Page 139 of Rookie Attraction

I nod. Sel still hasn’t said a word.

“Phew,” Kuznetsov replies. “I thought it might be much worse.”

“Tell me about it.”

“We should let you rest now.” Berg motions to the door. “Just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

“It’ll take a lot more than that goon to stop me.”

All the guys head for the door, and my heart sinks.

Sel suddenly pauses.

“I’ll meet you outside in a minute,” he states to Berg. “I want a quick word with Finn.”

Everyone else nods and leaves, closing the door behind them.

“Sweetheart,” he whispers as he turns and stalks towards the bed, his eyes watery.

Mine well up in return. I want to hold his hand, but I also know our teammates are right outside the door, and Sel is protecting me in case one of them walks back in. He has his arms wrapped tight around his body, and I notice he’s shaking.

“Jesus, Finn. I’m so relieved you’re going to be okay. I can’t even… I mean, the fear and panic when I… when I saw you go down like that. I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”

“No,” I insist. “It’s that asshat Donaldson’s fault. Not yours.”

“He hurt you deliberately. Because of me.” Sel lowers his head and blinks quickly. “The third period wasn’t any better. He aimed for Ranken and Brady but missed. That caused more fights. Donaldson said he wants the entire team to turn on me.”

“What a fucking dickbag,” I hiss. “He’s wrong. It won’t happen.”

Sel raises his head and his fallen expression tells me he isn’t convinced.

“There’s one more thing,” Sel continues. “I’m pretty sure he was the one who messed up my jersey back in Chicago.”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah, but that’s something I’ll deal with another day.” Sel pauses. “He said a bunch of nasty homophobic shit to me after you were carted off the ice, and others overhead. And then I punched the shit out of him.”

“I saw that.” I bite my lower lip. “And I also saw the clip where he hit you back and I wanted to puke. Did you get checked out? Are you alright?”

Sel finally cracks a small grin.

“I did and I am, but thanks for worrying. I’m fine now I know you’re okay. Well, not okay, but not the worst-case scenario that made my blood run colder than any ice.”

“Sel, I⁠—”

He looks back at the door.

“I can’t stay longer, but I also want to mention that Berg suspects.”

“Suspects what?”

“About, you know—” Sel points between us.

“What?” I shout.

“Finn.” Sel reaches for my hand, and I settle. “He saw my face when it happened, and I guess, for a second, I let my mask slip.”

“Oh, no.”