Page 39 of Hate To Love You

I watch as they fight through the crowd of students that are still screaming and jumping around the stands before turning my attention back to the game. Ryker looks tired, sweat pouring off his beat red face as he sits on the bench.

“Hey there,” a slightly familiar voice says from beside me, the sound making my hairs stand on the back of my neck. I turn to meet the gaze of the firefighter from the party on Halloween, Ashton.

Wonderful, just what I needed.

“You know, it wasn’t really nice of your boyfriend there to put me on my ass just for dancing with you,” he sneers. God, if he wasn’t such an ass, he’d be really attractive. His floppy blonde hair and brown eyes along with his chiseled jaw and perfect nose make him look like a model.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I say sternly. This guy gives me the creeps, especially because he tried to force me to go upstairs with him at the party, despite my drunken state.

Ashton shrugs. “Doesn’t matter. I think you should make it up to me,” he suggests, bringing his finger to my neck and drawing a line down to my shoulder which is covered by my heavy coat.

I shiver at his touch, and not in a good way. Suddenly, the autumn air feels a lot colder.

Pulling away, I glare at him. Why do all the guys at this school feel entitled to everything?

“I’m not the one who touched you. Take it up with Ryker,” I tell him, focusing on the field in front of me. The game is heating up and from the looks of it, Groverland’s team is sinking.

“I’d rather take it up with you,” his hand skims my thigh and inches closer to the inside hem. I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest and my breathing accelerating. He wouldn’t do anything here, right? We’re in the middle of a huge crowd.

I don’t think anyone would be stupid enough to do something such as touch someone against their will in the middle of college rugby game, surrounded by peers, faculty, and parents. But I’ve been wrong before.

I look down to Ashton’s hand resting on my thigh, my jaw tensing as I fight the bile rising in my throat. Where are Lainey and Ellie? They should be back by now.

“You’re a little tease, you know that? Acting like you don’t want me when I can clearly see you do. Come on, baby. Let’s ditch this game, and you can come back to my place. I’ll make it worth your while,” Ashton’s evil smirk makes my blood run cold. Christ, this guy just can’t take a fucking hint. I grimace.

“Not a chance, asshole. Now go away, I’m trying to watch the game.”

Ashton laughs snidely, rolling his eyes as his hand grows tighter on my leg. I hold back a wince. I don’t want him to see me rattled.

“We’ll see about that,” he says, his tone threatening.

Lainey and Ellie will be back any moment. But for some reason, I kind of want Ryker to notice so he can put Ashton in his place.

Why does the thought of Ryker beating Ashton’s ass turn me on?

Chapter 24

Ryker

My head is throbbing as sweat drips down my face, burning my eyes. The cold fall air does nothing to cool me down as I run up and down the field, trying to end this damn game.

We’ve played Groverland before, and as much as I hate to admit it, they’re a good team. They beat us last game, but we’re not going to make it easy for them today. We’re playing great, and Pat is making some great calls.

Coach looks like he’s about to explode, his wrinkled face is bright red as he fists a clipboard and runs a hand through his grey hair. We’re six to three Ellington right now, and there’s only five minutes left.

As I take a seat on the bench for a shift change, I look into the stands, finding myself looking for the one girl that isn’t cheering for me. It’s easy to spot her, since she’s one of the only fans sitting. “Fan” is a loose term, considering she’s never been to a game, and she hates my guts.

My veins ice over after my eyes focus in on who she’s sitting with. Where are Lainey and Ellie? Why is Ashton fucking Davis sitting next to her with his hand on her thigh?

Did Gwen want him there? Was she okay with him touching her? My glare deepens when I see something flash on her face. She looks scared, and that causes my blood to boil.

Gwen peaks down, presumably questioning why Ashton’s hand is still on her thigh. But otherwise, she’s frozen. Until Lainey and Ellie make their way back to their seats. I watch as Ashton leans down once more, seemingly whispering something into Gwen’s ear. Her face pales as Ashton saunters away with a malevolent smile on his face.

God, did this guy not learn his lesson that last time I knocked him on his ass? The fucker must have a death sentence.

The whistle blows, indicating the end of the game. Ellington won six to three and my teammates are gathered on the middle of the field, screaming and hugging. Coach hooks his arm around Holland’s neck, congratulating him for making the winning goal.

Instead of wanting to celebrate our win with my teammates, my jaw is tight, and my body is on fire. Seeing another man touch Gwen, watching the way her body tensed at his touch, the way fear danced in her eyes. I want to grab the guy by the neck, shove him against a wall, and watch as blood spews from his smug fucking face.

---