Page 50 of Devil on Skates
As we pant for breath, his gaze meets mine, his fingers gently stroking my back. My heart is still racing, and my body vibrating.
“I love you,” he says, and my mouth parts in surprise.
Him saying it out loud should scare me, since there are so many things that we still have to deal with. But I don’t want to think about the Costellos, our parents’ expectations, or anything else. Actually, those words bring peace and clarity into all this chaos.
“I love you too,” I say,
We stay wrapped up together, neither of us wanting to let go. My phone buzzes somewhere on the floor. It’s probably my dad, Costello, or maybe even my mom, but I don’t want to deal with any of that right now.
Tonight is all about Xavier and me. Everything else can wait.
Chapter 26
XAVIER
WHEN I WAKE UP, IRINAsleeps next to me. Her chest rises and falls peacefully, her lips slightly parted as she rests her head on my chest. Seeing her so carefree and relaxed like this feels way more intimate than any physical connection or declaration.
I just watch her, pretending that the rest of the world doesn’t exist. But Irina’s phone buzzes on the nightstand, lighting up with “Dad” on the screen before going dark again. She’s been ignoring his calls since yesterday, and I guess her dad was the first one to find out about Keith and Irina’s breakup.
I glance at my phone, but I guess word of what happened with Keith still hasn’t reached my dad, and I hope it’ll stay that way for some time. Will Keith press charges for me attacking him? Or will he pretend nothing happened because, if he talks, everyone will find out exactly how he treated Irina?
The outside world feels like it’s pressing in on my and Irina’s little bubble, but maybe we can keep it from bursting and just see what happens. Maybe Irina can talk to her dad and explain what happened and what the Costellos did to her. If he cares even a little bit about her, he’ll understand. And it’s better for the Costellos to avoid any major drama that would affect their family’s image.
My career, though... They can probably ruin that without anyone ever figuring out they were behind it, but with Irina by my side, I can live without hockey.
Irina stirs and shifts slightly, her eyes opening and finding mine.
“Morning,” she says softly, a slow smile spreading across her lips, and I know it’s genuine.
“Morning. How are you feeling?” I gently trace my fingers over her arm, avoiding the bruises that look even worse today.
I almost want to find Keith again and punch him some more. That asshole shouldn’t have ever even thought about hurting her.
“I feel better than I have in weeks,” she says, stretching a bit before settling back closer. “But I’m worried the reality will crash down on us pretty soon.”
“Your dad’s been calling, but I don’t think anyone knows yet about what went down with Keith, or mine would be calling too.”
“The Costellos will probably try to make us pay from the shadows.” She lifts her arm, staring at the bruises. “I should probably take some photos of these, just in case.”
“I still can’t believe he did that.” I clench my jaw.
“He’s used to getting whatever he wants, and when things don’t go his way or you don’t behave as expected, he gets mad. His nice act disappears once he thinks he owns you. But I’m more worried about his dad. Who knows what that man is capable of?”
“It doesn’t matter. We’ll see what happens. Maybe they’ll want to avoid a scandal and just forget about us. Until then, we should just try to live our lives.”
“Maybe.” She presses her lips into a tight line as if she’s not sure about it. “Your career—”
“I told you already. I don’t care about that. Yeah, I love hockey, but it’s not the most important thing in my life.” Not anymore anyway.
Now I have something else to live for.
Her.
“If we’re going to try to live our normal lives, then I should get to class.” She groans. “I’ll wait until my dad cools off to talk to him.”
“Good idea. I’d like to go with you if you don’t mind.” I just want to be there for her as we try to go back to our routine.
“But what about you?” Her eyes fill with concern. “Your classes and hockey? I mean, my dad still didn’t tell you you’re off the team, right?”
