Raven turns her face, trying to hide the tears that fill her eyes. I should feel remorse, but I don’t.
“Luc, I promise I am not here to win you back.” She wipes a stray tear from her cheek. “I have no intention—”
“Good,” I interrupt, again. I do mean it. I’m happier than I have ever been. Laur’s the one for me. My heart knew she was the instant our eyes met, but seeing Raven again has solidified that for me. Raven was just a gateway love. Laur is the love of my life.
Pivoting toward the locker room, Raven calls to me. “Wait.” I turn back to face her, waiting for her to say whatever it is she needs to get off her chest.
“I really am sorry, Lucas,” she whispers.
“Why are you even here, Raven?” I might believe she’s sorry, but there is no possible way it’s a coincidence she’s at my school, now supporting my team. “Why did you even apply in the first place? You have no interest in hockey, aside from the players,” I know I shouldn’t make the comment but it rolls off my tongue so easily, I couldn’t help it. Even if I’ve moved on, being cheated on, especially when it involves one of my teammates, is still shitty. No one deserves that. And because of Raven and her antics, I hated Blaine and painted him as an asshole instantly.
Raven rolls her eyes at my dig. “So you do care.”
“No,” I assure her. “I don’t.” Mercy does fill me. In fact, the opposite seems to flow through me as my jaw tightens with frustration. “It just sucks that you had cheated on me with one of my fucking players. Ifyou’re gonna be unfaithful, there’s so many other people you could’ve picked.”
She takes a step toward me, and as if on a reflex I take a step back, not wanting her to be close to me. I have no desire to be anything to her, not even a friend.
She scrunches her face as if she’s just been hit in the gut and whispers, “It wasn’t intentional. I just need attention.”
“Not surprising. You always did.” I sigh when I make the realization. “We weren’t good for each other. Even well before you went and did that.”
“I know,” she cries. Tears cover her cheeks. “I was just a kid. I’m sorry. I came here because I want to learn and grow. As a person and more.”
“Sure.” I just want to leave this conversation and go home to see my actual girlfriend instead of being at the rink now. My kind, sweet, supportive girlfriend, who would never cheat on me.
“I mean it. I’m tired of living in my mother’s shadow.” Her tears still flow silently down her face. “I need to learn something different than fashion. I need to disassociate myself with her and her name.” She sniffles, trying to keep herself together.
My eyebrows raise with curiosity. I knew her mom was unkind and hard on her. But she’s one of the most famous fashion designers now, I’m surprised she doesn’t want to be associated with her. But frankly, I don’t care enough to ask.
“I don’t want her to be the reason I find success.” Raven wipes at her eyes and tries to steady her shaky voice. “She claims she’s the only reason I’ve gotten anywhere with my reporting career. I want to pave my own path.”
Raven takes a deep sigh as she leans against the wall. “I don’t need or want anyone. I can do it all on my own, and I need to prove it to her. That’s why I came here.”
Silence fills the space between us, her sobs now quiet.
“I swear I applied to other programs and other schools, but you know how great this one is,” she mutters.
Sadly, I do know. It’s one of the best college programs in the country, if not the best for hockey PR.
“Look at me,” I command. Her watery eyes meet my harsh stare. “You do anything to her, and I promise you that you will regret ever stepping on this campus. Do you understand me?”
Her eyes go hollow as her mouth drops.
“Who even are you, Lucas?” Raven asks her voice low.
“Someone who will protect the woman I love at all costs. Tell me you understand me, Raven.”
“I understand. I’m happy for you. I really am.” She nods, trying to assure me. “I’m not here to cause any issues. I’ll prove it to you.” She pauses, swallowing loudly before saying, “And I’ll stay away from Blaine Mitchell.”
My fist clench in frustration.Who does she think she is?
“Let’s get one thing straight,” I growl. There’s no hint of sympathy in any bone in my body. “I don’t give a fuck what or who you do. As long as you’re not interfering with my life or Laur’s or the hockey team’s success this year—I couldn’t care less.”
Her shoulders shutter as her sobs fill the arena once again
“But don’t fucking break him,” the words are out of my mouth before I can stop myself. “You dig your nails in deep and you don’t let go. He has a lot of potential. He doesn’t deserve for you to fuck with his head or be treated like you treat people. No one does.”
“I’m not the same person,” she mumbles with a trembling voice.
