Page 26 of Devil on Skates
Neither feels a hundred percent real, but neither feels totally fake either. I live in the gray area between their expectations.
And now there’s Xavier, the guy who apparently sees through all that. And he wants me for me and isn’t afraid to chase me, despite me being his coach’s daughter.
But he scares me and thrills me at the same time. If I let myself explore what’s happening between us, I risk everything. My dad’s approval, my funding, and maybe even my future career could be at risk.
I need to get Xavier out of my head, even though I don’t know how.
Will he be at the party? Probably. But I’ll be with Keith, unless I get really lucky and he refuses my invitation because he’s still upset about the book, so I can just stay at home.
Too bad I don’t believe in luck anymore.
Chapter 12
XAVIER
THE HOUSE IS FULL OFpeople, and the music is so loud that everything seems like it’s vibrating with it. This is Andrei’s party, so it’s classier than the one where I first ran into Irina. But here everyone knows me, and all my teammates are here.
“Dude, Andrei actually has decent booze,” Ronan says, checking out the bottles lined up on the kitchen counter. “It’s not the usual party crap.”
I nod but barely register it, scanning the room instead. I haven’t told Ronan or anyone else why I’m really here. There’s no point in explaining that I’m waiting for Irina to show up, since I was there when Coach asked Andrei to invite her, which was totally cringe but a perfect opportunity for me.
“Looking for someone?” Ronan asks, clearly picking up on my vibe.
“Just scoping things out,” I say, taking a beer even though I don’t really want it.
Staying alert tonight matters more than blending in.
He follows my eyes as I sweep the room. “Coach’s daughter isn’t here, if that’s what you’re wondering. I haven’t seen her.”
I glance at him. “I wasn’t—”
“Save it,” he interrupts, worry creasing his brow. “Whatever game you’re playing with her, remember it’s not just your ass on the line if Coach finds out.”
Before I can say anything, Ronan spots a group of girls by the fireplace and wanders off. But he’s right about the risk. Except, he doesn’t get that it just fires me up more. Easy wins don’t do it for me.
I plant myself near the front door, chatting with teammates but keeping the entrance in sight. Soon, my patience pays off.
Irina walks in with Keith, and everything about their body language clashes. Keith’s all confident, one hand resting possessively at her lower back as he steers her inside. Irina’s smile looks forced, her shoulders tense under her simple but classy top. She’s playing the role of the perfect girlfriend for the right guy.
Seeing them together lights a familiar fire in my chest. Watching Keith touch her like he owns her, even here, feels like a challenge, and I’m definitely answering.
I stay put, watching how they move through the party. Keith’s got that smooth businessman charm, introducing her to people like she’s part of a deal. Irina plays along, shaking hands and chatting, but I notice the little things that others don’t. Her fake smile, the way she pulls away from his touch when she thinks no one’s looking, and how her eyes drift toward the exit like she’s plotting an escape.
I wait for the right moment. Then Keith leans in and says something into her ear. She nods, and he walks off, probably to refill their drinks.
Perfect timing.
I move through the crowd. She’s standing alone at the edge of the dance floor, watching couples with a distant look.
“Dance with me,” I whisper into her ear, already grabbing her wrist.
She stiffens, spinning around with wide eyes that quickly flash to alarm. “Xavier! What are you—?”
I don’t let her finish, pulling her gently but firmly onto the dance floor where other couples provide cover. “Just one dance.”
“Let go of me,” she hisses, trying to slip free without making a scene. “Keith will be back any second.”
“Keith thinks we’re friends,” I say, loosening my grip but sliding my hands to her waist. “Old party acquaintances, remember? That’s the story he believes.”
