Page 64 of Truce: Declan
I give him the information and bite my tongue. “I hope I’m not interrupting your plans for this evening,” I say.
“Just don’t let her do anything stupid. Okay?” Jasper hangs up, and I drop Amber’s phone back into her purse, handing it to her.
“Do you want to dance until the boys come?” I ask.
Amber shakes her head and grimaces. “I don’t think I can,” she says and makes a face. “The room needs to stop spinning.”
I forgot how much of a lightweight my bestie is. “Are you going to be sick? Do you want me to take you to the bathroom?” I ask, worried about her.
“Gosh, I hope not,” she mumbles. “Birthdays are supposed to be fun.” She grumbles under her breath.
I rest a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“Fine, but it’s Atlas Storm.”
I don’t have to ask who to know Atlas. He’s in one of my classes, and it seems Amber also knows him. He’s the younger brother to Island Bruisers' star player, Knox Storm.
“Hey, ladies,” Atlas says, stalking over, beer in hand. He glances us over like he’s deciding whether or not he’s interested based on our appearance. If his gaze raking us over isn’t objectifying, the whistle and wicked wolf grin sure as hell makes my skin crawl.
“Not interested,” I say, making it clear that nothing is going to happen. He might as well move on to the next woman he wants to chase.
Atlas smiles, his gaze locked on me. “Are you sure, princess? I heard you and Noah Reece broke up. I promise you I’m a much better ride in bed than he ever was, and you won’t disappoint your daddy.”
I shift uncomfortably on my feet. “My father doesn’t choose my dates, and trust me, there is zero chemistry here.” I gesture between us. “I have more heat with a pet rock.”
He chuckles and sips his beer. “That’s a shame.”
“Get lost, Atlas.” I know what he’s trying to do. He said it himself, wanting to get in good with my father, the head of the Island Bruisers. He’s probably enlisting in the NHL draft and wants a guaranteed spot.
“Come on,” he says, stepping closer. He places his hand on my arm, his fingers firm but not painful. “I’ve seen the way you look at me in class. We could be something great.”
In class, he hits on every girl in a skirt.
He’s not using me to get a draft pick. “Ask Knox for help. I’m not your girl. And get your hands off me, Atlas.” I attempt to shrug out of his grip, but his hold tightens, and his other hand comes around my hip.
“I’m not in it for the draft pick,” he leans in and whispers.
I don’t believe him.
“Get your hands off her,” Noah’s voice rings behind me.
“We’re going,” Jasper says, coming around my side and helping Amber to her feet.
Atlas releases his grip and throws his arms up in mock surrender. “Sorry, man. I didn’t realize you two were still dating,” he says, giving in like I’m Noah’s property and belong to him.
“Let’s go,” Noah growls into my ear. Grabbing my arm, he pulls me out of the bar along with Jasper and Amber in tow.
Stepping out into the cold air, he relinquishes his grip on me. “Do you always have to find trouble everywhere you are?” Noah asks, his tone sharp, and I roll my lips together.
I don’t think he’s looking for an answer.
“Where’s the car?” Amber asks, swaying as she walks. Jasper wraps an arm around her waist to help steady her.
“We’re only a couple of blocks from home. I wouldn’t have been able to park much closer,” he says.
Calling Jasper was a bad idea.
The heat of Noah’s stare makes my stomach ache, or maybe it’s the shots finally getting to me. I can’t be sure which one is making me feel worse. He doesn’t want to be around me. Why did I think interrupting their night would be a good idea?
