Page 106 of On Ice

As the bus pulls away from the arena, I watch the Toronto skyline slide past the window, the CN Tower illuminated against the night sky. In my head, I’m already replaying every shift, every missed opportunity, every mistake.

When my phone buzzes, I can’t deny the little thrill that goes through me. I’m kind of hoping it’s Luca. Not that Iexpecthim to text me while I’m away, but part of me would like to know he’s thinking of me. Disappointment prods me when I see it’s Isabella texting, not Luca. But when I read the text, my heart almost stops.

Luca was ambushed. He’s in intensive care. You might not be safe right now. Tony will meet you at the airport when you land. Do not leave with anyone but Tony.

Isabella.

I reread the message over and over, feeling shocked and confused. Luca is in intensive care? Her message is cryptic, and I should be probably be worried about my own safety. Instead, my thoughts are consumed by what has happened to Luca. I can barely breathe at the thought Luca might die. Isabella didn’t give me any details. Was Luca shot? Stabbed? What exactly happened to Luca?

I grit my teeth, trying to stay calm. I need to remember he’s still alive. For the moment. Once I’m back in Seabrooke, Tony will meet me and I’ll have more answers. Will I be allowed to see Luca? Would Luca want me to visit him? Do I care if he’d want me there? I feel compelled to be there either way.

What if Luca dies before I can get there and I never see him again?

I’m not prepared for the wave of grief that washes over me. My emotions aren’t logical. Not if you think about how our relationship began. Yet, I feel a profound sense of loss at the idea Luca might pass. I clench my teeth against the panic and sadness that grips me. I try to picture Luca gone and it’s inconceivable to me. He’s such a force of power and aggression, how could a man like him be snuffed out?

Coach begins passing out Gatorade, and Noah makes his way unsteadily up the aisle to bring me one. He must see something on my face because he immediately takes the seat next to me.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, studying me. “Is it your mom?”

“No.” I swallow hard, trying to gather my thoughts. “I just got a text saying Luca is in the hospital,” I say softly. “He… he was ambushed or something.”

Noah’s eyes widen. “What the hell?”

I crack the lid open on my drink just to distract myself. I take a sip of the sweet liquid, staring at the back of the seat in front of me. “I don’t really know how bad it is or what happened.”

Noah leans back in the seat, looking stunned. “But he’s alive, right?”

“Yeah. At the moment.” My hands tremble when I put the lid back on my drink. I feel Noah’s gaze on me and when our eyes meet, he looks perplexed. I quirk my brows in question.

He grimaces. “It’s just, you actually seem upset.”

“I am upset,” I rasp. “He coulddie.”

“Right.” Noah nods. “Then he’d be out of your life.”

I glare at him. “Don’t fucking go there, Noah,” I growl.

He wilts slightly, but still says, “Isn’t that what you wanted all along? To get free of him?”

I grit my teeth, trying not to lose my temper. He doesn’t understand how drastically my feelings have changed in the last week. How could he? I’ve barely mentioned Luca lately because I figured Noah wouldn’t want to hear about him. Of course my sudden change of heart is confusing for him. It’s confusing for me.

“Look,” I say quietly. “I know you’re just watching out for me. But like I told you earlier, things have been good with Luca.” I clench my hand against my thigh. “If he dies, I’m not going to be happy about it.”

“I get that things have been good.” He frowns. “But how long do you think that would last? You know what he is. It’snevergoing to last, and you could end up dead just being around that violent asshole.”

I blow out a harsh breath. “Noah, I know you mean well, but don’t—” I shake my head. “Don’t say something you might regret, okay?”

He presses his lips tight, a line between his brows. “I can’t believe you actually care about him. He tried to murder you. How can you care about a man like that?”

“He’s not like that to me now.” I close my eyes, feeling sick and confused. “I… I’m telling you I don’t want him to die. Maybe you can’t grasp that I’d feel like I do, but don’t wish death on him, okay? Just don’t fucking do that, Noah.” My voice breaks.

“Okay,” he says in a quiet voice, patting my arm. “I’m sorry. I just worry about your safety.”

“I know. But I can’t handle any negativity right now.”

“All right.” He squeezes my arm. “I’m really sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I mutter.

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