Page 7 of Pucking Knox
Back at brunch, I watch my father talk about family values while scrolling through polling data. I think about Knox's words from the party:Pick someone who can handle the consequences.
What better way to reject their control than doing exactly what they don't want? Not just partying but dating the one person who could really give them something to worry about. Knox Thompson, the team enforcer with anger management issues. The working-class fighter from the wrong side of town.
And now I have the leverage to make it happen.
"You okay?" Ace asks as we leave. "Dad was pretty harsh."
I force a smile. "I'm fine. Just thinking about some things."
I text Sawyer as soon as I'm alone.
Kennedy: Need your help with something illegal and possibly insane.
She responds immediately.
Sawyer: Obviously. When and where?
We meet at the campus coffee shop thirty minutes later. I show her the video.
"Holy shit." She watches it twice. "When was this?"
"Last weekend. And before you say anything – yes, I know this is crazy. Yes, I know blackmail is wrong. And yes, I'm doing it anyway."
"Kennedy." She sets down her latte. "This isn't just crazy, it's dangerous. Knox Thompson is not someone you want to piss off."
"That's exactly why it's perfect." I lean forward. "He wants to cockblock me, force me to leave parties, and take orders from Ace? And my parents want me to be the perfect daughter? Fine. Let's see how they handle me dating the best friend they despise."
And when I saydespise, I mean my parents do not like him at all. Not one bit.
"By blackmailing him?" Sawyer looks skeptical. "What's stopping him from just denying everything and ruining your reputation instead?"
"Because he needs this kept quiet more than I do. This video could destroy his NHL dreams. My reputation can recover – his career can't."
"And what exactly is your plan here? Blackmail him into being your fake boyfriend?"
I think about how he looked last night, jaw clenched as he watched me with those football players. How easily he took control of the situation. How his touch left fire on my skin. I could probably ruin him in a second.
"Something like that."
"This is going to blow up in your face." Sawyer sighs. "But you're going to do it anyway, aren't you?"
"Yep." I stand up, gathering my courage. "Starting right now."
"What? Where are you going?"
I check the time on my phone. "Hockey practice started ten minutes ago."
"Kenny!" Sawyer calls after me. "At least wait until – and she's gone. This is going to be such a disaster."
She's probably right. But as I walk toward the arena, video burning a hole in my phone, I can't bring myself to care. For once in my life, I'm choosing something my father can't control.
Through the arena doors, I can hear the distinct sound of hockey practice – sticks on ice, shouted plays, the hollow thunk of bodies hitting boards. I slip inside quietly, finding a spot in the shadows where I can watch.
Knox is easy to spot. He moves like a predator on ice, all controlled power and barely leashed violence. Beautiful and terrifying.
I pull out my phone, thumb hovering over the video. One broadcast could ruin everything he's worked for.
He looks up suddenly, like he can sense me watching. Our eyes lock across the ice.
