Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 35

BRAYDON’S POV

“What were you thinking?” Katy’s voice rings through my living room as she storms after Justin. I knew she was going to explode at some point, but I didn’t think it’d be this bad or loud.

When Coach gave his final verdict and suspended Justin for the next three games, she’d cried like the world was ending. I figured she’d be too wrecked to yell at him, but clearly I underestimated the fire in her.

“Are you trying to ruin your life?” she snaps again when Justin doesn’t answer.

He sits on my couch like nothing happened, massaging his bruised knuckles and biting his lips. Honestly, the guy looks annoyingly calm for someone who just got benched for three games. Still, I

walk over to the mini–fridge and pull out an ice pack, tossing it to him.

“Thanks, man,” he mutters, pressing it to his hand.

Katy stands in front of him, her hand on her hip, and hair falling out of her messy bun. “You’re seriously not going to say anything?”

Justin shrugs.

I lean against the counter, and stay quiet. I know I should probably butt out because sibling fights are like landmines but it’s hard not to feel for both of them.

Katy’s heart’s breaking because she’s been terrified something like this would happen. And Justin… well, Bryan deserved what he got. He threatened Katy and he crossed a huge line. If it were me, I would have done the same thing Justin did and I wouldn’t have stopped until he couldn’t stand.

I exhale. Looking at the two of them, it’s hard to tell who’s hurting more. Katy’s pacing like she’s about to combust, and Justin’s pretending to be stone cold but his jaw keeps ticking.

“Say something!” Katy yells, stomping her foot.

Justin finally looks up at her, his eyes dark. “What do you want me to say?” He asks. “Sorry? Well, I’m not sorry for what I did. In fact, you should be sorry for trying to hide that bastard’s threat.”

“I wasn’t trying to hide it,” Katy snaps back, her voice trembling. “I didn’t want to tell you because I know you!”

Justin shoots up from the couch, his voice booming. “So how the fuck were you going to handle it, huh? How?”

“Braydon!”

My name comes out, and I freeze. How the hell am I suddenly part of this family feud?

Katy turns toward me, her eyes wet, and finger trembling as she points. “I was going to tell him.”

Wait, what?

My eyes widen, and from the look on Justin’s face, he’s just as shocked. The guy looks like he just saw Santa Claus crawl out of my fridge.

“She was going to tell me?” I mumble, mostly to myself.

I stare at her, and something in my chest tightens. She trusted me enough to want to confide in me? Really? And that should make me feel good… but instead, it scares the shit out of me. Because if Katy trusts me, that means I have the power to disappoint her and that feels like standing on the edge of a cliff.

I step closer, gently wrapping my hand around hers, lowering her pointed finger. “Hey, it’s okay, I whisper. “Your brother is only trying to protect you, Peach.”

Her breath catches. She wipes her tears with the back of her hand and shakes her head stubbornly. “And what about him? Why can’t he protect himself?”

Her voice cracks at the end, and that’s all it takes. Justin’s expression softens, the anger draining from his face. He rakes a hand through his hair, looking more tired than pissed now. Then he glances at me, silently telling me to give them space.

I nod, rest a hand on Katy’s shoulder and give it a light squeeze. “Hey,” I say quietly, “he’s still your family. Don’t let this be the thing that breaks you two, alright?”

She nods, eyes down, and trying to pull herself together.

Only then do I step back, walk to the fridge and grab a can of beer.

“Try not to kill each other while I’m gone,” I mutter. Then I head to my bedroom.

Inside, I flop face–first onto my bed and let out a groan that probably echoes down the hallway. Today’s been wild.

I woke up thinking I’d talk to Katy about what happened at the party and somehow, my best friend ends up suspended for three freaking games. All because of Bryan.

I drag a hand down my face, my jaw tightening. I kept telling myself Katy’s drama with Bryan wasn’t my business. That I just had to stay in my lane and help her with her goals. But after today? Nah. This is personal now. I want that jerk to regret ever messing with her.

A thought hits me at this moment and my eyes widen. The whole reason Katy came up with our fake dating thing was to get back at Bryan. So… now that the guy’s been beat up, does that mean she’s done with our little act?

The thought makes my chest do this stupid zing, and for some reason, I feel anxious as hell.

And no, it’s not because I want to keep pretending to date her. That’d be dumb. I’m in college and there are literally girls who’d jump at the chance to hook up with me. It’s definitely not that I’m desperate for Katy’s attention.

…Okay, maybe I do like having her around. She’s funny, cool, and the way she frowns when she’s explaining something makes me actually pay attention. But that’s not the point. The point is… if she ends the arrangement, I lose my tutor. And I actually need her if I’m going to crush these grades and shut my old man up for good.

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