Page 38 of Stick It
Griffin Price has rendered me speechless.
I stare at him, mouth parted in a silent O as his words reverberate inside my skull.
My dad was always my number one supporter, encouraging me, pushing me. Bear, too, made it clear earlier that he believes in me. But I’ve never—never—had another teammate say something so…earnest about me. About my abilities. About what I’m capable of.
The silence stretches between us, something unspoken in the air, something I can’t quite put my finger on. I don’t trust anyone on this team, not really, but with Griffin, I feel…something.
Perhaps it’s because he’s the goalie—more removed from the rest of the team. My presence doesn’t affect him the same way it does the others so he doesn’t take the same offense to me being here.
Yet, I don’t think that’s it. At least, it’s not the entire reason.
Before I can put my finger on what it is, the moment is shattered.
Kylestorms out of the house, shoving a vacant folding chair out of his way as he marches toward the fire. “Where is she?” His voice echoes around the yard, drawing the attention of everyone out here. Some of the guys around the fire push to their feet, glancing at one another, but we all know who he means.
Tension has my body snapping upright, spine straight and hardened with steel. Kyle whirls, eyes scanning the yard. I catch the fury twisting his face before those blazing eyes find me in the darkness.
“You,” he snarls, pointing a finger as he marches in my direction. There’s a group of younger players trailing behind him, looking just as pissed off. “You stole my position.”
His voice is loud enough to be heard by those in the kitchen, more partygoers spilling outside to watch the drama unfold. A crowd quickly forms. I spot Finn at the back, brows dipped low over narrowed eyes, but it’s not Kyle he’s glaring at. It’s me.
I quickly sweep the other faces, but I don’t see Ethan or Jax amongst the spectators before I focus back on the threat directly in front of me.
Kyle makes a point of looking around where I’m sitting, his lips hitching in a cruel smirk. “Let me guess,” he drawls, grin sharp and predatory. “You’re out here hiding because you know you don’t deserve to be on the first line.”
My teeth grind. I hate being in the middle of this shit. The center of attention while boys like Kyle try to tear me down for simply being myself. They couldn’t possibly use my presence as an opportunity to better themselves. To beat me by working harder.
That would be far too upstanding.
My nails dig into my palms, the bite helping to ground me as I push to my feet. Griffin rises with me, a wall of strength atmy side, but he doesn’t move to intervene, letting me take control.
“I earned my spot fair and square,” I state in a loud, clear voice. If Kyle wants an audience, then they’re damn well going to hear what I have to say too. “Just like every other member on this team.” Pinning him with my glare, I say, “Youearnedyour second-line position.”
The crowd mutters, and Kyle’s face darkens. He stalks closer, fists curling at his sides. “You think you’re hot shit, don’t you?” he sneers.
I shake my head. “I’m no better than anyone else on this team.”
“Damn fucking straight.” He shoves a finger in my face. “You’re nobody. An attention-seeking whore who thought she could spread her legs and have the entire hockey team begging for more.”
When the fuck have I ever given anyone on this team the impression I want to sleep with them? Okay, there was that little slipup when Finn kissed me, but in my defense, he caught me completely by surprise. Now my guard is up, and that littlemistakewon’t happen again.
Still, against my will, my gaze finds him in the crowd. His eyes are hard, lips pressed into a flat line. With his arms folded across his chest, it’s clear he has no intention of intervening. My head tilts slightly as I stare at him. Did he tell Kyle about that kiss? Did he make it sound likeIcame on tohim? Is that why Kyle thinks I want to bag the entire team?
My view of Finn is cut off as Kyle steps into my space. Everything in me wants to recoil, but the bench presses into the back of my calves, a warning that there’s nowhere to go. His bloodshot eyes bore into me, burning me alive with the intensity of the rage living in those cold depths. “I’m going to destroy you,” he hisses. Spittle hits my cheek, and I have toforce myself to remain still, not to wipe it away. “I’m going to showeveryonethat you don’t belong inmyspot. Onmyteam.”
Bending so the bitter stench of his breath sticks to my skin, he speaks only loud enough so I can hear. “I’m going to make you regret ever coming to BSU.”
The threat in his tone sends shivers skating down my spine, and my breath catches in my throat. I swallow roughly, my mouth opening and closing, but I have no response. No words that will change his mind.
As if sensing I need an assist, Griffin steps up beside me. His arm brushes mine as he shoves Kyle in the chest. “Step back, Reed.”
Stumbling back a step, Kyle’s fierce glare snaps to Griffin. I don’t think he’d realized he was standing there this entire time, but now, he barks out a laugh, frigid and sharp. “Of course you’re coming to her rescue.” His lip curls in a sneer. “How many fucks did she offer in exchange for being her lap dog?”
My cheeks flame, and I’m grateful for the lack of lighting out here. Hopefully no one else can see my embarrassment. I realize Finn didn’t have to tell Kyle about our kiss. The fact that he saw Griffin and I together on the ice that night, that Griffin has come to my defense not once buttwicenow, is enough for Kyle. In his mind, thatobviouslymeans I must be fucking him. Why else would Griffin help me? Stand up for me?
I can feel the eyes of the crowd on us, bouncing back and forth as they drink in every second of drama.
Griffin’s jaw tightens, and for a second, I see the fire behind his calm exterior, the dangerous edge lurking beneath. But then he fixes his usual mocking grin in place. “Have you already forgotten my promise to you in the locker room?” His voice is a taunt, and unlike Kyle’s, his words don’t carry to the gathered crowd. They’re intended solely for Kyle.
