Page 39 of Rivals

I almost talked myself out of going all day. It didn’t matter how many times Reign asked if I was going, or how many times my teammates dropped that they were going and we had a team section at the game, I kept coming up with reasons not to go to tonight’s hockey game. It had nothing to do with the incident with Blade. I didn’t care what he said about me or that he wanted to hang out. I was over it. I told him it was over. There were no hard feelings or lingering wishes that things had worked out differently. Once I admitted that to myself, I had to look at the reason why. My reason why is a six foot four, blue eyed, ex-best friend and rival, who wears his smirk like armor and can score goals blindfolded. It has everything to do with Reign and the way my heart flutters in response to just hearing his name.

I’ve become addicted to him. I crave him. I need him and the promises that come from his dirty mouth. More than that I want him, and the possessive way he holds me, cheers for me, and is so invested in my future. The feelings I have are scary. They don’t make sense; yet, at the same time, nothing has ever felt more right. I want Reign Thorn. I can feel myself staring into the dark abyss and saying fuck it before jumping into the unknown that is loving Reign Thorn.

It wouldn’t be that huge of a leap for me. Our years of friendship meant everything. We were two kids, vulnerable and sharing all our secrets. These past few years have been more difficult, but Reign’s right, he does know me better than anyone else. He knows which buttons to push, what I’m passionate about, and my determination, which only rivals his own. Just like I know him. Which is why I’m walking into this game, late, and still in my school uniform and will be freezing my ass off the entire time. I wouldn’t miss it.

With my head held high, I make it through the ticket stand and into the arena where players are doing warm ups on the ice. I scan the Saints’ team, looking for the coveted number eighty-one, but I don’t see him. My feet carry me closer to the student section where the girls’ team sits when someone steps in my way. I stop short.

“Riley?” he asks and I nod, unsure of who he is. He’s wearing an All Saints Academy warm-up jacket, but he isn’t the boys’ coach.

“I’m Pete Nelson. Reign asked me to bring you down before the game started.”

I glance at the clock and notice they only have five minutes of warm ups left. “Shouldn’t he be on the ice already?”

The guy’s jaw locks. “He won’t leave the locker room until he sees you.”

My eyes widen and I motion for the guy to lead the way. What is Reign thinking? Was he that sure I would come that he’s wasting valuable time with to warm up before the game? Pete walks fast and brings me under the stands to the ground floor tunnels and past security. The cement hallway is practically silent, the noise from the crowd barely a buzz. I quicken my pace then stop short when Pete steps to the side of a metal door. ASA BOYS’ HOCKEY is painted over it, and he points his thumb at it. “He’s in there. Remind him, please, that he only has three minutes to get out there.”

I nod and place my hand on the handle. Pete leaves when I crack the door and step inside. Sweat and the mixture of guys’ soap hits my nostrils instantly. There are clothes hanging in the rows of lockers, hockey tape litters the floor in little rolled-up balls, and melted puddles of ice are in the corners of the room.

“You came.” Reign’s deep voice pulls my attention. He’s completely dressed to play minus his helmet, and he’s leaning back on the bench, legs spread.

My stomach somersaults and my heart skips. “You wanted me here.”

He nods and gets to his feet. On skates, Reign towers over me even more, his body doubled in size from his pads. He stops when his skates touch the tips of my shoes. My head tilts back to meet his gaze. His blue eyes flicker with heat. He reaches his hand out and his fingers gently brush the loose strands of hair behind my ear. “You didn’t change.”

“I didn’t have time after the library.” I shrug. The little fib rolls off my tongue and my cheeks instantly turn pink.

Reign’s lips turn up in a devilish smile. He knows this choice to be here wasn’t easy for me.

“Reign, you have to get out there. It’s almost game time. We can talk after.” I grab his hand and try to pull him toward the door.

He takes a few steps before pulling my hand, so I’m forced to turn. His body crowds mine into the wall, boxing in around me. “We need to have a little chat now, Riles.”

My eyes widen. “You play in two minutes. They’re starting the national anthem any minute.”

He shakes his head slowly, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth. “I had a little chat with Blade.”

“You what?”

Reign leans down farther, one hand propped next to my head, the other leaning on his stick while he crowds me. “You heard me. I told him to drop the idea of you. That you were mine. You know what he said to me?”

I shake my head no. “I...I have no idea.”

He smirks, and it’s evil. Dangerous. Unhinged. “He filled me in on the rest of what he said to you at the diner. It wasn’t just that he was sorry. He said I must be playing you, and that I would never make you my girlfriend.”

My throat feels constricted and I hate that my eyes prickle with tears. I do not want to cry over this. Not now, and not in front of him. Shrugging, I make myself hold his stare. “So what? He isn’t the first to bring it up. It doesn’t hurt me. There wasn’t a reason to mention it.”

Reign moves fast, his hand that was next to my head, clasps around my neck, forcing my back to the wall and holding me in place. My heart hammers in my chest and my lips part. His jaw locks, his fingers flexing against my skin, before leans down until his face is a breath away from mine. “Nobody. Nobody gets to hurt you, Riley. You’re mine. Your tears, your pain, your smiles, it’s all for me. Mine. I take care of you; I will protect you. You are my girl, babe.”

I swallow in his hold, my heart bursting on the inside. “Okay, Reign.”

“Tell me you understand.”

I nod my head as much as I can. “Yes. Yes, I understand.”

He sags into me, his forehead resting against my own while we breathe each other in. My skirt brushes to the side and air suddenly hits the tops of my thighs. “Reign.”

“I can’t send you out there like this, babe. They need to know who you belong to. I want you to be thinking about this moment for the entire game.” He breathes against my lips, his hand grabbing my pussy. The roughness tears a moan from my lips and his eyes darken.

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