“But if you like your face intact, I’d stick to Rissa.”
I want to reach forward and grab her by the neck, but that won’t do me any good. Rissa is very blunt and says things in a way that won’t have you questioning what she wants. “You any good at air hockey?” Rissa’s version of a peace offering.
Violet doesn’t even look to me for permission. She strolls off with Rissa, and I can’t hear what they’re talking about, but they’re colorful with their movements as they head toward the table.
Paige finally approaches me, tucking a brown lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re bringing civilians around now, Cappy?”
I bump her shoulder lightly, and she stares at the contact between us. That’s when I realize I never touch anyone. “Shut up,” I finally say.
Her expression softens, but her hazel eyes remain on Violet. “She seems good.”
“She’s better than good,” I counter before I can stop myself.
Paige notices. Of course she does, she always fucking does. I appreciate that about her, and hate it all at once.
Thankfully, she lets it go.
The night unfolds more easily than I expected. Violet’s hair is now up in a messy bun, mirroring half of my team, as she laughs when Rissa trash-talks her over air hockey. She nearly beats Liv, one of our defensemen, over at thebasketball hoops. She listens when Paige explains some obscure goalie superstition, like it’s fascinating instead of ridiculous.
And I find myself watching her. Not in a distant way. Just… watching.
There’s a moment when Violet wins a round of air hockey and turns toward me, triumphant, eyes bright, searching for my reaction first, not the team’s.
Mine.
That jolt hits again, stronger this time.
I’m not good at this part. The part where I let someone see the edges of my world. The part where my team watches me watch someone. But they’re not tense or closed off. If anything, they’re approving.
Rissa claps Violet on the back after a game. “She’s alright, Skye.” Like she’s granting me official clearance to move forward with whatever my plan is. “I’ll bet she’s in a number thirteen jersey before the end of the week.”
That sends a shiver right through me at the thought of Violet wearing my jersey.
Paige catches my eye across the room and gives me the smallest nod.
And for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I have to split myself in two.
When Violet steps closer to me between games, brushing her fingers lightly against mine without fully committing, I don’t pull away. I let them rest there.
Ronin is loud and chaotic and glowing neon all around us, but in that small space between our hands, everything feels neutral. Calm almost.
Deciding to make a small move before I can stop myself, I raise my hand to the small of her back.
And she fucking leans into me.
Jesus.
I brought her here to see my world, but what I didn’t expect was how much I want her to stay in it.
I left all my courage at Ronin.
Violet walks beside me with a huge smile on her face as we head through the lobby of the hotel. The night went better than I ever could have imagined, and I’m hoping I get to see her again soon.
Crazy that I can admit that after only a few days together.
“Thank you again for taking me.” Her voice is filled with excitement. “Did you see Rissa’s face when I crushed her at air hockey? I think her freckles were on fire.”
I laugh, not pointing out the fact that it took them seven games for her to win. “I did see it.”
