I’ve had this dream at least once a month for as long as I can remember. It’s my mind’s way of keeping a part of me in the past, I suppose.
I never saw my sister after that though. Lilly ran to our neighbor, Juliet’s, house down the road and called 911. Juliet was the only good part about the road we lived on as kids. She was the closest thing to a grandmother my sister and I ever had.
My sister saved my life that day when she called the police. But that call also sent me to juvie for a year of my life. Lilly was taken from my dad that day, and that was the last time I ever saw her too.
Getting out of my bed, I open the door and head toward the kitchen. Because after reliving that nightmare, I need a fucking drink.
EIGHT
HENDRIX
This arena has always lookedimmaculate from the ice, but as I peel off another piece of gum from the bottom side of the seat and try not to gag, it’s hitting me how fucking gross spectators are. I mean, who the hell would be too lazy to walk their ass to the closest trash can and throw their gum away?
NEU fans, apparently.
Clark stays on the other side of the arena. I guess maybe he isn’t as stupid as I thought. I was just glad to see his ass being punished, too, because he had run his mouth about Isla, and if Cade knew exactly what he’d said, he’d probably be doing a lot grosser shit than cleaning the floors and getting gum off of seats.
Isla stays as far away as she can too. And the closer Clark gets to her, the more fucking mad I get. I grind my back teeth together, glaring as he snakes his way just a few seats away from where she’s kneeling.
“Easy, killer,” Margo teases, and I didn’t even realize how close she’d gotten. “You look like a creep, you know. Staring that way.”
My eyes cut to hers, narrowing. “Does it look like I give a fuck?” I mutter, and when I hear voices, I look back their way to see Clark actually fucking talking to her.
“I don’t get it,” Margo says, scrubbing the floor. “All of you idiots practically fall over yourselves for her. Why?”
I turn my attention to Margo, someone I’ve known for a few years now. The number of poor kids, like us, who had shitty childhoods and actually make it to play college sports is pretty low. And since both of us only made it as far as we have because of Brody O’Brien’s One Wish foundation, we’ve been around each other at a few events.
Her story is sad and fucked up, and that’s why she’s a raging bitch. Childhood trauma will do that to you though. But in this situation, I’ll ride with Isla Hardy till the wheels fall off.
“I’m serious, Hunt,” she nags me again. “And don’t say talent because we all know she’s only playing in a D1 college because of who her daddy is and that’s it.”
“Jealous much, Pickering?” I chuckle darkly, standing up.
Her head rears back in pure disgust.
“You think I’m jealous of Goldilocks down there?” She scoffs. “Try again, asshole.”
I clench my jaw from listening to her words. I understand why she is the way she is. Hell, I’m the same way. Watching all the kids here who come from warm and fuzzy families sometimes makes me want to puke. In most cases, I’d be on Margo’s side because I can see her point of view. But not when it comes to her talking shit about Isla.
My girl, who just doesn’t know it yet.
“Careful, Margo,” I warn. “I’ve got a thing for that girl you’re talking shit about. And that means my loyalty isn’t with you on this one.”
Her eyes narrow. “She’s a spoiled brat who is overrated,” she hisses. “And I promise you, I’ll make sure everyone knows that too. I’m a better goalie. Simple as that.”
Kneeling down in front of her, I invade the fuck out of her space, and her eyes instantly widen. We’ve spent a little time together, but it’s always been platonic and consisted of us opening up about our childhood trauma or bantering back and forth. Underneath the bitchiness, she’s a good person. But right now, she’s really pissing me off.
“Envy is an ugly, ugly thing, Pickering.” I tsk her, reaching forward and touching a piece of loose hair that hangs past her chest. “Stay the fuck away from Isla Hardy, babe. Because I promise you, you won’t like what happens if you don’t.”
I relish in her shock and pure annoyance for a few seconds before pushing myself to stand and walking away from her. But before I get too far, I look toward the other end of the arena to find a set of baby-blue eyes watching me. And right when my gaze meets Isla’s, she quickly looks away and gets back to work.
But in that split second, I could feel her distaste after seeing me close to her enemy. And for whatever reason … it sends a jolt right to my dick.
No one else can fuck with her. But for me? It’s a sick fucking game. One I sure enjoy playing.
ISLA
When the clock buzzes, telling the four of us it’s time to get our asses to training or practice, I hang back, waiting for Margo to disappear from the arena before I toss the disgusting piece of gum into my trash bag and quickly make my way toward the exit.
