I got up in her space. I didn’t use my size to intimidate often, but now was the time. “You don’t get to approach people in a public space and force your disgusting views on them. You don’t get to emotionally hurt people who belong to me with false representations about them being a single mother. You don’t get to air your prejudices in public like the heinous bitch you are. You aren’t worthy to wear an IceCaps jersey, and if I ever see you near my girlfriend again, I will personally destroy your fucking life.

“Keep your bullshit opinions to yourself, because you have no fucking right to assume shit about anyone. It’s shitty people who are the real fucking problem with the world—not single mothers. Judgemental old hags like you, who believe you’re somehow superior because you got married, then turn a blind eye when your husband fucks his secretary over his desk every lunchtime rather than touch your shrivelled old ass with a ten-foot pole. Speak to her again, and I’ll sue you for every penny you got in your shitty divorce.”

“Your girlfriend?” she breathed.

Ah fuck. That had just slipped out. Instead of clarifying, I turned and strode away. I wasn’t kidding. I’d talk to Corporate. There was a conduct clause in the membership application, and I’d personally ensure that she was banned from the IceCaps arena. I’d have to explain to membership services, but I’d given Gavin in that department a lift to and from work every day for a week when his car was in the shop. He owed me one.

I strode back over to the car, the woman’s eyes still on my back. Nova was watching me, her pillowy lips slightly parted. Devan was putting Huey back in his car seat.

“Are you okay to drive?” I asked Nova.

She nodded, but her eyes were shiny again. She cleared her throat. “Thanks. For defending me, I mean.”

Against my better judgment, I reached in and cupped her cheek. “Always.” I sucked in a breath. “Head home. We’ll meet you there. I just have to swing back and pick up Rigby.”

She nodded again, and slowly reversed back out of the parking lot. Then she crawled away.

“You think she drove that slow all the way here?” Dev snorted, and I grinned.

“Probably.”

“Is she okay?” The mirth left Dev’s face. He was worried about her too.

“She will be, I think. We’re going to dinner with Muss and Julieta tonight; she needs mom friends. She needs a support network.”

Dev frowned. “We’re her support network.”

I rolled my eyes at my control freak friend. “She needs a support network of moms. She needs someone to tell her she’s doing it right, not three bachelors who also have no idea what they’re doing.”