Page 121 of Shattered Souls
I can see it all so clearly in my mind: the times I cowered in the corner of that room, trying to make myself as small as possible, the nights I wept into my pillow, the hours I spent hiding from reality in the back of my closet, Grayson’s bracelet my only source of comfort.
The countless moments of hopelessness, wondering if I would ever escape. If I would ever be free.
And here I am, right back where it all started. Was I ever free of him? Was I ever truly safe, or has it all been some cosmic joke?
Unbidden, my fingers move to the handle, pressing it down. The door swings inward, silent on its hinges as I step into the room.
Same pink walls.
Same white carpet.
Same pink bedsheets.
I close my eyes, pressing my back against the door as I force myself to breathe.
“Mommy?”
I slowly open them, glancing down at my daughter, who needs me more now than ever. I force my lips into what I hope is a reassuring smile before I walk over and set her down on the bed.
“Everything’s going to be okay, baby. Mommy’s going to get us out of here.” Somehow.
34
LOGAN
The final buzzer blares, the loud noise echoing through the stadium as the Huskies clinch their victory. A wave of euphoria surges through me as I chest bump Gavin, both of us grinning behind our helmets. Before I know it, we’re surrounded by the rest of the team, everyone piling on top of one another in a chaotic, joyous dog pile. Feeling the weight and warmth of their bodies pressing against mine, I suck in a breath and howl. The others follow suit, the entire rink coming alive with the sound. It’s our final game of the regular season—or it would be if we weren’t top of our conference. Frozen Four, here we come, baby!
Finally extricating myself from the tangle of limbs, I get to my feet. My eyes seek out the familiar spot where Riley, Aurora, and Royce had been sitting. The arena is quickly emptying as fans stream toward the exit, and it takes me a moment to spot their empty seats.
My lips tug down in a frown. I’d wanted to see Shortcake’s smile at our win and the excitement on Aurora’s face, even though she doesn’t really understand what’s happening. That’s the only prize I care about. Shaking off my disappointment, I skate toward the edge of the rink, eager to celebrate with them.
Stomping off the ice, I make my way to the locker room, each step filled with triumph and anticipation. Once upon a time, that excitement was to hang out with the team and celebrate our win. Now, the only celebrating I want to do is milkshakes at my favorite dinner with the most amazing kid in the world, or the naked kind in my bed with a certain redhead. A smirk tilts my lips as I recall our filthy foursome. I’d definitely be down for a repeat performance. Or perhaps I can convince Royce to babysit Aurora while me and Riley get hot and heavy in the treatment room again.
Reaching my locker, I snatch up my phone. My fingers fumble slightly from the lingering adrenaline before I manage to unlock it. There is a message from Royce, likely informing me they’re waiting in the foyer.
Royce
Ducking out to talk to Grayson. Left the girls alone. Told Riley to stay in her seat until I was back. If you finish first, stay with her till I get there.
Brows furrowing, a niggling worry tickles the hairs on the back of my arms.
Both of their seats were empty when I left the ice.
The sweat clinging to my skin chills, and without a second thought, I shuck off my jersey, pads, and skates, forgoing a shower as I dial Riley’s phone while hastily pulling on my clothes. It rings out, and I redial as I race for the door, ignoring my teammates calling my name.
When she doesn’t answer for a second time, I call Royce while I jog down the tunnel back into the now-empty arena. Theline doesn’t even fully ring before he picks up, and the cheering crowd in the background practically deafens me.
“I’m coming!”
A cold spike of panic shoots through me, and ignoring the buzzing of the Zamboni, my focus is drilled on Riley’s empty chair as I make a beeline for it.
“Royce.” I have to yell to ensure he hears me. “Do you have Riley?” My voice is edged with fear as I march down her row.
“No. I was on the phone with Gray. She should be in her seat.”
“She’s not here!” I shout, panic rising in my throat like bile. “Their seats are empty.”
There is a brief silence. I hear Royce curse at the end of the line. “Stay there. I’m on my way.”
