The Game

Copyright © 2022 by Vi Keeland All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. The Game Edited by: Jessica Royer Ocken Proofreading by: Elaine York/Allusion Publishing, Julia Griffins Cover Model: Nicky John White Photographer: Marq Mendez Cover designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative Formatting: Elaine York, Allusion Publishing TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Epilogue Newsletter SIgnup Acknowledgements Other Books by Vi Keeland About the Author “IN THE END… We only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.” ― Lewis Carroll CHAPTER 1 BELLA “I still cannot believe this is all yours…” Miller ducked his head to look out the passenger-side window from the driver’s seat. “It’s not all mine—twenty-five percent is owned by an investment group.” “Whatever. You’re still the queen of that castle. Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” I glanced over at the imposing building. “I love you for offering, but I think this is something I need to do by myself.” “Okay. But I don’t have to be at the office until this afternoon, so if you change your mind, just give me a call.” He winked. “You may need an assistant to go ahead of you into the locker room and make sure all of those sweaty football players are decent before you walk in.” I leaned over and kissed Miller’s cheek with a chuckle. “You’re such a giver. Thank you again for driving me.” I opened the car door and paused, taking a deep breath as I stared at the tremendous arena. Up ahead was a guy wearing a hoodie and carrying what looked like at least a dozen pizza boxes. Miller pointed. “Shouldn’t you go in a different entrance than the delivery people?” “I have no damn idea. But if my lovely siblings have anything to do with it, I’m sure my entrance will lead straight to a dungeon.” “Don’t let those spoiled, rich pricks intimidate you. And straighten your damn glasses. They’re crooked again.” I sighed and pushed my glasses up my nose. “I’ll do my best.” The walk from the parking lot to the entrance of Bruins Stadium felt a lot like walking a gang plank, especially since I knew there were sharks waiting for me inside. When I got close to the door, I noticed a few people milling around with cameras. I wasn’t sure if they were here for me, since I’d had people camped out in front of my apartment again lately, or if maybe they’d come because the players were practicing today. But I lowered my head to avoid eye contact and kept walking until I was safely inside. A security officer stopped me two steps into the building. “Can I help you?” “Ummm, yes. I work here.” “Never saw you before. New?” I nodded. “Today is technically my first day.” He picked up a clipboard. “Name?” “Bella Keating.” He scanned his list and pointed to the X-ray machine a few feet away. “Just like the airport. Cell phones, laptops, and any other electronic devices have to be removed from your bag and run through the machine. When you’re done, wait on the yellow line to be called before walking through the metal detector.” I followed the instructions and set my cell phone in a small round dish before placing my laptop in a larger gray tray. Two more security officers stood talking on the other side of the metal detector while I waited on the yellow line. Up ahead, I watched as the pizza guy with the hoodie stopped to talk to a woman. She twirled her hair and giggled at something he said before he got into the elevator car and disappeared. A few seconds later, the doors to the adjoining car slid open and a young guy wearing a suit walked out. His nose was buried in his phone as he strolled toward security. When he finally looked up, his eyes widened and his casual amble turned to a sprint. I glanced behind me, wondering who he was running for. “Ms. Keating! I’m so sorry I’m late.” He frowned at the two security guards who, until now, had been ignoring me in favor of quoting stats about last weekend’s game, while I waited patiently on the yellow line as instructed. “Excuse me. Do you know who this is that you have waiting?” The guard who had checked my ID shrugged. “Last name’s Keating, right? She’s new here.” Suit Guy put his hands on his hips and shook his head. “And what’s the name of the new owner of the team? The person whose name will be on your next paycheck?” The guard’s eyes grew wide. “Holy crap. You’re Ms. Keating?” I hesitated before nodding. “Yes, I’m Bella Keating.” “I’m very sorry.” He took my elbow and guided me to walk through the metal detector. It buzzed as I passed through, and I stopped, but the guard waved it off. “It’s fine. You don’t need to go through security at all.” The young guy in the suit shook his