Page 149 of Collide
“She can call him too,” threatens Amara.
I move forward. “You did all this just to take my co-op spot? There were students whose futures depended on getting into the program. Shannon Lee left because of what you did!”
His face is a mask of indifference. “Last time I checked, Shannon made her own decisions. Besides, with her gone, you had a shot. Though we both know you’ll always come second to me.”
“Really? Because I’m pretty sure you’re the one who had to fuck our professor to secure your spot.”
His jaw tightens. “Maybe I just wanted to have some fun.”
Anger spreads through my blood like poison. “You did it on purpose, didn’t you? Instead of threatening me, you went to Aiden. You’re a fucking coward, Donny.”
“Coward or not, I’m the one who got into the program. Have fun in California, Summer. Maybe you can find another hockey player to fuck your way through your assignments.”
My slap that ricochets off his face, sending a sharp sting to my hand. But the pain doesn’t register because of the rage that boils through me.
Donny steps forward, but Amara blocks him with a hand on his chest. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
His rough exhale is angry before he takes off.
I turn to Amara. “Can you drive me to Aiden’s?”
“After a slap like that, I’ll give you anything,” she laughs.
***
Aiden
YOU DON’T KNOW your girlfriend's strength until she’s absolutely livid. As soon as I open the front door, I’m pushed back. “How could you?!”
I have to take hold of Summer’s frantic arms. “Listen—”
“No, Aiden!” She yanks her arms away. “You told me not to mess up mine, so why can’t you do the same?”
Her anger is burning hot, and to balance some of that heat, I stay calm. “Because I know how hard you’ve worked for this.”
“So have you! You’re missing your final game because of me.”
Her eyes swim with the hurt I can’t bear to see. The whole point of this was to avoid that. To never see her cry like she did that night in my arms. “Baby,” I start.
“Don’tbabyme, Aiden. You overstepped.” She jabs a finger at my chest. “This is my problem!”
I take hold of her violent finger. “My girlfriend was crying in my arms, and you expect me to stand by and do nothing? Fuck, no. Your problems are my problems too.”
She lets out a heavy groan as if I’m the one being difficult. “You could have been expelled.”
“But I wasn’t. A suspension isn’t that bad.”
“It is when you’re the captain! Why am I the only one concerned about this?” A look of exasperation takes over her angry one. “You have to retract your confession.”
I move to touch her, but I think better of it. “I can’t do that.”
“You can. Come with me, we can explain. They’ll understand.”
“I’m sure they would, but I stand by my decision.”
She appears indignant. “This could ruin things with Toronto.”
“I’m already signed. But if they want to take action, I’ll deal.”
