Page 24 of Arrogant Puck

She strips off her clothes. Her lingerie is black. Strappy. All for show.

I don’t care what color it is.

I fuck her hard and fast, hands tight on her hips. Push past the dull flare in mine like it doesn’t matter. It does matter, but I make it shut up.

She moans, claws my back. Says my name like it means something.

When I come, it’s from sheer muscle memory. Like I’m trying to pull myself out of my own body and slam back in harder.

Lexi breathes heavy next to me. Grins up at the ceiling.

“You always this rough when you’re in your feelings?”

“I’m not in my feelings.”

She laughs. “Okay, sure.”

Her fingers trail over my ribs. I grab her wrist. Not hard but clear.

“Don’t.”

Lexi doesn’t push it. She gets dressed in silence, and at the door she glances back.

“You know, one day you’re gonna snap. And it’s not gonna be with someone who lets you off the hook.”

“Good thing you’re not that someone.”

She gives me a wink and shuts the door behind her.

I pull open the cabinet above the sink. There’s a little baggie hanging out.

I hold one between my fingers.

White. Bitter.

Wouldn’t take the edge off. Just dull it enough to pretend.

I flush the whole bag.

Then I grab my gear and head to the rink.

Alone. Like always.

Chapter 9

I don’t even hear him come up behind me.

One second, I’m scribbling notes into Riley’s clipboard, and the next—his voice cuts straight through my spine.

“You think I should be benched?”

I freeze.

Slowly, I look up.

Slater Castellano. Closer than he should be. The hallway is empty, too narrow, and he’s blocking the only exit.

“Excuse me?” I try to keep my voice even, professional.

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