Page 48 of Fate on the Ice

“That all you want?” I ask.

“Otto,” Grace whispers.

There is silence, but Hayze lifts his hand to keep Grace quiet. I don’t look at her. My focus stays on him because I want this done.

“And your car,” he adds.

I love that car—I love it with everything I have. But I do not love that car more than I love Grace. I can buy another car. I cannot buy another Grace. Clearing my throat, I dip my chin in a single nod.

“Five grand and the car. They’re yours. Come to my place in an hour.”

Holding out my hand, I wait for Grace. But he holds out his arm to keep her from passing. “Grace stays with me until both are delivered. Right here.”

Grace’s eyes flash. But there is no way in fuck I’m leaving her here alone with this asshole. I can’t call Brooklynn or any of the girls either. It’s afternoon, so I know that all the guys have lessons right now. But there is one person I can call who I know likely isn’t incredibly busy this afternoon.

“Let me make one call. Grace won’t be here alone with you.”

He jerks his chin, and I call the one person Grace wouldn’t want me to call but the only one who I know will ensure nothing happens to her. For all his angered words, I know he cares for her, at least for her safety.

“Coach, can you come down to the motel at the edge of Willow Creek?”

Chapter

Twenty-Three

GRACE

If I could choke the man across from me, I think I would. Or maybe I would choke Otto. Yes, I think he's the one that I want to choke right now because he’s the reason he’s here standing against the doorway, his back leaning against the cheap wood, his arms crossed over his chest, with an extremely yet earned, disapproving look on his face.

“This is the guy you got expelled over?” my father asks on a grunt.

I press my lips together and rub them a few times, not wanting to answer him. I really don’t want to talk to my father after the way he spoke to me. I don’t want to see him. I don’t want him here, but the fact that he dropped everything and drove here for Otto speaks volumes about the respect he has for him.

“Unfortunately, he spotted my daddy issues from a mile away,” I state.

My father’s eyes flash. I know I’ve probably hurt him, but at the same time, I don’t really care because he’s done nothing but hurt me for years. A constant wound that I don’t think will ever heal.

I’ve come to terms with that.

There is also one for my mother, but it doesn’t matter. They will be there forever, and maybe they’ll eventually get so small that I won’t notice them any longer. But seeing my father right here, trying to play protective daddy, it rubs me the wrong way.

“I’m sure,” my father hums.

He doesn’t respond in any other way. He’s completely emotionless, which is good for the situation but not for my heart. We sit in silence for a while. Then there is a knock on the door.

My father steps to the side, and I watch as Otto walks through the door. My father winces at the sight of him. I don’t blame him. Otto’s scar is angry. It will get better soon, but today is not that day.

Otto moves toward Hayze, who has thankfully stayed quiet most of the time Otto has been gone. The silence stretches, and I swear I hold my breath as he thrusts an envelope against Hayze’s chest.

Then, with his other hand, he slaps some keys against his chest. My breath hitches as tears fill my eyes. I don’t want Otto to give this much to protect me from this creature, and that’s what Hayze is—a creature.

“Take the money, take my car, and get the fuck out. You ever even fart and the wind takes it to Willow Creek, I will find you, and I will deal with you myself. Do you understand that?” Otto growls.

My stomach twists. Guilt consumes me and threatens to make me become sick all over the floor. Holding my breath, I wait for Hayze to respond. His eyes find mine. He holds my gaze for a moment, then smirks.

“You think I ever gave a fuck about that bitch?” he asks. “I didn’t care about Grace in college, fucked her for something to do, and she was desperate enough I could get what I wanted. I sure as hell don’t give a shit about her now. But I found out she was fucking a hockey player and knew you had some cash.”

Wrong. Thing. To. Say.

---