“Said I'm fine.” Connor’s fists clench at his sides. “You all can fucking stop staring.”
Coach Harper nods, then helps Nieminen herd the rest of the team away.
Connor’s neck is red and already starting to discolor. I reach out, but he slaps my hand away. “Leave. Now.”
“Connor—”
“Now!”
I nod, then walk away, giving him the space he needs because sometimes the best way to take care of someone is knowing when to let them breathe.
Chapter 18
Connor
The doors to the arena hiss open as I walk through them, shoving people aside. I don’t give a shit if they’re fans. Everyone just needs to get the fuck out of the way.
Pebbles grind into my feet, but I don’t slow down.
My fingers tighten around the skates in my hand, sweat dripping down my spine under my chest protector.
It’s too damn hot.
“Connor!”
“Leave me alone.”
Ryan jogs toward me, but I refuse to slow down.
“Connor, stop.”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” He grabs my bicep, pulling me to a halt.
I spin around, shoving him. “Go away.”
He doesn’t budge. Instead, he reaches out, brushing a thumb across my neck, brows furrowed. “Hehurt you.”
“Said I’m fine.” I turn and start walking again. Not sure where to, but I don’t want to deal with anyone.
Ryan steps in front of me, growling, then tosses me over his shoulder.
“Put me the fuck down.”
“No.”
“Ryan, put me the fuck down. Now.”
He doesn’t say anything. Just changes direction back to our dorm.
I hit him with my skates, squirming to try to get loose. “Ryan!”
He only walks faster.
“You mother fucker!” This time, I punch him in the back. “Can’t wait to divorce you.”
His arm tightens around my legs. “What?”
