Page 61 of Ruthless Villain

Evan can’t stop me from being who I am, and if I happen to be better than him, then so be it. He’s the one who rocked the nest and got on my bad side.

Not me.

The score for the night was 4-2. We won again with two goals being scored by me and the others done by Heath and Dunkley.

I’ve played my heart out this week. More than I ever have in any one week.

I’m sure people could see it.

Tonight was another victory, but I’m already thinking of the next game. That’s what you have to do, especially at this stage ofthe season. You don’t relax. When you do, that’s when you slip up.

Next week we’re off to Boston, Chicago, and Arizona. I’ll be away all week, and the pressure is on. Those teams are already planning our funeral.

We’re doing the same for them. As of today we have six weeks until the playoffs, so every game is going to be blood for fucking blood.

After being swarmed by reporters and the host of admiring fans who wanted our autographs, we’re finally in the changing room.

I’m exhausted, but I still have enough excitement and adrenaline pumping through me to play another game.

“We ruled the ice tonight, men!” Heath bellows, high-fiving me as he walks by with his gears in his hands.

The guys cheer.

“Let’s drag Boston to hell!” shouts Bailey, who smashes his head with Victor’s.

I laugh. Those guys are crazy as fuck. My mom told me to never do that. I’m sure there’s a skill to it, but unless I’m in a fight, I’ll be keeping my head smash free.

“It needs to be said, bro.” Jake walks up to me. “Our energy and morale are definitely up because of you.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate that.” I shake his outstretched hand and we bump fists.

“Don’t ever check out on us again,” Jackson chimes in, and all I see is the guys all around nodding their agreement.

It’s encouraging that although I’m not even an alternate captain anymore, they still look at me as a leader.

“Yes, Luc, don’t check out on us.” Evan steps out from the lockers on the corner and looks at me like I’m dog shit. “You played a good game tonight, Le Blanche.”

I don’t care for his insincere compliments so all I do is stare back at him.

“Didn’t think you were capable of saying such a thing.” Heath smirks at Evan.

“I always give credit where it’s due. Anyway, I’m gonna take off for the night. I’ll need my rest for my date tomorrow with Autumn Jakobe.”

On hearing that, there’s no way I can hide my infuriation.

“Looks like you two are getting pretty close.” Mark chuckles behind Evan.

I might agree if I didn’t want to accept it. Autumn has been to lunch with Evan near enough every day. If I didn’t see them together for myself, then I heard about it from the guys. Of course, she’s the buzz because she’s beautiful and a shiny new woman for them to look at and fantasize over.

They couldn’t be more thrilled to do their interviews with her. But Evan holds the victory on holding her attention.

“We’re getting there.” Evan smiles, then looks at me as if we—he and I—were the ones talking about her. “Your loss, Le Blanche. I plan to sample the goods between her legs tomorrow. Cole assures me that while the poor girl might have fallen into the deep end, she’s a whore in bed.”

Something snaps in my head as he says that and I rush him, pushing him into the wall with my chest. The move is powerful enough to make him stumble.

“Watch your fucking mouth, Evan,” I bark, getting right up in his face. “Fucking watch it before I ram your face into the wall. She’s not a fucking whore.”

A flicker of fear flashes in his eyes, but beyond that I see malice. The same malice that wants me to hit him and get in more trouble for it.

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