Riley
“What the hell is happening?!” Zara burst into my room just as I was zipping up my jacket. Her eyes were wild, flashing with disbelief. “What did I just read in the gossip room?”
I bit my lip, feeling the weight of it settle on my chest. “Lucas is accused of harassing his PT.”
She crossed her arms, staring at me. “I read that. But… where are you going?”
“To the board,” I said, my voice tight. “He was called in last night, right after the date. He has to make an appearance. If it’s true, he could be out for the rest of the season. Maybe even kicked off the team.”
Zara’s eyes widened. “No way. Do you believe it?”
I shrugged helplessly, the tears threatening to spill. “I don’t know, Zara. I just… don’t know.”
Without hesitation, she grabbed her coat. “I’m coming with you.”
The boardroom was cold and sterile, the long table lined with stiff chairs. Lucas stood at one end, his jaw clenched, eyes fixed ahead. Across from him sat the PT—her expression calm but firm.
The room filled with whispers as the PT began, voice steady but with an edge. “Lucas Rivera repeatedly made unwanted advances toward me during sessions. Comments, touches—things I asked him to stop but that continued. It made the environment hostile, and I feared for my safety.”
Lucas’s eyes flashed with hurt and anger. “That’s not true. I never meant to make her uncomfortable. I was frustrated, yes, but never crossed a line. I respect my therapists.”
I bit my lip, watching the battle unfold between them. Each word was like a stab, each glance heavy with accusation or defense.
Then the door creaked, and Javier Santos swaggered in, sliding into the seat next to me with that irritating smirk. His voice was low but loud enough. “Your little boyfriend’s in another scandal.”
I stiffened, trying to focus on the board members, but Javier’s presence was a thorn in my side.
After what felt like hours, the board called for a break to decide Lucas’s fate.
Javier leaned toward me, voice dripping with false sweetness. “You know, Riley, I could use a physical therapist like you. Someone smart, loyal. Maybe you should think about switching teams.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Lucas suddenly stood, stepping between Javier and me. “Stay away from her.”
Javier sneered, fists clenched. “Or what?”
Before things escalated, I shoved them apart, voice sharp. “Both of you, enough!”
Javier whirled toward Lucas, his eyes blazing with fury. His fist clenched tightly, ready to strike.
Without thinking, I stepped between them, arms spread wide like a shield.
“Stop!” I shouted, voice shaking but fierce.
But before I could fully brace myself, Javier’s hand swung out—fast and brutal—and caught me hard across the cheek.
I staggered back, shock flashing through me as the room fell deadly silent.