Page 3 of From Ice to Grace
“God, I’ve waited. I’ve repented. I’ve apologized. I’ve grieved. I’ve prayed for healing. And still I’m here. I’m still stuck, not sure where to go next.”
Seeing Hannah and Lucas so happy together, with him not being able to keep his eyes off her…that’s the way it’s supposed to be. The person who tells you they love you, should only have eyes for you and nobody else.
It’s so beautiful out here, my heart tugs back to Sweden. Somehow I can’t imagine ever going back. I want to move forward, not take a step back.
“Is this where you come to sulk?” Declan Murphy’s thick Boston accent comes from behind me, breaking through the small bubble I’ve retreated into. “I’m used to a loud person in my face.”
Great. The absolute last person I want to see right now.
Swallowing down my tears, I quickly wipe at my cheeks before turning around to face him. He’s walking toward me with quick determined steps, hands in his pockets.
“Where’s Megan?” I ask, the usual bite in my voice making its appearance whenever I’m talking to him. “Or is off-season not part of the contract you give your girlfriends?”
He gives his usual cocky grin, the one that showcases the small dimple in his cheek.
“No, I like to rest during the off-season,” he says with a smirk. “In every way.”
His insinuation is not lost on me, and something in me reels back.
“You’re disgusting.”
“I aim to please, Snowflake.”
Snowflake?
I frown at him, wondering what exactly has gotten into him. He’s never deliberately seeked me out before, or spoken to me if he could help it. Now he’s doing both and adding a nickname to boot. He took off his tie and his hair is ruffled. His beard is trimmed at least, but the rest of him looks like he hasn’t been sleeping.
And he smells a bit like alcohol.
Entering into any kind of discussion with Declan Murphy is not a good idea, especially when he’s obviously had one drink too many.
“Excuse me,” I mutter, brushing past him. “I have to get back inside.”
“Is that it?” he asks, turning with me, his arms open. “You’ve got nothing more to say to me, Avah? Because the entire season you made sure to throw daggers at me every chance you got.” He steps closer, the frustration brewing in his dark eyes clear. “So come on, have at it, just know…you have to take as good as you give.”
I eye him warily. What’s he trying to achieve?
We’re alone, nobody else is around, and he’s basically inviting me into a sparring match.
I’ve struggled to reign in my judgment when it comes to Declan and his way of life. Every time I’ve said something, I’ve felt guilty afterwards. Because that’s not how someone who wants to lead life a certain way should talk to anyone. Let alone to someone who’s obviously struggling with a few things.
But as much as I might want to deny it, Declan has been my punching bag this past year. He’s taken every single shot aimed at Axel.
Because he was here. Because I don’t have any type of relationship with him.
Because he deserves it since he’s treating women like they’re disposable.
Turning to face him fully, I watch as a look of satisfaction spreads across his face. It ignites the urge to bring him down a peg. Or seven. To wipe that smug expression from his face once and for all.
“I have no idea why you need to hear about your life from me,” I bite out. “But if you want confirmation of just what a sad excuse of a man you really are, then I’ll be happy to oblige.”
He smiles, like I’ve just given him exactly what he wants.
“Have at it, Snowflake, tell me how much you think about the type of man I am.”
I can’t help but scoff and roll my eyes.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I say, crossing my arms. “You don’t deserve another woman spending more than a minute of her life on you. You parade your pick of the season around, bringing her to every game and event like you’re doing her some kind of favor. Meanwhile you’re cheating on her behind her back, every chance you get.”
