Page 31 of Devil on Skates
Fear flashes through his eyes as I raise my fist, but Ronan grabs my shoulders, pulling me back.
“Enough!” Ronan yells. “He’s done.”
I hesitate, then step back. Ronan stands between us as Hunter slumps to the floor while clutching his ribs. There’s blood on the floor, and everyone’s watching us, their phones in their hands.
“You’re crazy,” Hunter mutters, wiping blood from his mouth.
I don’t have any time to think about him or about the consequences of what I’ve just done, so I focus back on Irina, who’s leaning heavily on the counter. She’s dazed, as if she’s not even sure what’s happening around her.
“We’re leaving,” I say, sliding an arm around her to steady her. “Can you walk?”
She looks up at me, her eyes glassy. “Yeah.”
“Sure you are,” I say, smiling a little as she almost tumbles to the floor.
I lift her up into my arms, and she rests her head on my shoulder as I carry her toward the exit. People stare at us and whisper, but Irina doesn’t seem to notice as she mumbles something incoherent while picking at the sleeve of my shirt.
Once we’re outside, I furrow my brow. Where should I take her? Home? Coach would kill us both if I did that.
There’s only one option left. My dorm room. It’s the safest place.
“Put me down,” she mumbles, but her head drops on my shoulder like she’s got no strength left.
“Not a chance,” I say as I start walking. “Just relax. I’ve got you.”
Her body is warm against mine, her breathing slowing down as she drifts in and out of sleep.
The dorm building’s quiet when we reach it. Most people are out or already asleep. A few glance at my bloodied hands and Irina in my arms, but no one says anything.
Inside my room—not having to share is a perk of being a hockey player—I carefully lay her on my bed, slipping off her shoes and pulling the comforter over her.
She stirs, mumbling nonsense before falling deeper into sleep.
I just watch her for a long moment, the protectiveness inside me still going strong. The anger I felt when I saw Hunter on her was raw and real.
I’d go to hell and back for her. I’d kill for her.
And it’s not about competition or winning. She’s gotten under my skin like no one else has.
This wasn’t the plan. I wanted things to be clean and easy, and now it’s all messy and complicated.
I head to the bathroom, check my busted lip in the mirror, and wipe off the dried blood. It’s nothing compared to what I’ve taken on the ice, but it reminds me of how fast things spiraled out of control.
Back in the room, I look at Irina again. After weeks of trying to win her over, here she is. In my bed and totally unaware.
I lean forward, tempted to brush her hair back, but I stop myself because I don’t want to disturb her. For now, I just want to watch her and keep her safe, and I don’t give a fuck about what happens tomorrow.
Chapter 15
IRINA
WHEN I WAKE UP, THERE’Sa steady throbbing behind my temple, as if my head’s trying to keep pace with my heartbeat. My tongue’s stuck to the roof of my mouth as if I swallowed a handful of sand. My whole body feels heavy and tired, even though I’ve clearly slept for hours.
I keep my eyes shut, trying to prepare for whatever’s waiting for me. I’m fully dressed, which is a relief, even though my clothes feel way too tight after sleeping in them.
The surface beneath me is soft but unfamiliar, and I know it’s not my bed. And the scent around me is definitely masculine, with a faint hint of cologne and something else that I somehow recognize.
Xavier.
