Page 91 of Penalized Love

Everyone turns their attention back to watching the game more enthusiastically than before I made my announcement. I try to focus on what’s going on, but my mind is still stuck on our conversation. Although it’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a while, having Knox warn me hit a different chord.

A few minutes later, the period ends, and the guys start to stretch. I catch Knox’s eye, and he tilts his head toward the hallway. We both get up, and he follows me into the kitchen, where I lean against the counter.

I cross my arms over my chest and brace myself for what he’s going to say.“What’s up?”

Knox shifts his weight from one foot to the next before he rests his body against the far wall.“Look, man… first, I want to say that even with our issues this year, I still want what’s best for you. With that being said, I just wanted to make sure you really get what you’re risking here. I know you love Isla and how painful it was for you when you broke up with her years ago. But are you sure this is the road you want to go down again?”

“Yeah, I know. Knox, I’ve thought about it a lot, and I’m serious about her. This isn’t just some spur-of-the-moment thing I’m diving into headfirst without thinking about. She’s it for me, and I’m ready to face whatever comes along with that.”

He shakes his head, his eyes narrowing a little.“I know you think you are. But it’s not just about you. It’s about her, the team—hell, even Coach. If this blows up in your face, it can fuck up things for a lot of people. We need you on the ice, not sitting on the bench or off the team.”

I study him for a second because I’m reading between the lines, or his words, for that matter.“This is about more than just me and Isla, isn’t it? Because you know this is my senior year, and once the season’s over, he won’t be my coach anymore. Isla is forever, man.”

Knox sighs and looks away for a moment before meeting my eyes again.“Back in high school, I was with someone. It got complicated, and it screwed everything up—my game, my head, the team. It got to me, and it almost cost me my future. I don’t want that for you.”

I’m surprised. Knox isn’t the type to open up about this kind of stuff or share much of his life outside of the basics. He hides behind sarcasm, and I don’t blame him, but this feels like a new chapter I’m being let in on.

“Is that why you don’t do serious relationships?”I ask.

He hesitates for a moment. “Yeah. I guess so. I learned the hard way that getting too close can fuck everything up. And I just… I don’t want to go through that again.”

The gravity of his confession hangs in the air as I try to wrap my head around it. I’m floored because he’s opened up to me. Does anyone else on the team know about this? There’s a new level of trust there that I never expected, especially given what we’ve been through with our relationship.

I push off the counter and take a step toward him.“Thank you for telling me. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

Knox shrugs, trying to play it off, but I can see it’s all a facade.“Yeah, well. I just don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.”

“I hear you, and I promise, I’m going into this with my eyes wide open. Isla and I are not rushing into anything, given our history. She and I know what’s at stake.”

He searches my face for a long moment before he says,“Alright. I’ve said my peace, and I hope everything works out for the best.”

“Thanks. That means a lot.”

Knox walks up to me and places a hand on my shoulder.“Anytime, Bennett. Let’s get back in there before Wilder starts placing bets on what we’re talking about.”

I chuckle because there’s a good chance that is next on Wilder’s to-do list. We walk back into the living room, and sure enough, Wilder’s attention is on us, and the smirk tells me everything I need to know before he says a word.“So, what was that all about?”

I roll my eyes and plop down on the couch.“It was nothing important.”It’s obviously a lie, but I hope it’s enough to dissuade him from prying further.

Levi jumps in before Wilder can respond.“Not everything’s got to be your business, anyway.”

“Fair enough, fair enough,”Wilder concludes, but the smile doesn’t leave his face.

Levi shoots me a knowing look, and I nod in silent thanks. I appreciate that he jumped in to deflect because I already have enough shit on my mind. The conversation shifts back to the game on television, and things start to feel almost normal again.

Almost.

35

ISLA

“Thanks for coming over this way,”I tell Selene as I drop my body on the worn-out couch with a dramatic sigh. This is one of the few times I didn’t walk over to her place so we could hang. Instead, she came to me. Because of that, we are currently in one of the common areas of my dorm. I took a risk telling Selene that we could hang out here before her shift at the library. The living space is empty, thank goodness. It gives us the opportunity to chat, but I don’t know how long it will stay empty, though it also allows me to get away from my asshole of a roommate.

Selene does her best to get comfy on the old couch, tucking her feet under her butt before she responds.“Um, you sounded like you were about to fall asleep from pure exhaustion. Of course, I needed to come over and see how you were doing.”

She’s not wrong.“It’s been a long week trying to keep up with all the things, and I feel like I’m just sitting down to catch my breath. Classes are well... my classes and I’ve still been trying to keep up with work. Asher told the guys about us this week, which was nerve-wracking enough on its own. I was so anxious about how they would react, no matter how many times I told myself itwas going to be fine. And on top of that, I’ve been worried that one of them might end up telling Dad before we are ready. It’s been... a lot.”

“I can only imagine…”Her voice trails off as if she’s still trying to think of the right words to say given the situation.“Telling the team about your relationship with Asher, especially given your dad’s position, is a bit diabolical, I must admit.”

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