Page 12 of Ice-Cold Truth

The words hit me like a physical blow, stealing my breath. Because the way Elyse says it—so calm, so matter-of-factly—sounds like…like she really means it.

Like she’s really mine.

Karina blinks, clearly taken aback by Elyse’s unruffled demeanor. Then her lips curl into a smile. “Is that what he told you, sweetie? That you’re his girlfriend?” She lets out a derisive laugh, shaking her head pityingly. “Oh, honey, you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into with this one.”

Anger and humiliation war within me, turning my veins to ice. I can’t let this go on a second longer. Gripping Elyse’s elbowfirmly, I steer her around Karina without a word. She resists for a split second before falling into step beside me.

“Jackie, wait,” calls Karina after us, a hint of desperation creeping into her tone. “We should catch up sometime, for old time’s sake.”

I grit my teeth, refusing to dignify her pathetic ploy with a response. Elyse remains blessedly silent as well, allowing me to hustle her toward the exit and out into the cool evening air.

Only once we’re outside, the heavy door swinging shut behind us, do I finally release the breath I’ve been holding. Elyse pulls her arm free, turning to face me with worried eyes.

“Jack? Are you okay?”

I rake a hand through my hair, struggling to get my emotions under control. How the hell am I supposed to explain Karina and her vile insinuations without dredging up a past I’ve worked hard to put behind me? “I’m fine,” I say gruffly, hating how unconvincing I sound. “Just…give me a minute.”

She stares at me silently for a long moment, indecision flickering across her delicate features. Slowly, she nods.

“Okay. I’ll…wait for you by the car.” She turns and heads for the parking lot without another word, leaving me alone with my turbulent thoughts.

I watch her go, a strange ache taking root somewhere in the vicinity of my heart. Karina’s mocking laughter rings in my ears, an unwelcome reminder of the past I can’t seem to escape. Of the part of me that’s still broken, no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise.

Gritting my teeth, I follow after Elyse, each step feeling heavier than the last, because there’s no running from the truth. Karina screwed with my head, and I’m still trying to be who I was before her.

Chapter 5: Jack

Istumble into the apartment, the lingering buzz of alcohol warming my veins. Sam trails behind, his boisterous laughter echoing down the hallway. We’d hit up a few bars after our team dinner, reveling in the camaraderie that comes from being hockey warriors together.

The living room is dark, save for the flickering glow of the TV. I squint, making out Elyse’s silhouette on the couch. She must have drifted off watching a movie. A small smile tugs at my lips as I take in her sleeping form, one arm dangling off the edge, her head rolled back against the cushions. She looks so peaceful and so damn beautiful.

“Hey, the princess is out cold,” Sam whispers with a grin, nudging me. “Think we should wake her?”

I shake my head, shooing him toward his room. “Let her sleep. I’ll take care of it.”

Sam shrugs, that mischievous glint never leaving his eyes. With a wink, he disappears down the hall. I roll my eyes at his antics before turning my attention back to Elyse.

Carefully, I crouch beside the couch, studying her in this open moment. Her chest rises and falls with each soft breath, and a few strands of dark hair have fallen across her face. Without thinking, I reach out to gently brush them aside. Her skin is warm and impossibly soft beneath my calloused fingertips.

She stirs, her eyes fluttering open. For a heartbeat, I’m transfixed by those olive depths. “Jack?” she asks, voice thick with sleep. “What time is it?”

“Late,” I say, clearing my throat. “You must’ve dozed off.”

She blinks a few times, seeming to reorient herself. “I was waiting up for you guys.” A sheepish smile curves her lips. “Guess I got a little too cozy on the couch.”

“Sorry we kept you up. You know how team nights can get.” I grin ruefully, the memory of raucous laughter and clinking beer glasses still fresh. “Or maybe you don’t, which is probably for the best.”

Elyse stretches her arms overhead with a soft groan. The motion causes her shirt to ride up, revealing a tantalizing strip of toned midriff. I swallow hard, my gaze lingering perhaps a beat too long.

“No worries,” she says, oblivious to my momentary lapse. “I was hoping to make you guys a late-night snack or something when you got back.”

I raise an eyebrow. “At this hour? Shouldn’t you be getting your beauty sleep, Rapunzel?”

“I think that’s Sleeping Beauty.” She scrunches her nose in mock indignation. “I’ll have you know I’m an excellent hostess, and don’t act like you don’t love my cooking.”

“Can’t argue with that.” I chuckle, rising to my feet. “How about I make us something instead? I could go for some cocoa.”

Elyse perks up at that. “Cocoa does sound amazing right about now, but don’t rush off yet.” She pats the couch cushion beside her. “Keep me company?”

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