Page 144 of Unraveling Rain
“Xander, go. Before the police come. We’ll talk later,” Dad says.
I nod, jaw clenched.
Matt falls into step beside me.
Dad throws another punch.
Thanks, Dad.
Fucking hell. Is this how River felt when he punched that asshole?
Now I understand why he’s such a sour man.
If I had to carry what this fucker did to Rain for the rest of my life, I don’t think I could handle it. But I know if I tell her, she’ll spiral—and I’m not there to hold her hand.
I take off my uniform in a hurry, trying not to rip it apart.
In the shower, I let the water run down my head, hoping it’ll cool me off.
No luck. By the time I’m dressed and ready to go, I’m still seething.
“What the fuck was that, man?” Matt asks once we’re on the bus.
“That asshole was Rain’s boyfriend in high school,” I say, still staring out the window. “I can’t tell you the full story—it’s hers to share. But the damage he did? Trust me, it was enough to make me lose it.”
Matt exhales hard, lowering his head. “Fuck.”
“Yeah. He’s an abusive piece of shit.”
I close my eyes.
Time to ground myself—just like Ruin taught me.
Five: The sound of the puck hitting the net. Sirens blaring.
Four: Rain’s smile on a sunny day. Her hair dancing with the wind.
Three: Rain cooking while I pretend to help, just to be near her.
Two: The way she licks her lips when she wants me. Drives me insane.
One: Rain’s face when she comes. Nothing tops that.
I release one last deep breath and open my eyes.
My pulse settles.
What the hell does he want with her after ten years?
I can’t let this asshole near her again.
My beautiful, carefree, smart, and determined woman doesn’t deserve to go through this again.
I laugh under my breath.
This must’ve been what she felt when he texted her.
How the tables have turned.
