Page 28 of Penalized Love

I pop the top and squirt the whipped cream into my mouth, enjoying each and every bit of this sweetness in my mouth. After I finish up with the whipped cream, I put it back in the fridge and turn to face Knox.

“Hell of a game today, Bennett,” Knox says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. There’s some sarcasm there, dripping off every word, but I refuse to take the bait.

“Thanks,” I reply, twisting off the cap of the water bottle this time and taking a long swig. The cool water soothes mysomewhat dry throat. Knox’s drink looks very appetizing, but I thought I would start with this first.

Knox smirks just before he says, “So, I saw you talking to Isla in the tunnel after the game. She’s still hot, huh?”

I nearly choke on my water but manage to swallow what’s left in my mouth. “What? Uh…yeah, I was just talking to her.”

Knox raises an eyebrow, not buying my nonchalant response. “Just talking, huh? C’mon, man. You made a beeline for her and were almost late to address the media. You’re lucky Coach didn’t hand you your ass.”

My grip tightens on my water bottle because I’m irritated that he’s right. “Back off. It’s not like that. Isla and I... we have history, alright? So just drop it.”

Knox’s smirk only grows wider. “History, eh? Now we’re getting somewhere. What, did you two used to date or something?”

He knows we in fact did date, so I know he’s full of it. To hell with not taking the bait. “I said drop it,” I snap, slamming the water bottle on the counter.

Knox’s eyes widen in surprise at my outburst. “Whoa, easy there, Bennett. What’s your problem? It’s not like she’s your girl anymore.”

I clench my jaw, feeling the muscle twitch as I glare at Knox. He knows some of what went down back then. What I wish we still had, if I’m being honest with myself.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I growl, stepping toward him.

Knox straightens up from his casual lean against the counter as his eyes narrow. “Then enlighten me,” he replies sarcastically. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re acting like a possessive asshole over a girl you claim isn’t even yours.”

My irritation turns into anger as I take another step toward Knox. I flex my fists, which are resting at my sides, but I’m readyto fight if it comes to that. “I said back the hell off. Don’t make me repeat myself because I won’t say it as nicely the next time I remind you.”

Things have been brewing between us for a while, but I can’t remember the last time Knox and I got into a fight. However, I’m not afraid to have one right now. The rational part of me knows that this doesn’t have to be and that, in reality, he’s only teasing me. But that side of me isn’t winning the war tearing through me.

Knox rolls his eyes at me. “Seriously, Bennett? You want to throw down over some chick? I thought you were better than that.”

I take another step forward, and I’m right in his face. Every blaring signal about how bad this looks sounds in my head. I know this is so out of character for me, and if this comes to blows, I might be fucking up my college career, but none of that matters. I can’t seem to talk myself down from this ledge. “She’s not just some chick. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Just as Knox opens his mouth to respond, Blaise and Wilder walk into the kitchen. I can’t see their facial expressions, but I assume they must have heard us from the living room.

“Whoa, what’s going on here?” Blaise speaks first.

“Nothing,” I reply. “Just a misunderstanding.”

Wilder raises an eyebrow. “Looks like more than a misunderstanding to me. You two are about to throw hands.”

Normally I would have chuckled at Wilder’s observation, but I’m too pissed off to show any amusement. I let out a deep breath as I take a step back from Knox. “It’s fine. We’re fine. I’m just gonna head up to my room.”

As I turn to leave, Knox calls out, “Running away from your problems, as usual?”

I stop in my tracks, my back still to him. The urge to turn around and deck him is at an all-time high. I know he’s eggingme on, much like he does to our opponents on the ice. However, I’m well versed in his shit. He will not have the last word.

I look over my shoulder and say, “I can say the same thing about you, can’t I?”

Knox’s eyes narrow at me, and I’m ready for him to say something else. But someone else speaks up before he has a chance to.

“Asher, man, just let it go,” Blaise says calmly. “Whatever this is about, it’s not worth fighting over.”

“Yeah, seriously,” Wilder chimes in. “Usually, I’m game for a couple of rounds and will let you two go at it, but I’m fucking tired. The last thing I want to do is break up a fight.”

I appreciate their attempts to defuse the situation, but right now, I just need to get out of here before I do something I’ll regret. Without another word, I head for the stairs, taking them two at a time until I reach my room. I slam the door shut behind me, happy to take out my aggression on something.

I need to find something to do, and fast.

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