, noting the subtle dynamic between the three. William, tall and confident, walked with an easy, assured stride, almost like a leader. Auston, with his more laid-back presence, followed a step behind but was still very much part of the group. Mitch, as usual, was the one to stir the pot, his grin wide and mischievous.

A beat passed, and then, almost as if on cue, the three of them made their way over to Odette’s table, William leading the charge.

She tried to calm the flutter in her stomach, but it was difficult to ignore the growing tension. She continued her conversation with Quinn, but Mitch’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Quinn Hughes?” Mitch asked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at her phone. “Is that who you’re talking to?” he asked, catching the tail end of her conversation with Quinn.

Odette scrambled to end the call before they reached her, fumbling as she tried to say goodbye. Her fingers felt clumsy as she struggled to hang up.

Before she could manage, Mitch reached over, snatching the phone out of her hand with a grin. “Hey, Quinn. How’s it going?” he said, holding the phone up like a trophy. “Ohh, boring. You guys just voice-called each other? What, no video? What a bunch of boomers.”

Odette quickly snatched the phone back, cheeks burning. “Bye, Quinn. I’ll talk to you later,” she muttered, hastily ending the call before Mitch could tease her more. Quinn’s laughter echoed in the background as she cut the connection.

William’s voice was low and smooth, his gaze fixed on her with a playful, almost predatory glint. “Well, well, Odette. What are you doing here?” His tone was light, but there was a subtle undercurrent to it that made her heart skip again.

Odette's pulse quickened, her breath catching in her throat for just a second. “Hello, William. I didn’t think I’d see you today.”

Auston and Mitch exchanged surprised glances. “Wait, you two know each other?” Auston asked, his curiosity piqued. Mitch leaned in, raising an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face.

Odette gave a casual shrug, trying to stay cool but feeling her cheeks flush. “Yeah, William helped me track down my dog when he decided to run off a few days ago. We’re neighbors.” She turned to William with a teasing smile. “Though, it’s been a little while since... well, we last saw each other.”

William’s grin deepened, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Yeah, about five days. But who’s counting?” His voice dropped just a little, as if the space between them had shrunk. “Didn’t expect to see you here. What brings you to the Ford Performance Centre?”

Odette shrugged, doing her best to act nonchalant. “Starting a new gig. Mandy asked me to come in today. I’m the new team photographer.”

Auston’s interest piqued. “Oh, so you’re working with us now? That’s pretty cool. Didn’t realize they were hiring a photographer.”

“Yep,” Odette replied with a grin. “Guess I’m officially part of the behind-the-scenes crew now.”

Mitch gave her a thumbs-up, clearly amused. “Nice! We need someone to keep track of all our shenanigans.”

William’s grin didn’t falter, but his voice had a playful edge. “No pressure, huh? Just don’t mess up those photos of us.”

Odette took a bite of her protein dessert, trying to keep it together. “No promises, but I’ll do my best. I’m here to make you guys look good in those photos.”

William’s smile shifted, clearly enjoying the banter. “You say that like I’m the problem,” he teased, leaning in slightly closer. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll make us look like superstars.”

Odette raised an eyebrow. “I’ll try my best, but no promises. I’m just here to make sure you don’t look too ridiculous.”

Auston chuckled. “Probably for the best. Some of us need all the help we can get.” He nudged Mitch, who pretended to be offended but couldn’t stop grinning.

Odette laughed. “You guys are a mess, huh?”

Mitch’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “You have no idea. But that’s why we need someone like you around. We’ll keep you on your toes.”

William, who had been watching her closely, shifted in his seat. There was something about the way he looked at her, like he was trying to read her—maybe even a little too closely. It made Odette squirm, but not in a bad way. There was a certain intensity in his gaze that made her wonder if he was more than just the easygoing player he appeared to be.

“How’s the transition been?” William asked, his voice softer now, but still carrying that smooth, almost teasing quality. “From ‘just a dog owner’ to working with a bunch of hockey players?”

Odette raised an eyebrow. “It’s been interesting so far. But I think I can handle a few hockey players. I’ve worked with Formula 1 drivers before, and I survived that. You guys are just people, right?”

Auston grinned. “That’s what they all think. Wait until you get to know us. We’ve got... quirks.”

“And we’re way cooler than those drivers,” Mitch added with a grin. “But, uh, don’t mention that to Lando.” He quickly regretted it, realizing he’d said too much.

Odette smiled at Mitch’s sudden nervous shift. She could see why Mitch and Lando were probably good friends—both were a menace to society, in the best possible way.

“Quirks, huh?” Odette said with a quiet laugh. “Not sure whether to be excited or terrified.”

William’s smile softened as his gaze lingered on her, his tone suddenly more sincere. “You’ll be fine. We’re not as bad as you think. Though we’ve got a couple of guys who might make you rethink that.”

Mitch winked. “One of them lives off protein bars and weird smoothies. Don’t ask how he does it.”

Auston joined in. “And there’s the guy who eats the same thing every day. He’s either dedicated or insane.”

Odette’s eyes flicked to Mitch, noticing the glance he exchanged with Auston. These guys weren’t as good at hiding their intentions as they thought. She grinned.

“Well, as long as no one’s eating raw fish at 10 a.m., I think I’ll survive,” she joked.

William raised an eyebrow, the playful grin on his face turning more mischievous. “Oh, don’t tempt us. You’ll see for yourself soon enough. But hey, now that you’re part of the crew, you’ll probably get invited to the next team lunch. Full experience.”

Odette’s eyebrows shot up. “Team lunch?”

Mitch grinned. “Oh yeah. Team bonding. Once a month. But fair warning—it usually ends with a heated debate over the best pizza topping.”

William leaned in just a little closer, and for a moment, the air around them seemed to crackle with something unspoken. His cologne—cedarwood and mahogany—wrapped around her senses, and she almost forgot how to breathe. He wasn’t just close; he was intentional.

“You should come,” he said, his voice low and inviting. “It’s a blast. Just be ready for some strong opinions on food.”

Odette smiled, trying to keep her composure despite the warmth spreading through her. “Alright, I’ll take you up on that. But just so we’re clear, I will die on the ‘Hawaiian pizza’ hill. And I’ll bring my own snacks, just in case.”

Auston nodded. “Smart move.” Meanwhile, both William and Mitch made faces of disgust.

Mitch grinned. “We’ll see if we can convince you to abandon that opinion. Give it a few weeks.”

Odette laughed, but then the atmosphere shifted again. She felt William’s gaze on her, more intense than before, as if he were studying her a little too closely. The thought lingered in her mind as the conversation continued, but she couldn’t quite figure out if she liked or disliked the feeling. There was something about William Nylander that made her wonder if there was more to him than just a hockey player. //// One week later, Odette adjusted her new Sony camera, testing the focus on the players gliding across the rink. The sharp click of the shutter blended with the dull hum of skates slicing the ice and the occasional barked instruction from the coach. It had been a week since practice and the chaos with Mitch, and the team dynamics were settling into something more familiar to Odette. She was seated on a folding chair next to Rebecca, whose casual commentary was quickly becoming one of Odette's favorite parts of the day.

“This lens is a dream,” Odette murmured, snapping a candid shot of a player mid-pass.

Rebecca chuckled, leaning back in her seat. “Wait until the guys start noticing you taking pictures. Mitch will probably start posing like a Vogue model.”

Odette snorted, adjusting the settings on her camera. “Sounds like fun. Do I get to charge extra for dealing with that kind of chaos?”

Rebecca tilted her head, a sly grin on her face. “Oh, trust me, if you survive Mitch, you’ll survive anything. The guy’s a human golden retriever with ADHD.”

Odette lowered the camera for a moment, laughing. “I can see that. What about you, though? How’d you end up in all this?”

Rebecca shrugged, resting her elbows on her knees. “Oh, the usual. Grew up in Toronto, played hockey as a kid, loved it but was... let’s say, aggressively mediocre. Eventually figured if I couldn’t be on the ice, I’d work around it. Social media came naturally, and here I am. How about you?”

“Well,” Odette began, “I’ve known Quinn Hughes for a while now—met him during an art event. We kept in touch, and when I mentioned I was looking for a new challenge, he made a few calls. One thing led to another, and here I am.”

Rebecca froze for a second, her expression shifting into something that looked oddly like shyness. “Quinn Hughes? Like... the Quinn Hughes?”

Odette raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at her lips. “Yeah. Why?”

Rebecca flushed slightly, which surprised Odette. Rebecca always seemed so self-assured, like nothing could rattle her. “I mean, I’m just...a fan. He’s incredible. On the ice, I mean. The way he moves, his vision...it’s unreal.”

Odette couldn’t help but smirk. “You sound like you’ve got a bit of a crush there, Rebecca.”

Rebecca’s eyes widened, and she quickly waved a hand. “Oh, no, it’s not like that! I mean, okay, maybe a little, but it’s just...ugh, it’s weird, isn’t it? I can talk to anyone—players, coaches, executives—but when it comes to Quinn Hughes, my brain just...short-circuits.”

Odette laughed, thoroughly enjoying Rebecca’s rare moment of awkwardness. “I think it’s cute. You’re usually so confident—nice to know you’re human.”

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Rebecca muttered, though the corner of her mouth twitched with amusement. “Anyway, back to you. What’s Quinn like as a person?”

“Honestly?” Odette said, lowering her camera for a moment. “He’s great. Down-to-earth, a little quiet, but super funny when he opens up. He’s been a good friend.”

Rebecca sighed. “Of course, he’s perfect. Figures.”

Their conversation shifted naturally after that, flowing into more casual topics until Odette leaned closer, lowering her voice slightly. “Hey, was it just me, or did the office feel a little...tense this morning?”

Rebecca hesitated, then leaned in conspiratorially. “Well, there was a bit of drama. PR’s been working overtime this week because Auston had a...situation.”

Odette raised an eyebrow. “A situation?”

Rebecca nodded, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Apparently, some girl from Germany filed a claim against him for sexual misconduct. It’s not true—total cultural misunderstanding. Auston’s mom is Mexican, and you know how he leans into that whole ‘Papi’ persona. He just flirted a little too hard, and it didn’t translate well. The media caught wind of it, though, and now everyone’s in damage control mode.”

Odette frowned. “Yikes. That sounds like a mess.”

“Yeah, it is,” Rebecca admitted. “But honestly, the claim won’t hold up. The girl’s already walked back most of her statement. Still, you know how these things go—the court of public opinion is brutal.”

Odette nodded thoughtfully. “No wonder everyone looked like they’d had a bad cup of coffee this morning.”

Rebecca chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Hockey might look all wholesome and apple pie on the outside, but behind the scenes, it’s just like any other workplace. Drama, gossip, and the occasional dumpster fire.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the sharp whistle of the coach signaling the end of practice. Odette’s camera was already up, capturing the players as they began to shuffle off the ice. She couldn’t help but notice William lingering near the boards, his gaze fixed on her.

When their eyes met, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, subtle but unmistakable. Odette felt a faint blush creeping up her neck and quickly turned her attention back to her camera.

“Someone’s watching you,” Rebecca teased, her voice laced with amusement.

“Don’t,” Odette muttered, her tone half-warning, half-pleading.

Rebecca laughed softly. “Relax, I’m just saying. He’s cute, though, right?”

Odette took another photo, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. “Doesn’t matter. We’re colleagues. Besides, the Leafs don’t need another PR disaster right now.”

“True,” Rebecca agreed with a grin. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, does it?”

Odette rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a reluctant smile. As the players left the rink, William cast one last glance her way, his smirk widening as if he’d heard every word of their conversation.

Odette sighed, snapping her camera shut. “Trouble,” she muttered under her breath, already bracing herself for whatever came next.

Odette slung her bag over her shoulder and stepped into the crisp evening air. The practice had been exhausting to watch—and photograph—but also strangely exhilarating. She felt like she was beginning to find her place, slowly but surely.

As she walked toward her car in the nearly empty lot, her mind buzzed with thoughts of the day. She threw her bag into the passenger seat, slid into the driver’s side, and turned the key. The engine sputtered, coughed, and then...nothing.

“Great,” she muttered, turning the key again with the same result. She let her forehead rest on the steering wheel, debating her next move.

A light knock on the driver’s side window startled her. She turned her head sharply to see William standing outside, his hair slightly damp from a post-practice shower. He was leaning down just enough for her to catch the hint of a smirk on his lips, the kind that sent an involuntary jolt through her chest.

She rolled down the window, feeling suddenly exposed under his gaze. “Car troubles?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

“Yeah, seems like it,” Odette replied, trying to sound casual and failing. “It’s probably the battery, but I can’t deal with this right now.”

William leaned on the doorframe, his forearms flexing just enough to be distracting. “Do you want to come home by train? I’m heading that way, and...well, you don’t know the city yet, right?”

Odette hesitated, her mind racing. She wasn’t sure what made her more nervous—the thought of navigating the public transit system on her own or spending the next however-many minutes in close quarters with William Nylander.

But then she sighed. “Yeah, okay. Thanks. Let me just grab my stuff.”

A few minutes later, they were walking toward the train station. The night air was cool, and Odette tried to focus on the sound of their footsteps rather than the magnetic pull she felt every time William walked just a little too close.

The train ride started out light—small talk and easy jokes. But it didn’t take long for the conversation to deepen, the space between them feeling both too wide and too narrow at the same time.

“I miss my family a lot,” William admitted, staring out the window at the passing lights. “They’re back in Sweden. My siblings, my parents—it’s hard being away from them. Sometimes, I feel like I’m missing everything.”

Odette nodded, her heart clenching at the softness in his voice. But she couldn’t offer the same sentiment. “I wouldn’t know what that’s like,” she said quietly, her fingers twisting in her lap. “I don’t really...have a family to miss.”

William turned his gaze to her, his brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”

“It’s complicated,” she said, her voice tight. “But let’s just say my mother isn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type.” She looked away, hoping he wouldn’t press further.

William seemed to sense the weight of her words and let the silence linger for a moment before shifting the conversation. “So what do you do when you’re not taking pictures of hockey players?”

Odette was grateful for the change in subject. Her face brightened as she said, “I’m really into herbs and homemade medicine. Like tinctures, salves, teas—all that stuff.”

William raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Herbs? Really?”

“Yes! It’s fascinating,” she said, leaning forward a little. “Did you know chamomile can help with anxiety? And lavender is great for burns? Or that thyme has natural antibacterial properties?”

William’s chuckle was deep and warm. “You’re really into this, huh?”

“I am,” she admitted, laughing. “There’s something so grounding about it. It’s like connecting with this ancient knowledge that people used to rely on.”

William’s smile softened. “You’re kind of adorable when you talk about this. Like, your eyes light up, and you get this little crease in your forehead when you’re explaining stuff.”

Odette’s laughter faltered, her cheeks warming. “Don’t make fun of me,” she said, her voice quieter now.

“I’m not,” he said, his tone suddenly serious. “It’s...nice, seeing you like this.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them shifted. His gaze dropped, almost imperceptibly, to her lips before snapping back up to her eyes. The train rocked slightly as it sped along the tracks, but Odette barely noticed. She felt caught in the intensity of his stare, her heart pounding in her chest.

“So,” she said, breaking the tension with an awkward laugh. “Do you have any random hobbies I should know about?”

William leaned back in his seat, the corner of his mouth twitching again. “Hobbies? Not really. Hockey takes up most of my time.” His eyes flicked to her again, this time slower, more deliberate. “But I guess I like figuring people out. What makes them tick.”

Odette swallowed hard, feeling like the target of some unspoken challenge. She looked down, desperate to calm the heat creeping up her neck.

When they finally reached their stop, Odette wasn’t sure whether she was relieved or disappointed. The cool night air hit her as they stepped off the train and walked toward their building.

They paused at the entrance, standing closer than they needed to in the dim light. Odette could feel the tension humming between them, as if the entire evening had been building to this moment.

“Well,” Odette said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thanks for...uh, rescuing me.”

William’s smirk softened into something warmer, his eyes scanning her face. “Anytime.” He shifted slightly closer, his voice dropping. “You’re really something, you know that?”

Odette felt her breath hitch. He was so close now, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him. For a moment, she thought he might close the gap completely. She could see it in the way his jaw tightened, the way his eyes dropped to her lips again, lingered there.

But before he could move, Odette stepped back, her pulse racing. “I—I should go,” she stammered, fumbling for her bag.

William held her gaze for a beat longer, his expression unreadable. “Goodnight, Odette,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble.

With a sharp breath, she turned and hurried to her own door, just a few steps away.Each step felt like she was trying to outrun something—not William exactly, but the way he’d made her feel. By the time she reached her door, her hands trembled as she fumbled with the keys, the cool metal slipping through her fingers before she managed to push the door open.

Luc was there instantly, his tail wagging and his paws clicking on the floor as he greeted her. His icy blue eyes locked onto hers, his head tilting slightly, and Odette could swear he was studying her.

“Hey, boy,” she said, crouching down to scratch behind his ears. Her voice wavered as she added, “Don’t give me that look. It’s not what you think.”

Luc huffed, leaning back as his tail slowed. His expression was almost human—half judgment, half concern.

“Oh, come on,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “Nothing happened. Nothing’s going to happen.” Her tone sharpened at the end, as if trying to convince herself more than him.

Luc didn’t buy it. He let out a low grunt and plopped down beside her, staring up with those piercing eyes that always seemed to see right through her.

Odette sighed and flopped onto the couch, dragging a pillow into her lap as she kicked off her shoes. She leaned back, staring at the ceiling, but the evening played out behind her closed eyes in frustrating detail. The train ride. William’s easy laugh. The way his voice dropped when he talked about his family, the vulnerability in his words that made her chest ache.

Then there was the way his eyes had lingered at the door. How the air had grown so thick between them she could hardly breathe. For a moment, she’d thought he might kiss her, and for an even more fleeting moment, she’d wondered what it would feel like.

Her stomach twisted, and her hand clenched around the pillow. No. This wasn’t happening. She couldn’t let it happen.

William was kind and charming and way too good at making her feel safe—an illusion she couldn’t afford to buy into again. She hadn’t let herself go there since...

She sat up abruptly, shaking her head as if to physically dislodge the thought. It wasn’t worth dredging up. Not now.

Luc nudged her knee with his nose, pulling her attention back to him. His gaze was steady, questioning.

“I’m fine,” she said, forcing a smile. “Really. It’s just...complicated.”

Luc didn’t move, his eyes sharp and unyielding.

“Okay, fine,” she muttered, slumping back against the couch. “It’s not complicated. It’s impossible. I can’t...” She trailed off, her throat tightening. She couldn’t go there. Not with William. Not with anyone.

Luc let out a soft whine and rested his head on her leg, his warmth grounding her. She stroked his fur absently, her thoughts racing.

Something about William made her want to let her guard down, and that terrified her. She couldn’t afford to feel this way about anyone, not after...

She stopped herself again, exhaling sharply. This wasn’t about the past. It was about keeping the walls up, staying in control.

Because she’d learned the hard way what happened when she didn’t.

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