Headstrong Quarterback: A New Adult Sports Romance by Ava Catori Page B

agreed.
    I cut in. “It’s not that easy.”
    Kira stared at me like I had two heads. “Why not?”
    “It’s just not. I’m not ready to dig up the past.” I tried to defend my choices, as they were being scrutinized.
    “Digging up the past? That’s what you call it? If he raped you, he raped you. He deserves what happens next.” Her voice s hardened. Kira sighed deeply, then softened a bit. “Listen, I know what it’s like, but you can’t let him win.”
    “It’s not that I don’t want to help, I just don’t think I can,” I said quietly.
    A storm brewed around her. Her mood swiftly changing. “So you’re willing to let Steel fall, without trying to save him?”
    “I didn’t say that,” I quickly defended.
    “You didn’t say you’re stepping up to help him either,” she pointed out.
    “It’s complicated,” I fumbled. “It’s not that I don’t want to help him…”
    She was annoyed. “Look, I don’t know what you went through, but for me, letting go of the shame and taking my power back was huge. I can’t promise it will be easy, but you can’t turn your back on my brother. He stood up for your honor, letting the asshole know what he did was unacceptable. Why would you let your step-brother walk away and take my brother down in the mean time?”
    I looked away. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want Steel to have trouble because of me, but couldn’t a fancy, expensive lawyer fix this mess without me?
    “Steel can’t chance another strike against him,” she said. “After what happened in Seattle, this could destroy him. He’s got a promising future; don’t make him give up his career.”
    Steel stepped back between us. “It will all work out.”
    I looked at the man that broke through my wall. Steel patiently took down brick after brick to reach me. I said what they both needed to hear. “I’ll do it for you.”
    Kira spoke first, “You won’t regret it, I promise. We’ll both stand by your side.”
    I nodded. I was terrified, but I wasn’t alone.
    Digging up the past wouldn’t be easy. It was his word against mine. Things could get ugly.
    I had to at least try. Steel deserved that much. Surely they’d see he was protecting my honor and not some violent criminal. Of course, my step-brother’s lawyers made Steel out to be a monster, somebody who attacked people for no reason.
    After enough give and take, the asshole accepted a settlement; money to buy him off and keep his mouth shut. Steel took the deal to save his career, but thought I should still press charges.
    Without the pressure on him anymore, I decided to let it drop. If I’d been smart and reported it immediately, there would have been proof, proof between my legs, but I didn’t. Now it was only my words, with absolutely no evidence, no prior police report, no nothing - only digging up bones.
    After the case resolved, Kira decided she’d stick around. I’d expected her to turn and head back home, but she was getting comfortable.
    I moved into Steel’s room, since we were sleeping together most nights anyway. Safely tucked in his arms was the only place I wanted to be.
    Kira’s moods shifted. She didn’t like that Steel and I continued to bond. She was fine with it, until the ‘word’ came out. There was no going back.
    I stretched, slowly coming out of my stupor. I rolled over and pulled Steel’s pillow against me. I could still smell his delicious, masculinity on it. I couldn’t get enough of him. I knew I’d fallen for him, but we hadn’t gone there yet. It was unspoken, and who knows what he was feeling. I loved him, but still hadn’t found the courage to tell him. I was afraid he’d think I was moving too fast.
    Kira’s voice raised to a squealed pitch. “How can you love her when you barely know her?”
    “Shh, she’s sleeping,” he said.
    “Have you even told her?” It was obvious she was distressed. “Seriously, Steel, I think you’re jumping the gun here.”
    I sat up, as if