Page 172 of Treacherous
I promised to never dampen my spark for someone else. I deserve to be a priority, not discarded off to the side.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
I gasp, quickly wiping the tears from my eyes. I can’t let Jayden see me like this. Yet, his soft words strike my heart like a fucking dagger. I jump when Jayden’s hand begins to rub my back and roll my bottom lip into my mouth. I bite it so hard the metallic taste of blood hits my tongue.
“I’m fine.”
I tilt my head up to see his face. Jayden doesn’t believe me. I can tell. But my awful lie doesn’t stop him.
He wraps his arms around my stomach, pulling me flush against him. My guilt manifests into nausea, and every cell inside me is telling me to run. That these feelings won’t last because the truth is I don’t trust myself, or my heart with others, because I lose sight ofme,when love is on the table, and even though I tried to avoid it, it’s happening again.
Chapter 27
Jayden Allen
Today is our last training session before the final regular season game. Everyone is brimming with excitement, the first round of the Frozen Four right around the corner. As a team, this has been our best performing season, and it shows when recognising the individual efforts from the players.
After a couple of road bumps, Willow fit into the team seamlessly. Now, we are set to be one of the top seeds going into the playoffs, which means everyone will be out to get us. Lakewood needs to find a new level in two weeks’ time.
I stand next to Coach West, watching my teammates work on defensive drills. It has been one of our strengths this season, and it will be vital if we are to make it to the Frozen Four.
Aiden and Willow are going against each other, one verse one. My eyes lock onto their footwork, specifically Willow’s. She falls for Aiden’s fake-out, moving in the wrong direction.
It’s the third time this has happened today. Coach and I share a look. We don’t know what’s going on, but I did notice Willow grabbing at her side for most of the session.
The last thing we need is one of our star players injured. Suddenly, shouts are coming from the end of the ice.
“Willow!”
“We need help over here.”
Fuck. Cooper and Aiden’s voices are consumed by worry, causing me to rush over. Willow has collapsed, but Toby caught her before she collided with the ice.
I bark orders, telling Toby to move her off the ice, while we get the medic. She is unconscious, her pale skin cool to the touch. I knew something was up. I should have stopped her sooner.
I shake my head, trying to give her my full attention. Toby places her on the bottom stand, and she jolts up. All of us swarm on Willow, convincing her to sit down.
“Are you okay? What happened?” Cooper asks.
Willow looks between everyone, clearly in shock. I kneel, interlacing our fingers. “Hey,” I say, pulling her attention my way. “You passed out. And I’ve seen you grab at your side one too many times this session.”
Willow finds her voice. “I’m fine. Nothing I can’t handle,”
I grit my teeth, looking over my shoulder to find Coach West coming this way with the medic.
“I don’t need medical attention." She growls. "If you all must know, I’ve got my fucking period and it feels like someone is stabbing me in my stomach.”
I cover my smile, while the others share a terrified look. Some of the guys have sisters, so they understand, however, I’m surethe others are petrified. Willow is scary normally, but this is another level.
“Training is finished for the day,” Coach says.
“What? No, I’m fine. Let’s go again,” Willow says, while holding her stomach.
Fine.I hate that fucking word coming from Willow’s lips.
Coach shakes his head. “Not happening. Go home and rest.” He looks at the boys. “That is a directive for everyone.”
She grumbles but listens. The others collect their bags and exit the arena. I laugh after seeing Willow snatch her bag from Cooper’s arms.
