Rhys

Two weeks.

For fourteen days, Kayden and I had existed in our own private world on Osea, far away from the relentless flash of cameras, the crushing pressure of games, and the weight of our families back home.

It had just been the two of us, and those two weeks had been nothing short of perfect—quiet, golden, and entirely ours.

Every morning I woke to the sun climbing over the turquoise water, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds, and the breathtaking reality that Kayden was mine, completely and without interruption.

No schedules, no expectations, no one demanding pieces of him.

It was Just us.

I leaned back against the smooth mahogany railing of the wraparound terrace, a cup of strong black coffee steaming gently in my hand.

The warmth seeped into my palm as I took a slow sip.

My shoulder had fully healed now, thanks to the skilled hands of one of the island’s elders who specialized in deep tissue massages using oils and techniques passed down through generations.

The pain that had lingered for so long was finally gone, replaced by a comfortable strength I hadn’t felt in months.

I loved this isolation. I loved being with Kayden like this.

Every day we’d rise early and head out onto the sea in the small wooden boat the villa came with, casting lines for fresh fish that we’d grill later on the beach.

Sometimes we’d explore the hidden coves and overgrown trails of the island, collecting shells or just walking hand in hand through the lush greenery.

At night we’d lie on the terrace under a blanket of stars so bright they felt close enough to touch, talking about everything and nothing, until conversation gave way to slow, heated touches and we made love until our bodies gave out and sleep claimed us.

But I knew nothing this good lasted forever.

Even though neither of us had touched our phones in weeks—intentionally leaving them behind in the villa’s safe—I had quietly checked the encrypted tablet I’d brought from Oak City whenever Kayden was asleep or occupied.

I told myself it was just to stay informed, to protect him but it was because I was curious about what was happening back in the sports world.

Every day the headlines grew uglier.

The world was crucifying Kayden for coming out as an omega.

Northern Avalanche was facing threats of removal from the next season entirely because they allowed an omega to play. Sponsors were pulling out.

Analysts debated whether Kayden’s career was over. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The media frenzy around his sudden disappearance had only intensified, with wild speculations running rampant—everything from secret rehab to elopement to some elaborate scandal.

I had made sure to hide him from all of it, deleting notifications, clearing browser history, burying the truth under layers of calm.

I pretended everything was alright because I wasn’t ready to tell him. The honest part of me knew the real reason: I was selfishly in love with the peace we’d built here.

I wanted to cling to it for as long as possible, to keep him wrapped in this bubble where nothing could touch the happiness we’d fought so hard to find.

My actions might have been selfish, but I would have done anything—anything—to spare him the consequences of choosing us so publicly.

I loved him enough to carry the weight alone for a little longer.

Then, two nights ago, Miller’s message changed everything.

"The team is planning on dropping Kayden according to an insider. Also, Damien Fernandez is being traded to Northern Avalanche."

That wasn’t even the worst of it.

Leo had been removed from his position, suspected of playing a major role in faking Kayden’s medical reports to buy us time.

Miller didn’t know how the information had leaked—only that it had—and the fallout was brutal.

I had stared at the screen for a long time in the dark, heart pounding, before making a decision.

I couldn’t keep hiding it forever, but I also couldn’t bear to break the news to Kayden by myself.

So I’d invited Miller and Leo to the island under the guise of a surprise visit. They’d bring Starlight too.

It would be joyful at first. Then I’d find the right moment to tell him the truth I’d been guarding for weeks.

I checked my Rolex. It was already 2:30 in the afternoon. Their helicopter should be arriving any minute.

It was time to wake Kayden who was still sleeping.

I set my coffee down on the wide wooden table and walked back into the cool, darkened bedroom.

Kayden, who had still been deeply asleep when I slipped out earlier, was starting to stir under the white linen sheets. His hair was tousled, one arm flung across the empty space where I’d been.

"Kayden," I whispered, sitting on the edge of the mattress and running my thumb gently along the sharp line of his jaw. "Are you awake?"

He groaned softly, eyes fluttering open. For a moment he just blinked at me, sleepy and soft, then nodded and yawned wide, stretching his long body like a cat. "Rhys? What time is it?"

"It’s 2:30 in the afternoon," I said, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to his forehead, breathing in the warm, familiar scent of his skin and the ocean salt still clinging to him from yesterday.

Kayden yawned again and stretched more fully, the sheet slipping down to his waist. "Oh goodness, I must have slept in late." He turned toward me with a playful, judging look.

I raised my hands in surrender, smiling.

"You put me in this position because you wouldn’t let me sleep through the night," he accused, though his voice was warm with affection.

I chuckled and shrugged. "Don’t blame me, baby. Blame yourself."

Kayden pushed himself up on his elbows, pointing at his own chest with mock indignation. "How? I wasn’t the one who started the kiss..."

"Babe, you wore those fucking little shorts to bed. You expect me not to touch you? Hell no. There’s no way that would ever happen."