Page 46 of Devil on Skates
It sounds reasonable, but something’s off.
“I’m not really sure,” I say, testing how far I can push back.
His face goes deadly serious, the nice guy act slipping away. “Well, we’re going. Your dad was already told and he expects it, and my dad has arranged great seats for us.”
It’s not a question anymore. It’s an order.
“Lethimwatch,” Keith says. “Let him see what he lost... and what he’ll never get back.”
My lips part. This isn’t about family support or love for hockey. It’s about owning me and hurting Xavier in a new way.
“That’s a little petty, don’t you think?” I say, curling my fingers into fists under the table.
“Petty?” He laughs. “Maybe, but he messed with us, embarrassed me, and fought over you like some caveman. He deserves to suffer some consequences.”
I grit my teeth, but I can’t let Keith see just how mad I am. Is this a test for me or something else? Did Costello buy us tickets for this particular game for a reason? What if it’s supposed to be the game that changes everything for Xavier?
If he messes things up again, he’ll lose the contract. Since he’ll do it all on his own, it won’t be Costello’s fault. Costello will still expect me to honor our deal, but all the sacrifice will be for nothing.
The cage I’m in just became a lot smaller. I’m definitely not Keith’s partner. I’m a pawn.
“Okay,” I say, because it’s all I can do.
Keith’s winning smile makes me want to punch him. “Good, but don’t wear the team’s colors.”
Of course even what I’ll wear is already decided for me. Going to that game is a nightmare waiting to happen. If Xavier sees me with Keith, who knows how he’ll react? It could trigger him and he could do something really bad. And if that happens, we’re both screwed. I’ll have given up real love and my freedom for nothing.
No, I have to keep up with my pretense and hope like hell that Xavier won’t see me or react.
Chapter 24
XAVIER
DURING WARM-UPS, Ilook around and then I spot her.
Irina.
She’s sitting right next to Keith in the VIP area. I bet they’re not here to support the team. No, they’re here for me. Only for me.
I grind my teeth together. This is straight-up provocation, and maybe they somehow know I have scouts watching me today. Keith’s showing off like he’s won or something, and Irina’s right there with him after she just walked away from everything we shared.
Fine. If they want a reaction, I’m going to give them one they won’t see coming. Not a meltdown or a distracted mess, but straight-up excellence. I’m going to show her exactly what she gave up on. It’s payback time. My success will hurt them both.
I turn my anger and pain into laser focus and determination, and each drill earns me nods of approval. I’ll prove to Irina and to myself that she can’t destroy me just like that.
From the first drop of the puck, the game’s intense. The opponent comes at me fast, clearly making me their target. It’s a smart strategy. They’re trying to get under my skin, throw me off my game, and draw a penalty to tip the momentum in their favor.
But ever since Irina disappeared on me, my mindset’s totally different. The old vulnerability is gone and locked behind a wall of focus. No more emotional chaos, just cold, calculated play.
When their center gets in my face during a face-off, trying the same crap that got under my skin before, I just smile, not feeling anything at all.
“Still playing for Coach’s daughter?” one of the guys says. “Heard she traded up for someone better.”
“Focus on the puck. You’ll need it,” I say.
His brows knit and his mouth twitches, as if he’s bracing for a blow-up that never comes. He watches me, waiting, but I just hold his gaze, perfectly calm.
Midway through the first period, we get a break. A perfect outlet pass from our defenseman catches them off guard. It’s a quick decision: pass or shoot? I see an opening over the goalie’s blocker and take the shot. The puck slides in, the red light flashes, and the crowd goes wild.
