Page 1 of Beautiful Collide

PROLOGUE

Molly

I have a monster. A cruel, twisted nightmare that haunts the shadows of my mind. It lurks in my memories, waiting to strike when I’m not ready.

You’re fine, Molly. You’re safe.

“Hurry up.”

I whip my head to look over my shoulder at the words. The girl isn’t speaking to me, but my back still goes ramrod straight.

Tonight is supposed to be exciting. It’s the Frost Cup. The biggest weekend in high school hockey. Teams from all the neighboring states flock to Redville to play in my school’s infamous tournament.

Every inch of the hall leading to the rink is packed. On a typical night, the crowd is chaotic during home games. Tonight, it’s even worse.

Apparently, this team is the best.

That’s why more people are here than usual.

This is the game of the year. Scouts are in the audience. College scouts. Pro scouts. Hell, even my brother’s coach for the Saints is here.

I’m surprised Dane didn’t insist on coming with me. He barely lets me go anywhere alone.

But when he stopped me at the door earlier, I put my foot down.

Told him I was going alone.

I’m a senior, for crying out loud.

And just because my older brother is my guardian doesn’t mean he has to act like an overprotective dad.

“For fuck’s sake, will you people just walk?”

This time, it’s a guy speaking. A real douchebag, by the looks of it.

I keep going, pushing my way through the crowd.

I’m almost there when I see someone familiar standing a few feet away. It’s him. And suddenly, my monster isn’t some faceless shadow in my mind. He’s real, and tangible, and terrifying, andhere.

He can’t see me. The world might end if he does. For me, anyway.

A shiver works its way down my spine. I duck to the left, hoping the crowd will hide me.

I can’t talk tohim.

I can’t even look at him.

Shit.

I know, without a measure of a doubt, he’s waiting for me.

He wouldn’t be if Dane were here.

How does he know I’m alone?

It doesn’t matter. Escape first. Questions later.

The walls start to close in on me. I can feel my chest tightening.

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