Page 147 of Beautiful Collide

Here we go. Plaster on a smile.

The faster you get this done with, the sooner you get to Molly.

Like vultures waiting for their kill, they swarm to us, all hungry for our story.

Cameras flash. Then microphones are shoved in our faces.

“Wilde! Over here,” one of them shouts.

I sigh. It’s the nature of the beast, sure, and Coach will expect me to play nice, but I really want to escape.

Mason, on the other hand, is eating it up. Dane hides. Aiden is indifferent. Me? I’m itching to leave.

“Hudson, how does it feel to win back-to-back Cups so early in your career?”

Give them what they want so I can get the hell out of here.

“Amazing.” I force a smile. “It’s what we worked all season for. Every game. Every practice . . . it all led to this.”

“Can you walk us through that final play, Aiden?”

I step back, letting Aiden step forward. “It was a great team effort. One that we’ll celebrate tonight, and then we get back to work.”

And that’s Aiden Slate—totally avoiding a question yet appeasing the audience all at the same time.Fucking legend.

The rest of the questions are muffled by the sound of our celebration. I answer them like I’m on autopilot.

When the reporters finally leave, Mason strides up to me, a silly as fuck grin on his face.

“You ready to hit the bar after this?” he asks.

“Absol—” I’m about to respond when Mason sprays me with champagne.

Ass.

I wipe the liquid off my face, then head to the showers. I’m ready to leave and get this party started. Coach wanted us to talk to the press, and we did. I answered all their questions—but now I’m ready to find her.

Molly.

Since we hooked up again, I’ve wanted to claim her, but seeing as Molly wants to keep this a secret, I have no choice. So, while I want to celebrate, it sucks that I can’t be with her in public.

An hour later, the whole team heads out to hit up a club.

The energy is insane. Music pounds through my body as I head to the VIP area.

Once there, Mason and I go shot for shot. I might be having a great time, but my eyes keep searching her out.

The alcohol burns, but it doesn’t dull the edge. If anything, it sharpens my focus to find Molly.

Then I see her.

The sight of her stops me cold.

She’s near the back of the room, talking to Cassidy and Josie. She’s dressed for sin—a tiny black dress—one I want to rip off her. She’s gorgeous. A siren. I’d gladly sail to my death for a chance with her.

People come and go, but for me, she’s the only person in the room.

She doesn’t see me at first, but that’s fine. It gives me a moment to stare unnoticed.

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