Page 10 of Skating Towards Danger

I don't have any career perspectives. I have no college background to get a good job, and I was never in the right mind to even apply when I was in high school. I'm currently working evenings at a diner on the bad side of Brooklyn.

I moved out of Uncle Rocco's house and now live in an apartment with three other people who like to have swinger parties, not that Uncle Rocco is aware of that.

He'd probably kill me if he knew, though the bright side, I haven't slept with anyone since I was seventeen and high off my head on whatever Rod Thompson gave me to snort. I mean, I'm seeing someone casually to see how I feel about it, but I haven't slept with him and I won’t until I feel a connection, something I definitely don’t feel right now.

“How are you doing, sweetheart?” Rhett asks, and I sigh, but he continues, “I know you don't need a big brother type getting in your business, and I know you don't know me well, but that's only because you refuse to get to know me.”

I sit up and raise a brow at him, but he shrugs. Rolling my eyes, I stand and admit, “Today's a good day.”

He nods and asks, “Even though Rocco currently wants you to join him, my parents, and many of your parents' close friends for a meal?”

I flinch. Crap, he said it was just a normal family dinner.

I clear my throat and admit, “I'm not going. Most of them believe I'm dead.”

My uncle didn't want anyone to know I survived the crash, something about my parents' close friends would try and take full custody of me, and no one knew Royal even existed. When I was born, Momma didn't tell anyone until I was five months old. She wanted that time with just her Daddy and me, and the same with Royal.

Rhett sighs and stands, then states, “And Rocco wants to change that.”

I shake my head, grab my bag, and reply, “I'm not going. I have to work anyway...See you later, Rhett.”

I turn and walk away, grabbing my phone from my bag. I then bring up my text thread with my uncle.

Me:

I can't make it tonight. I’m working, sorry. Love you xx

I press send and put my phone back in my bag as I walk through the door but before it shuts behind me I hear Rhett shout, “You should be skating professionally, Paige!”

I flinch and continue my stride.

I'll never stake professionally. I don't deserve to have that kind of career when my mother is six feet under with my father and baby brother.

I don't deserve to live and be happy.

Chapter 3

Dante – A Week Later

I smirk as I smash the Cheaters winger into the boards hard, their groan hitting my ears which I relish as I skate away settling the urge to hit him which could send me into the sin bin.

The fucker purposely tripped Adams, our new center who still hasn’t gelled with our team yet and doesn’t know how to act like a team player. The ref missed it, which he fucking gloated about, so getting revenge feels fucking good.

We’re one up, and they’re frustrated, so they’re getting sloppy. I like it when they get sloppy because it now means we’re in their head. It means they think they will lose, which will be their downfall.

Even if your four points behind, always keep fucking positive otherwise you’ve already lost.

I quickly glance at the clock and skate towards the opponent's net, my eyes catching Adams moving towards it. Their right-winger is gaining on him, and he spots me when I get into position and quickly passes the puck to me just as he’s knocked into, and within half a second after it touches my stick, I shoot it to their net. Their goalie jumps the wrong fucking way like an idiot, and the puck goes in, the red light above the net flashing as the buzzer sounds, and I grin wide, lifting my arm.

First game of the season, and it’s a win. Fuck yeah.

My teammates all smash into me, making me laugh as my eyes catch Emma’s, my little niece, in the family box. She’s banging her little fists on the window as she shouts, and I grin wide, blowing her a kiss. Even from here, I can see her squeal.

Shaking my head with a chuckle I quickly move away from the boys and head to the box knowing a certain sister-in-law and best friend will want to check my injury.

“That is a nasty cut!” Morgan snaps as I jump over the boards and grin.

See… She’s such a worry wort.

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