Page 10 of Boards & Betrayal

I increased the speed, my feet pounding harder against the rubber belt. The world outside the gym windows blurred into insignificance. My focus narrowed to the display in front of me, tracking each mile, each calorie burned.

AsAll The Small Thingsblared in my ears, I pushed myself harder, my pace quickening until I was running at full speed. My lungs burned with every breath, a fiery reminder of my limits, but I didn't slow down.

The music grew louder as I turned up the volume, blocking out everything except for the pounding of my feet and the lyrics filling my head. My body screamed for me to stop, but I ignored it, pushing through the pain.

I ran until sweat drenched my clothes and my muscles felt like they were on fire. Each step became a test of willpower, each breath a challenge to overcome. The gym's emptiness seemed to amplify every sound—the slap of my sneakers against the treadmill belt, the labored breathing that echoed in my ears.

With one final burst of energy, I pushed myself past what I thought possible until my legs gave out and I hit the emergency stop button. The treadmill slowed to a halt beneath me as I bent over, gasping for air.

I yanked out my headphones and let them dangle around my neck while leaning against the machine for support. My lungs burned with every inhale, but there was a strange sense of relief that came with it—a momentary escape from everything that weighed on me.

But it wasn't enough.

It was never enough.

Chapter 4

Tom

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I adjusted my tie with a practiced motion. The reflection staring back at me was rugged, a weathered face with dark hair graying at the temples. I could almost see the shadows of my goddamn youth in my own eyes—intense, brooding, and maybe a bit too hardened by life’s relentless grind.

I hated these kinds of events. The forced smiles, the shallow congratulations, the meaningless small talk that came with awards ceremonies. But tonight was unavoidable. TheLifetime Achievement Awardwas one of the highest honors in college hockey. Skipping it would send the wrong message to everyone—the players, the fans, even my rivals.

I tugged at my collar, trying to ease the tightness around my neck. Despite my discomfort, I knew I had to get through it. My image depended on it. My reputation as an authoritative and successful coach was at stake.

In the mirror, my eyes bore into my own reflection. Piercing blue, intimidating—just like everyone always said. Yet beneath that surface lay a storm of emotions I’d never let anyone see.

The memory of Nick flashed across my mind as I straightened my jacket—a highlight reel from his latest NHL game had played on TV earlier today. Each goal he scored twisted the knife deeper into wounds that never seemed to heal. I was proud, yeah. And it wasn’t like I needed recognition. But fuck if I didn’t want to share this with him. And he continued to pretend like he woke up a hockey player without any help whatsoever, especially not from his fucking father.

I exhaled sharply and forced myself to focus on the task at hand. Adjusting the cufflinks on my sleeves, I mentally prepared for what lay ahead. This wasn’t just about accepting an award; it was about maintaining control over a life that constantly threatened to spiral out of it.

Stepping back from the mirror, I took one last look at myself—tall, muscular, every bit the imposing figure people expected me to be. The tie was perfect now, not a hair out of place.

With a final nod to my reflection, I turned away from the mirror and headed out of the bathroom. The night loomed ahead like an unwelcome opponent on game day—something to be conquered, not enjoyed.

It was time to face the music, even if every note felt off-key.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. For a second, I thought it might be...

But I pushed the thought away. Why the hell was she even on my mind? It had been months. Whatever it was between us lasted three weeks, maybe...

But fuck, those three weeks...

And then, everything changed when I found out who she really was. That should have been enough to make me stay away. And I had. But still...

I wanted her.

I still fucking wanted her.

My jaw tightened as I reached the door.

Fucking Janet.

I didn’t need this tonight. Irritation already gnawing at me, I swung the door open to see my ex standing there, looking like she owned the place. Her expression was tight, her eyes sharp, piercing through me with that familiar judgment.

Janet had always had a way of making herself the center of attention. Tall and elegant, with dark hair that framed her face perfectly, she wore a sleek black dress that clung to her like it was made for her alone. She was the picture of sophistication and control, an image she never failed to project.

“Thomas,” she began, her voice cool and measured.

---