Page 4 of Puck Right Off

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Janelle’s smug voice grates on every one of my nerves. “He asked me to come over here and fuck you. Said a piece of ass would ease your depression.”

My hands curl into fists as the room turns red. I want to punch the damn wall so hard my fist comes out the other side, but I refrain, knowing it’ll only worsen Jordyn’s impression of me.

I’m gonna fucking kill him.My gaze moves to the closed door, and I sigh. Rubbing my forehead, I’ve lost all patience with this shitty morning.What a disastrous first impression I’ve made on Jordyn. To make matters worse, my roommate conspired with a puck bunny behind my back.

“Don’t worry, Tristan. I would’ve done it even if Josh hadn’t made a bet with me.”

“Made a bet?” My mouth drops open as I stare at her, a sick sensation spiraling in my stomach. “What the fuck did you bet on?”

Her smile is arrogant as she examines her nails, playing it cool. “Oh, you know. He bet that I couldn’t even get you naked while I wagered I’d have your dick inside my pussy.” Evil eyes lift, glittering with satisfaction. “Guess I won.”

My breathing accelerates like I’ve just run a marathon. Although Josh is nowhere near as close to me as Alex Graves, who’s like a brother to me, he’s been my teammate and roommate for two years.

Son of a bitch. Josh is dead!

CHAPTER 3

Tristan

Without a word, I spin on my heels, racing for the front door. I need air. The stinging betrayal and volcanic-level rage coil through my body like a snake, taking me over. Although Josh and I aren’t that close, he knows about the tragedy that stole my entire world in an instant. He knows each day that ticks by brings me closer to reliving that horror and blaming myself.

My hands clench into fists as I step onto the porch. My palms ache from my fingernails digging into them as my bare feet slap down the stairs to the sidewalk.I should’ve known better than to trust anything that came out of Josh Fowler’s manipulative mouth. That asshole only cares about himself.

Sucking in a big breath of oxygen as my feet hit the sidewalk, my gaze lands on Jordyn. She places her suitcase on the pavement of the driveway, her eyes lifting to mine. The concern in them as we engage in a silent stare down causes my anger to dissipate. She’s like a soothing balm, calming my frayed nerves.

“Jordyn, wait.” I jog over to her, my breathing accelerating as I draw to a stop, admiring the way her golden strands glistenbeneath the sun. Her lightly tanned skin glows, a pink tinge coloring her cheeks as her gaze moves from my face to my bare chest. Her breathing accelerates as she looks away. I engage in a silent victory of beating my hands over my chest like Tarzan at her reaction to me. I affect her.

“Let me do that.” My voice is low as I move closer to her, breathing her in.Goddamn. She smells like strawberries.

She stiffens, her grip tightening on the handle of her suitcase. “I got it, Tristan. You focus on?—”

“I don’t wanna focus onher.” My words rush out in an attempt to remove the doubts from her mind. “Iwantto help you. And not because?—”

My mouth snaps shut as Janelle’s heels stomp on the pavement behind me. Tensing, I look over my shoulder, waiting for the tirade I’m certain is coming.

“I can’t believe you ran out onmeto chase after this meek little nerd.” Her eyes rake over Jordyn, disdainfully, a disgusted smirk on her lips.

“Don’t fucking insult her,” I snap, losing all patience with Janelle. “Her name is Jordyn, and she has more class in her pinkie than you have in your entire trashy body.”

“Ohhh…. This is rich.” Janelle crosses her arms over her chest. “All protective over a little nerd you just met.” Her eyes slide to Jordyn, a calculating expression on her face. “Josh’s stepsister, right?” She smirks, her snakelike eyes narrowing on mine. “Didn’t Josh warn the team that his nerdy sister is off-limits?”

“I’m not his sister,” Jordyn straightens, crossing her arms over her chest, an irritated scowl on her face.

“Semantics.” Janelle’s eyes dart back to mine, a contemplative expression on her face. “I’m pretty sure that wanting to fuck Josh’s stepsister is something he won’t like.” The venom in her voice makes me want to grab her by the hair and drag her to her car.

Nausea churns in my stomach. I can’t believe I let this bitch touch me.

Grinding my teeth, I step closer, my demeanor threatening. “You’re a fucking bully.” My cold gaze slides over her disdainfully as I forcefully spit out my next words. “You’renotgoing to spread lies about Jordyn and me.” Another step brings me toe-to-toe with her. “I have a pretty good story I could tell daddy that involves you and three members of the Wolverines.”

Janelle’s eyes widen slightly before she shakes it off, attempting to hide the fear flashing in her eyes. “That’s just a rumor.” She waves one perfectly manicured hand dismissively. “He won’t believe it.”

I cock my head, a vile smile on my lips. “Is it, though? Because the video I have on my phone says otherwise.” Reaching into the pocket of my gray sweatpants, I grab it and hold it up. “Care to watch?”

Janelle takes a step back, her face turning white. “N-Noo. I don’t need to see that.” She takes another step back. “I-I won’t say anything.”

“That’s right. You won’t say a goddamn word, or this video goes straight to daddy. Now, apologize to Jordyn and get the fuck off the premises.”

“Tristan, it’s fine. She doesn’t need—” Jordyn stumbles as she moves toward me, her hands flying out, bracing for a fall that doesn’t come because I whirl around and catch her. Soft, warm hands are planted against my bare chest, sending tingles coursing through me. There’s a jolt in my chest like I’ve been hit with paddles to restart my heart.Goddamn. What the hell is that?