Page 4 of Savage Valentine

Shaking my head, I pull myself from the haunting memories, reminding myself that I’m not that girl anymore. I won’t ever have to be either. Looking at my wrist where the blue butterfly tattoo now sits, replacing the numbers that once stained my skin, I rub my thumb across it.We made it, little butterfly. We were saved.Wiping the tears from my eyes I didn’t even notice were falling, I’m suddenly grabbed from behind. Screaming and turning around, I land a punch right into the person’s face.

“Fuck Syd! It’s just me.” Parker groans, holding his cheek.

“Jesus Christ! You scared the hell out of me! Don’t you know not to creep up on people? Especially on this fucking bridge, in the dark! It’s creepy enough without being scared to death, you savage motherfucker.” I spit out, bringing my hands to my chest. My heart feels like it’s about to explode.

“I’m sorry. I called your name a couple times. Maybe don’t wear headphones when you’re out here walking alone?Especially in the dark.” He mocks and rubs his face, starting to chuckle.

“Also, you got a mean right hook. I won’t admit that I ever said that if you tell anyone.” He chuckles again. Shaking my head, I laugh with him.

“I guess you’re right, but music helps it feel less scary. What are you doing out here anyways? Following me?” I question and roll my eyes.

“No, I was out for my morning run and saw you out here walking alone. So I was coming over to walk with you.” He says and now I feel bad for punching him. Kinda.

“I’m just going to the parking lot. Actually, I’m thinking about going to town for coffee before classes start since it’s so early.” I say taking in a breath. While I dislike jocks, something about Parker calls to me and I have to admit, seeing him all sweaty, even when it’s freezing out here, is kind of hot.

“Well come on, I’ll walk you to your car then.” He replies, grabbing my bag from the ground and tossing it over his shoulder. “Are you coming?” He asks, looking at me and jerking his head towards the parking lot since apparently I’m just standing here like a statue.

Walking towards the lot, the silence is deafening and the tension can be cut with a knife.Ugh, it grates my nerves that I’m so intrigued by him.Making it to the big wooden gates, we go through and I turn towards the side where I know my car is parked.

“Which one’s yours?” He asks, looking around at all the cars in the lot.You go from higher end cars, like Mercedes and Bentleys, to trucks and sports cars.

“That one.” I reply, pointing to my blacked out challenger and hitting the unlock button.

“Damn, that car is sexy as fuck. Just like the driver.” He says, looking at me like he’s about to eat me alive right here. I just roll my eyes and laugh.

“Wanna come with? Or you got puck bunnies to go please?” I sass as I slide into the front seat.

“I’d rather please you. Right here in your front seat. But if all I get is going to get coffee, then let's go, Ice Queen.” He replies, shutting my door. Walking around, he gets in the passenger seat and tosses my bag in the back.

Starting the car and giving it a few minutes to warm up, I put it in drive and take off out of the parking lot, down the winding road, away from the University. The whole campus sits on top of a cliffside, so it’s all curvy roads and miles from town. It looks pretty covered in snow, but there's secrets that lie beneath that no one knows about. It doesn’t take long before we’re falling into simple conversation the whole way. Who would have thought me and Parker Vance in the same car and no one getting murdered?

Chapter 4

Parker

Missing practice this morning was worth it, even if it was just to go get coffee with her. Normally I get in my morning run, then I’m on the ice before the rest of the team to blow off steam before it’s off to classes after.Fuck it, they won’t miss me for one practice. Walking through the Valentine themed hallways and into my first class, I sit down and grab a piece of paper to start my note for my little Ice Queen.

Once class is over with, I walk out and head straight for Sydney’s locker, slip the note in and dip out before she can notice. I’m pretty sure she knows it’s me who leaves these notes, but she hasn’t asked and I’m damn sure not about to give myself away. I love getting her all riled up. It’s the best part of my day. Walking to my next class, my phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, I instantly roll my eyes and sigh.

Dad- I’ll be at your next game. Better be a winning one. Vance’s don’t lose!

Me- K dad. We haven’t lost yet. Walking into class. Later.

Closing the thread before I ever see his reply, I put my phone back in my pocket. He hates when I dismiss him, but he’s always on my case about hockey. He doesn’t like that I play any sports instead of being fully focused on my initiation next year. I have told him a hundred times that the secret society can suck my dick and I don’t want any part of it. But I’m a Vance and it’s all about keeping the family name going. Therefore I don’t get a say. So he’s doing everything in his power to get me to conform before then. And I’m not giving in as easily as he wants, but since I’m his only kid, he really doesn’t have achoice. I will do what he says until I can get out. When I do, I’m leaving this town behind.

***

Finishing up with classes, I head towards the cafeteria to meet up with Hayes and Ezran for dinner before we go to practice. Walking in the door, I make my way to the front of the line, grabbing a couple slices of pizza, a bottle of water and an orange. Making my way to the table, Hayes is the only sitting there. Looking around for Ezran, I don’t see him anywhere.He’s probably with Zova. Those two are always making up for time since we’re constantly at practice. Hockey basically makes up our entire life when we’re not in class.Sitting down, I take a big bite of my pizza and look over at him.

“Liv came to the sports center and was looking for you. Did she find what she was looking for?" I ask, wiggling my eyebrows at him. He laughs and slaps the back of my head.

“So the cemetery party, are you ready for it? You going after Syd or letting someone else take her?” He asks and I punch him in the arm.

“Fuck you! No one gets Syd but me. I’ll be the only one to catch her and I’ll kill anyone who tries. I already have her glow stick ready to go.” I reply, feeling my blood pressure rise at the thought of someone else touching her.

“Damn, I was just joking. But I feel you. I’d definitely do the same shit if someone else touched Liv.” He replies back. We both cut each other a glance and start laughing. We sound like a bunch of psychos, but only for the girls we choose, I guess.

We fall into conversation about our plans for that night while finishing our food. Once we’re done, we dump our trash and head out. Walking across campus, we make it quickly to the sports center and to the outside rink. Honestly, practicing outside is my favorite. It’s not like it could get any colder. It’s already freezing and the ground is covered in snow.

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