Page 88 of Puck'n Bully
My stomach twists even though his tone and body language aren’t aggressive.
Logan limps toward me. Concern flickers through me as I remember the awful injury that forced him to quit the game against Silverlake University.
I almost feel bad for him but the prospect of facing a confrontation with Hayden’s teammates keeps me from feeling too sorry for him. Taking a deep breath, I step forward.
“Hi,” I say, keeping up a neutral expression.
While Logan takes a moment to study me, Mitchikov cuts to the chase. “Was Hayden with you this weekend?”
My hands ball into tight fists as I feel both their gazes on me.
I consider lying to them. Telling them I have no idea about where Hayden has been would be the easiest way to avoid them.
But just how long would I have to keep lying?
Just a couple of days ago I’d broken into their changing room, demanding to know where Hayden was. They already know I’m his tutor and care enough about him to see how he’s doing after losing a game.
The two guys standing before me aren’t Hayden’s enemies, especially Mitchikov who took hits after hits to protect Hayden and the other players during the game. He’s so passionate, that he even went after their opponents, making sure he got them back for hurting his teammates.
I take a deep breath, meeting their gazes. “Yeah,” I say in a quiet voice. “Hayden was with me.”
They exchange a glance, something unspoken passing between them.
Logan limps closer to me. “Can we talk?” he asks, gesturing toward the cafeteria in the distance. “We’ll buy you a donut for your time.”
A sudden snigger escapes me. I wasn’t expecting a bribe from them.
“Yeah, okay,” I say, feeling amused.
“So, what’s your major?” Mitchikov asks, grinning with interest.
“I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Physics,” I explain to them, hoping they won’t assume I’m a young undergrad student. “I used to help Hayden with Math.”
“Used to?” Logan catches on immediately.
“Uhh...we had a misunderstanding between us and I canceled our lessons,” I tell him, feeling uncomfortable.
“But you still came to look for him after the game,” Mitchikov says with an amused grin. “I guess you still care about him.”
Logan digs an elbow into his teammate’s ribs which makes him shut up.
When we enter the cafeteria, they choose a secluded table at the very back of the dining area and usher me into a chair.
“I’ll go get that donut Johnson promised,” Mitchikov says, staying on his feet while Logan takes a seat. “Do you want anything else?”
“A caramel latte, please,” I say, digging into my pocket to take my wallet out.
“Hey, don’t worry about that,” Mitchikov says at once. “Coffee and donuts are on us.”
“Oh,” I mumble. “Thanks.”
“Don’t you two dare start talking until I get back with our food,” Mitchikov hisses with a warning look in his eyes. “I want to heareverything.”
He walks away while constantly turning around to make sure Logan and I aren’t talking. This guy could be the Hulk’s cousin but he’s a complete goofball.
“He’s kind of an idiot,” Logan says, making me turn my attention to him. “Ignore him.”
I shrug, not knowing what to say to fill the silence that falls between us.
