Two nights later, Ash receives a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd when he takes the ice at the Hydra’s next home game. News of my kidnapping and his rescue of me hit the news not long after I was taken, and thanks to Cedric’s efforts, Ash is being hailed as a hero. The guys have started calling him Captain America, an apparent promotion from Gunnery Sergeant.
For his own part, Ash insists to anyone who will listen that I was fighting off Barry when he got there and that I all-but rescued myself – a bit of a stretch – but his insistence on being the ‘humble hero’ has only stoked the media frenzy even more. Kaladin and Cedric, of course, are milking every last drop of publicity out of it they can, hence the Hydra’s first-ever sold-out crowd.
Apparently, near-tragedy is as good for business as a winning team.
I stand and clap along with the crowd. I don’t particularly want to be out in public right now, but Cedric pleaded with me to make an appearance, and Kaladin gently reminded me how much he’s paid me thus far, so here I am. Although not alone.
Sully is on my left and Celena is on my right. Next to her sits Dean, the security guy I saw in the grocery store. Ash decided to keep Sully and Dean on a little longer, if only to keep the media away from me, and I didn’t have any desire to protest. Ash only found me that night because Sully happened to be in the garage and saw Barry dump me in his car.
I try not to think about what would’ve happened if they hadn’t found me. I’ve woken with nightmares the last couple nights. Ash just gathersme in his arms, kisses the top of my head, and holds me until I fall asleep again, only to do it all over hours later.
I tried to slip out of bed and sleep on the couch once so I didn’t disturb him, but he only came out, picked me up without a word and put me back in bed with him.
I’m on leave from the university at the moment. They’ll have an adjunct covering my classes, and I’m not sure yet if I plan to go back.
Kaladin offered me a permanent place on his staff so I can study trash talk fulltime and work with his players. Ostensibly, my job would be to continue to help Ash and others who might be susceptible to chirping, but Kaladin also ‘joked’ that he wouldn’t be sorry if I developed a guide for weaponizing the practice.
Ash and I finally came clean to him that we’re really dating, and so far there haven’t been any consequences. Kaladin said he guessed as much, but he doesn’t care as long as I fix Ash. I suspect he’s afraid that making Ash and I stop working together will only have a detrimental effect on Ash’s game. Or at least, that’s what Ash hinted to him when we confessed.
I’m taking a few days to collect myself, and then I have my first therapy session early next week. Ash offered to attend with me if I need him. I appreciate the offer, but I can do this on my own.
Inside the arena, the crowd roars as Ash takes a quick circuit on the Hydra’s side of the ice. He gives a couple nods to acknowledge the adoration and lifts his stick briefly before he stops in front of me.
My heart picks up its pace. He pulls his glove off and presses his hand to the glass. I press my hand against his through the barrier. I’m wearing his jersey, and the crowd explodes in cheers as cameras click around us.
The moment is a hundred percent scripted by Cedric, who is evidently a huge romantic, but the feelings that pass between me and Ash as we look at each other have never felt so real. I still haven’t told him I love him, and it’s well past time I do so. I wanted to say it the other night when he held me in his arms on the ground as I sobbed, but I didn’t want him to think the words were trauma-induced.
As if reading my mind, Ash’s lips move the barest amount. 'I love you.'
The words aren’t meant for the crowd or the media, but for me alone.
I don’t want the first time I tell him I love him to be when we’re separated by plexiglass in the middle of sixteen thousand people, but I also can’t leave him hanging again. I mouth the words back, moving my lips as little as possible. 'I love you too.'
The smile that splits his face makes my body tingle all the way down to my toes, and I want to dive into his dimples. Seeing me say those words makes him happy, and that’s all that matters.
He turns and skates away, and I have to sit down as my feelings for him overwhelm me.
“That was so stinking sweet,” Celena says as she sits along with the rest of the crowd.
“Shut up,” I say, but I’m smiling.
Celena’s eyes dip to my neck where the bruises from Barry’s hands are just fading. I wanted to cover them up, but Cedric and Kaladin convinced me to leave them visible to the media. I only agreed so they’re out there for potential jurors to see.
I’m sure a good lawyer would argue we’re poisoning the jury pool or something like that, but showing people what Barry did seems important regardless. He felt entitled to my attention and affection, and when he didn’t get it, he resorted to violence. I want to send a message that there are consequences to that kind of bullshit thinking.
“How are you doing?” Celena asks.
I pop open my can of wine and pour it into a plastic cup. If settling for canned concession-stand wine at games doesn’t prove my love for Ash, I don’t know what does.
I shrug. “I’m alive. I know that sounds flippant, but you have no idea how grateful I am for that simple fact.”
Celena reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “Me too.” She clears her throat to hide the break in her voice. “And how is Ash?”
I glance at the two bodyguards flanking us. “Paranoid to leave mealone. He says he only plans to keep Sully and Dean on for another week or two, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be rid of them.” I look at Sully, who I know can hear me. “No offense.”
His mouth turns up in a small smile. “None taken, ma’am.”
I like Sully. He’s in his mid-forties and has a dry wit that catches me off-guard sometimes. I associate him with my rescue, so I think I imprinted on him or something. I’ll miss him when Ash finally ends this job, but chances are I’ll see him around. Sully and my dad already have plans to go golfing together, since Ash introduced my parents to my security detail the day after I was taken as proof he was keeping me safe.
