Page 22 of Break The Ice

“Sellars is down.”

I frown. “I thought he was goalie?”

“Yeah, I think it’s his knee again.”

“Is it bad? Who’s going to sub him?”

“Probably Bruce or Yarek. Okay, I’m going to get off the phone. I might try to convince Wren and Raider to come to the shops with me before I come home. If they will be willing.”

I just manage to mask my surprise. Kit’s anxiety over leaving the house is a thing of legend. The only way we can get him to go anywhere other than the Greene Demon’s stadium is to be with him.

I get the same bolt of shame I do every time I think of Kit’s mental illness.

I still have nightmares some nights. Especially when Kit starts to withdraw.

“Callan, stop.”

I close my eyes, hating the fact that he seems to always know what I’m thinking. Stupid bonds. Sometimes I love it, but, at times like these, I really wish he didn’t know. This is why our bonds are rarely ever open.

“It’s not your fault.”

I swallow hard as the memories rise, turning the residual taste of risotto bitter.

I force a smile. “Buy me a present?”

Kit laughs. He is contagious whether he laughs, smiles, or cries. He is compelling. I love that only we get to see him, but, sometimes, I think it’s a crime. Kit should be enjoyed by everyone.

He is the kind of person who lights up the world.

“Love you,” I say and blow him a kiss.

“Love you to the stars.”

And then he’s gone, and I’m swallowing the lump in my throat as I hear Kit scream.

“Callan?”

I jerk, hissing, as I burn my finger on the pan. Ryann appears beside me and grabs my hand. I hold perfectly still, watching her while she inspects my burned finger. Her hands are tiny and cold but so soft.

I can smell risotto and brownies, and the feel of her soft, small hands on mine has me mesmerized. Kit’s screams in my memory dull to a whisper.

“What were you thinking about?”

“What?” It’s such a strange question that my mind goes blank.

“You looked scared? I’m just…” she stops and bites her bottom lip. “You know what? Never mind, it’s none of my business.”

I want to give her the answers, but not about that. So, I stay silent, lead us into the dining room, and serve up the food.

“So, what was your favourite place to photograph?”

Ryann looks up from her food and smiles, accepting my subject change happily. I’m more grateful than I can express.

Chapter six

Ryann

Raider, Wren, and Kitwalk in and immediately go in three different directions. It’s clear as day that something has gone really wrong. I had intended to keep an emotional ravine between us, but, apparently, judging by the anxiety that grips my throat, I’ve failed. It’s only been a day since I met Raider. Am I that starved for contact with people?

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