Landon

People always leave.

Lydia's words ring in my head as I leaned against the counter, nursing a cup of coffee. It was only a few minutes after 8 but after getting no sleep I decided to hit the gym early this morning, hoping to clear my head a bit.

Last night was a roller coaster to say the least.

* * * * * * * * * * *

7 hours before.....

"Well shit." Trevor swore, laying back on Bryton's couch as he shook his head.

"Of course they are making it to the playoffs." Bryton tipped back the last of his beer with a shake of his head.

"We beat them last year. It won't be any different this time." Wyatt shrugged not at all fazed. One reason why he was such a good Captain. Nothing fazed him when it came to hockey. Not a 200 pound man barreling towards him on the ice or their rival team making the playoffs.

"At least you won't have to play them for awhile, unless they get knocked out." I pointed out. They all nodded in agreement.

"Think the girls will be home soon?" Bryton asked a few minutes later, glancing at the clock. It was nearing one in the morning which seems a bit late for the girls to be out still. All night everyone, including me, has been glancing at the clock every few minutes. Phones in our laps incase any of them call or text.

"It is a bit late." Trevor frowned looking at his phone.

Lydia may not be my...well I wasn't even sure what to call us but I still felt a bit anxious about her being out so late. She can take care of herself but that doesn't stop my worrying. The worry I was currently trying to keep down so the guys wouldn't notice.

"Maybe I should text Jo-" Wyatt went to say only for his phone to start ringing. If I wasn't worried about Lydia I would have laughed at how fast Trevor and Bryton sat straight up. Wyatt wasted no time in picking up the phone.

"Hello?" The way his expression darkened I had a feeling the call was not one we were expecting. "I see. We will be there shortly."

"What is it?" Trevor moved to sit on the edge of the couch. Wyatt looked at all of us with a clenched jaw.

"The girls got arrested."

I sat there letting the news sink in for a moment before jumping to my feet. There was no way in hell I was about to let Lydia stay inside a jail cell any longer than she has too. I know from past experience that the girls would have to stay over night usually but I had three of Toronto's favorite athletes with me. There was no way the girls were staying the night.

Me getting up spurred the others into motion. In a matter of seconds we were all out the door, heading for our cars. Thank god we all drove to Bryton's separately.

I jumped in my truck and wasted no time in pulling out of Bryton's neighborhood and heading straight for the police station. The guys were right behind me as we headed to get our girls.

I couldn't help the worry building in my chest as I drove. Lydia was in a jail cell right now. What the hell happened to get her there. They were suppose to be doing a simple bachelorette party for Josie. The thought of something bad happening to Lydia made my chest tight. I needed to see with my own eyes that she was okay.

It took no time to get to the police station. I barely turned off my truck before I was jumping out. The guys were just as impatient as I was as the four of us headed straight for the front door. I could practically feel the tension coming off everyone as we came to the front desk.

"If you are not here to report a crime then you will need to come back tomorrow." The man at the front desk said in a bored tone, eyes still on his computer.

"We aren't here to report a crime." Wyatt was the first one to speak.

"Then..." The younger officer finally looked up freezing in place. I watched as his eyes bounced from Wyatt to Trevor to Bryton to me, and then back. "You're...you're Wyatt Boone, Trevor Hall and Bryton Young."

The look of awe on his face as he looked at the three professional hockey players was almost comical. It's a look I still haven't gotten use to whenever I'm out and about with my brother. He use to look at me like I was his hero and now people do the same to him.

"Hi." Wyatt plastered on a fake smile. "I got a call about my fiancé being here." Wyatt told the guy Josie's name.

"Oh um.." The guy went over to his computer and typed something in. I shifted on my feet trying to be patient.

"Is there a way we could get them released?" Trevor asked, flashing the guy a smile of his own. A smile that has gotten him out of trouble plenty of times.

"I'd have to talk to my Chief." I could tell the guy was trying to play it cool but the way he kept staring at the guys with wide eyes showed just how star struck he was.

"That's okay. You can go get him if you need." Bryton added. I know for a fact if the guys had to do a bit of schmoozing to get the girls they would in a heartbeat. Hell even I would if I had any sort of pull.

In a matter of seconds the younger officer was gone.

"Time to kiss some ass." I gestured to all three of them. "This is the one time you use your fame to your advantage."

"That and getting out of tickets." I sent Trevor a look. "Well not anymore." He quickly amended. I didn't believe him for a second.

A moment later an older man walked through the archway. Judging by his uniform and the stern look on his face he was the police chief. From the way he was glaring at the younger officer he didn't believe whatever he said. That is until he looked over at us.

Watching a grown ass man get dreamy eyed never gets old. This guy who's probably a hard ass was looking at my brother like he was a God.

"I'll be damned." He stepped towards Wyatt. "You boys have been having one hell of a season." He went and shook Wyatt's, Trevor's, and Bryton's hand before coming to me. I could tell he was confused as to who I was.

"Landon Boone, Wyatt's older brother." I shook the Chiefs hand.

"Nice to meet you." I didn't blame his lack of enthusiasm of meeting me get to me. Not when the guys were standing right here and were basically celebrities compared to me.

"What can I do for you."

"I got a call that my fiancé is here."

"As well as my girlfriend." Both Trevor and Bryton added.

"Let me take a look." I was trying my best not to tell the guy to move faster. We were already treading the line coming here to see if we could get the girls released. "Josie Scott, Tasha Davis, Sydni Roberts, and Lydia Ellis?" He listed off.

"That's them." Wyatt stepped forward. "Is there any way we could get them released?"

I stayed silent as the police chief looked at the guys for a moment before he broke out into a grin.

"Of course. Anything to help our Cup Champions."

While there were some disadvantages having a brother so well known in the city, this right here was a perk. All he needed to do was show his face, flash a smile, and people would do as he asked. Even a police chief will jump through hopes to make him happy. Same went for the other two next to me.

The police chief was busy saying something but I wasn't paying attention. With each passing second the anxiousness to see Lydia was growing. It was the not knowing that was getting to me. Didn't know what happened to get her in here. Didn't know if she was okay.

The guys were hiding their impatience a lot better than I was. They were easily talking to the chief, making small talk about their hockey season as he printed off some sort of paperwork. They knew they needed to kiss ass in order to get our girls.

It felt like an hour, probably only ten minutes or so, before the Chief was telling the young officer from before to take us to the back where the girls were.

Wyatt all but pushed us out of the way to follow after the officer. He was right on his heels as we made our way through the station. Despite the time there was a lot of officers here, each one stopping in their tracks to watch us walk through. Didn't miss the awed looks on almost everyones face. I was surprised we weren't stop along the way but was grateful that we weren't.

I heard the girls before we saw them.

"Wish we had more tequila." Tasha's voice carried down the hall. "Think the Officer Newby has some at her desk?"

"We could ask." Came Lydia's voice.

Trevor and I shared a look before we came to a stop in front of a holding cell. The girls were spread out sitting down. Josie was off to the side along with Sydni. The both of them facing Lydia and Tasha sitting on the other side. All four girls were too busy talking to one another to notice us standing there.

"How mad will the boys be?" Sydni asked.

"For which? Going to a strip show? Going to a club? Or getting arrested?" Josie commented from her spot. I only briefly looked at the others before my eyes went straight to Lydia. She was leaning back against the wall, eyes closed. My eyes ran over her form, trying to decide if she was hurt but seeing nothing the worry eased in my chest.

"Maybe all three." Wyatt spoke for the first time. We all watched as the girls slowly turned to face us. I instantly knew they were drunk off their asses by the loopy smiles that graced their faces.

"Baby!" Josie jumped up, almost falling over as she rushed over to Wyatt.

"You came." Sydni was smiling like a weirdo at her boyfriend.

"We were just thinking of our hotties." Tasha stood up, stumbling her way towards the bars. I barely paid them any attention, only focused on a certain blonde who was still sitting down staring at me.

She was staring at me so intently. Like she was mentally undressing me. Not a care in the world that all of our friends were here with us. When she bit her bottom lip I had to clench my jaw. Now was not the time to be turned on, hard not to when she was looking at me like that.

"Care to explain why we got a call at one in the morning that our girlfriends have been arrested?" Beside me Trevor asked, eyes glued to his girlfriend.

"Well we went to a strip club." Josie answered. "And we wore these amazing sashes that Tash got us." She grinned as she grabbed her sash.

"It was so much fun." Tasha echoed. Oh yeah they were beyond plastered. Had yet to hear why they were arrested but I bet it had to do with being intoxicated in public.

"You should have seen the men." Lydia said. "The abs and muscles." She lifted her hand and made the 'ok' sign. She almost had a dreamy look on her face as she spoke.

"Jo got a lap dance and then this really hunky one with long hair gave one to Lyd. He kept flirting with her." Sydni rambled. I raised an eyebrow at that. I'm pretty sure they weren't meant to tell all of us they were at a strip club getting lap dances, but clearly the alcohol in their systems was making them loose lipped.

"And then," Tasha dragged the word out. Just like the other three I stayed silent, arms crossed, letting them talk. "We decided to go to the club down the street after where we got some free shots. They were really good shots."

"Then we danced and got on tables and danced while people cheered."

"But some asshole had to go and ruin the night by trying to hit on us." Lydia spoke up. "When he wouldn't stop I kicked him in the balls and punched him." She looked directly at me with a proud ass grin on her face. "See." Holding up her hand I saw her knuckles were swollen and bright red.

At her words I clenched my jaw. Some asshole hit on my girl and wouldn't take no for an answer. The anger that came over me had me rooted in place. I should have been there tonight. Should have been the one looking out for her. Because if I had then Lydia wouldn't have a hurt hand from punching some dickwad that wouldn't get away from her.

The girls continued their story, too drunk to read the tension growing in the room. I could feel the guys anger growing alongside mine.

"The club security didn't like that and tried to kick us out, can you believe that." Josie rolled her eyes and kept talking. "When we refused to leave they tried to manhandle us so Tasha hit that one."

I was impressed with Trevor's restraint. I could feel his anger growing by the second.

"Right in the nose. You woulda been proud babe." Tasha didn't realize just how little her words eased Trevor right now.

"Next thing we know the cops came and we came here." Sydni waved her hand around the jail cell. "The officers are really sweet."

We finally learned how they got arrested but I can guarantee none of us were thrilled on what transpired tonight. I don't know about the guys but I was seconds away from demanding who this security guard was who tried to manhandle my girl and my brothers girlfriends.

"Officer." Josie suddenly cheered. "You made it."

From the corner of my eye I noticed a female officer slowly walking towards us, water bottles in her hands. I paid her very little attention, my eyes glued to Lydia. I have no right to be pissed right now, Lydia and I are not in a relationship, but the caveman inside of me was angry she was out alone. That she was getting lap dances from some guy, getting hit on by another at some bar. 

It was undeniable how attractive Lydia is. Shorter blonde hair, high cheek bones, green eyes that could pierce any mans soul, lips that begged to be kissed. She was smart, funny, sarcastic as hell, independent. There was plenty to like so it was no surprise she gets hit on a lot. I understand that, doesn't mean I like it.

While I was busy staring at Lydia the police chief came over to tell us the girls were free to go. I noticed Wyatt saying something to the chief but I'd worry about that later. Right now I needed to get Lydia home before she crashes. It seems the girls have had a lot to drink and were bound to crash at any moment.

One by one the girls stepped out of the cell, each one shakier than the last. If it wasn't for the guys they would have all fallen flat on their faces. Grabbing Lydia's elbow I steered her towards the front doors. I've seen her drunk a few times, the most recent being in Australia, and knew she got really clingy.

"Thank you." She gave me the biggest smile, showing all teeth.

Lydia didn't smile often. Most times it was a tight lipped one but the few times she has graced me with her smile it was breathtaking. Even her drunk smile.

"Lets get you home." My tone was low because I was trying my hardest not to say something I shouldn't.

As we headed for the doors we were stopped a few times. Some of the officers coming up to talk to the guys. They were hiding their annoyance really well, plastering on polite smiles until we walked through the doors then the smiles dropped.

We all gave each other a look over the girls head, a silent 'we'll talk later' look, before steering our girls to our respective cars. Of course not before they all drunkly expressed their love for one another.

With Lydia leaning heavily against my side I steered her towards my truck.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I sighed into my coffee mug as I replayed the rest of the night. Lydia dropping the bomb that she grew up in foster care. Something I had absolutely no clue about. She never talks about her family and I guess that's why. Made me feel like an asshole for never once asking her. Over the last two years I've kept her at arms length, not even trying to get to fully know her.

The vulnerability in her voice when she asked me to stay was what I kept me up all night. I've never heard her sound so vulnerable. She was drunk but they say drunk words are sober thoughts.

There's still so much to learn about Lydia but I'm not sure she willingly to let me. Things between us has grown into more than just friends with benefits. At least with me it has. Hard to tell what goes on in that thick head of hers. But the way she looked at me last night I could for just a moment believe things have changed for her too.

I can't believe I'm a 29 year old man having woman problems. The last time I was so flustered by a woman was probably Uni.

My phone buzzing on the counter jerked me out of my thoughts. I already knew it was going to be my brother. I know my brother better than anyone and he was not going to let last night fly or be swept under the rug.

Grabbing my phone I hit answer, bringing it to my ear incase Lydia wakes up.

"Hey."

"Figured you'd be up already."

"Didn't get much sleep either huh." I took a sip of my coffee as my brother sighed through the phone.

"I need you to talk to me out of doing something." I already had a feeling I know what he's talking about.

"The security guard." Was my only response.

"On the drive home Jo was telling me that he grabbed her hard and tried to pull the girls outside." I could hear the anger in his voice. I understood his anger, my own anger at the situation growing. "The police chief gave me the name of the security guard."

So that is what he was whispering about last night to the police chief. I'm not all that surprised. Wyatt would do anything for Josie, including hunting down the a guy who tried to grab her. I wouldn't be surprised if Trevor was chomping at the bit to do the same. And while I wanted to do the same thing I know none of the guys were thinking of the repercussions if they did so.

"Lets say you find the guy. What then?" I asked.

"I'd..."

Wyatt is the type to jump head first into a fight. He may not purposely start one but he will finish it. Another thing that makes him a great hockey player.

"You hit him. Bruise your hand right before playoffs. Before your wedding." I leaned against the counter as I spoke. "It may feel good hitting the guy but when Josie finds out you know she wouldn't be thrilled."

"She'd be pissed." Wyatt mumbled.

"Word could get out and the team hears about it. You don't want to be benched for the playoffs." I was the voice of reason when it came to my brothers. Always have been.

Wyatt was quiet for a moment before sighing.

"You're right." He said but didn't sound thrilled by it.

"Of course I'm right."

"Fuck off." I chuckled at his words.

"I know you want to defend Josie and I get that. But outside of getting a moment of satisfaction is it truly worth it? While the girls did get arrested they held their own last night. I mean Tasha and Lydia looked pretty proud of themselves." Wyatt laughed through the phone. "You're fiancé is going to wake up with a killer hangover so just focus on her and your wedding coming up. Okay?"

"Okay." Wyatt was quiet for a moment. "Thank you Lan."

"Any time." I said bye before hanging up, hoping I convinced him not to do anything stupid. Only a second passed before my phone buzzed again. Trevor's name coming across the screen. With a low groan I hit answer, ready to convince another brother not to go after the guy his girlfriend punched. 

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