Mr. Heartbreaker (The Nest, #1)

by Piper Rayne

You fell for the woman she is. A name doesn’t mean shit. The fact she’s Pinkie’s sister doesn’t mean shit. The only thing that matters is how she made you feel—about her and about yourself.”

He shakes his head then presses his lips to mine and pulls back. “I love you, Kyleigh Nilsen. Will you be my girlfriend?”

I grab his shirt and bring him to me. “I love you too, and I’d love to be your girlfriend, Rowan Landry.”

His gaze floats up to mine. “You snuck up on me.” “You did, too. At a time when I didn’t believe in love or forevers.” He kisses my forehead. “You’re the best surprise of my life.”

“How long have you been married, sir?” “Too long…” He lets out a long breath. “And I assume she’s the love of your life.” “My only real love.” “Well, that’s how I feel about Kyleigh. I wish she wasn’t Conor’s sister, but I can’t do anything about that. She’s my only real love. A once-in-a-lifetime love.”

“I’m sorry, but Conor can deal with it.” “But his jersey?” My dad looks exhausted with the fight his two children are in. “Rowan’s important to me, and I want to support him.” I sit down.

Dad elbows me and points toward the Jumbotron. I look up, and there’s a picture of Rowan and me with a heart on one side of the screen. On the other side is a picture of Conor in the net with a scowl. The caption reads, “Big Brother Doesn’t Look Happy.”

I know Conor will be here, and I’m hoping we can squash some of this tonight. That he’ll see me with his sister, see the way I am with her, and know that she’s safe with me. When Tweetie brought up this plan, Henry was just as skeptical as me.

But you’re being a fool if you think that Rowan is some changed man. That you have some magic pussy he can’t live without.” I cock my fist back and punch him in the same spot he did me, right across the cheek and eye. “Don’t you dare speak to my woman like that. Good luck stopping the fucking goals now.” The back door of the club opens, and Tweetie and Henry walk out. “For fuck’s sake! Take your frustration out on the other team’s goalie. Jesus,” Tweetie says with his hands pushed into his hair. “Come on.” I take Kyleigh’s hand and step in front of Conor, who’s holding his eye. “You either respect our relationship or keep your distance. I’m done with this shit.”

I never thought I was made for commitment. Worried that the evil I was bred from would overtake me. But all I want to do is love and support Kyleigh. I could never do to her what my dad did to my mom. It’s a soul-deep knowing. We’ll face problems like any couple, but I’ll always be a united front with her. She’s found the man inside me I didn’t know was hidden, and I’m grateful for that because without her, I’m not sure he would have ever surfaced.

Tweetie looks at me and shakes his head. “I love this whole fall-on-the-sword thing you got going on with her. And I appreciate the mile-high pedestal you’ve put her on. But this is the Cup we’re talking about.” I stand up from the bench and stare down at him. “I want to win the Cup. I do. Don’t think I’m not invested in this team’s success, but Kyleigh trumps it all. It’s up to him to make it right at this point.” His eyes dig into mine, and I’m surprised to find a hint of understanding in his gaze. I figured he’d be chest to chest with me, arguing that I’m wrong.

“I’m not sure how much clearer I have to be, Conor. I love him, and he loves me. And I get that you’ve seen a side of him I never did. I understand that when you were in college, both of you,” I lean down to grab his attention, “both of you never had a serious relationship and probably took advantage of being the big guys on campus.” He rolls his eyes. His own reputation isn’t exactly squeaky clean. “But he’s not that guy anymore. He’s sweet and kind and caring. Especially with me. Neither of us thought this would happen. We thought we’d…okay, you’re not going to want to hear this, but we used each other for sex. But during that, a friendship formed, then our hearts got caught up in it.”

Rowan built me back up. He allowed me the freedom to explore what makes me happy. I’m even sketching again now. You think I’m all broken pieces that he’s taking advantage of, but he’s been picking up the broken pieces, slowly putting them back in place. And if you’d spend any time around us without being so bitter about us, you might see that for yourself.”

I just know that if he hurts you, I’m going to destroy him.” I smile at him, although he hasn’t looked at me yet. “What if he doesn’t?” “Doesn’t what?” “What if he never hurts me? What if we get married and have kids and are happily married until we die hand in hand at the same time? Well, I get to die one minute before him, so I never have to live on this earth without him.” He chuckles—despite himself, I think.

“You hurt her, and I give you two black eyes and a knee to the crotch.” “What do I get if I don’t hurt her?” Rowan asks. My brother looks at me when he answers. “An amazing woman to love.” Tears well in my eyes. “Deal.” Rowan shakes Conor’s hand, and they both kind of crack a smile.

Gotta impress this woman in the stands.” “Really?” I ask, playing along with his game. “I’m thinking about making a deal with her.” My head tilts. “What would that be?” “If I score a hat trick tonight, she moves in with me.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips. “Wish me luck.”

I watch him walk down the hallway toward the ice, Landry in big white block letters across his back. I’m certain one day we’ll share that last name and, if we’re fortunate, see a smaller version of ourselves do the same.

“Hey, everyone! We have a guest,” he announces, and I’m not sure why he has to introduce us to his woman for the night when he never has before. “This is Jade.” Henry’s head whips so fast in their direction he could be a robot. He’s on his feet immediately. “Oh,” I say, seeing a side of Henry I never have before. “Jade?” Henry asks with disbelief. “Get your ears cleaned. I just said that.” Tweetie shakes his head. “Hi, Henry,” she says.

“That’s her,” Rowan whispers in my ear. “Who?” He smiles at Henry. “The one he let go so she could find herself. Seems like she’s found him now.”