Page 41 of Twisted Collide

“Get down,” he grits out, his jaw locking after.

“Lighten up, hockey. I’m just having fun.”

“That’s your problem. You can’t take anything seriously. You’re acting like a child.”

I blink, and my mouth parts on a quick inhale of breath.

The only person in my life who has ever had the ability to make me feel small is my mom, yet here’s Dane, doing a damn good job of it.

I hop off and then scurry away. Not wanting him to see the embarrassment I’m trying desperately to hide.

Once out in the hall, I let out a breath, slumping against the wall and trying to hold back the tears welling in my eyes. It’s not about him; it’s about me. About this place and everything it stands for.

I’m overwhelmed and out of my element without one person to confide in. And the only person who could’ve fit that bill is bound and determined to be a giant asshole.

Well, good for him. He wins. I’ll keep my damn space.

15

DANE

Hudson:Fuck. Coach’s daughter!

Mason:I know man.

Hudson:The things I would do to her.

Dane:Watch yourself, Wilde. She’s off limits.

Hudson:Do you know me at all?

Aiden:Hence him warning you.

Hudson:Oh, Aiden. You’re here.

Aiden:No, I’m not.

Hudson:Umm . . .

16

DANE

What a goddamn disaster.

I knew having her near would be too much to handle, but I had no idea just how bad it would be.

The way she looked at me before running off.

I really fucked up.

She looked seconds away from crying, and that’s one thing I can’t handle.

I’m finally walking out of the training facility, doing my best to put as much distance between Josephine and me as possible.

I’m meeting the guys at some dive bar Hudson has been raving about.

Why he’s obsessed with it is beyond me, but something tells me there must be a female involved, or many, knowing Hudson.

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