Page 101 of Off The Rush
“Hey, do you know why Campbell isn’t playing tonight?” one asks, his voice tinged with confusion.
“There was some sort of scandal involving him and a girl,” the other replies, his tone laced with disapproval. “He’s been suspended.”
My cheeks burn with embarrassment, and I can’t help but feel like the entire arena knows our secret—that they’re all staring at me. I pull my jacket tighter around myself as if it could shield me from their judgment.
“Emma, don’t listen to them,” Tessa says, her voice low but firm. “You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Easy for you to say,” I grumble, knowing she’s right but unable to shake the feeling that I’m responsible.
“Focus on the game,” she encourages, squeezing my arm. “We’ll deal with everything else later.”
I try to follow her advice, turning my attention back to the ice, but my thoughts never stray far from the man sitting on the bench, his presence there is a reminder of the challenges we still have to face.
Audrey joins us, hugging me. “These people suck, Emma. I know Miles is on your side. I’m sorry this is happening.”
I guess it makes sense that she knows what happened.
“Thanks, Audrey.”
The game begins with a palpable tension in the air, the players skating across the ice with determination. Luka, in particular, seems to be channeling his frustration into every move he makes, his head flickering toward Alec’s lonely figure on the bench whenever there’s a break in play.
“Come on, guys!” Tessa cheers beside me, trying to lift our spirits as she claps her hands together. I force a smile and join in, knowing that my support is needed now more than ever.
As the game continues, it becomes clear that Luka’s emotions are getting the better of him. His movements become reckless, his body colliding with opponents in ways that seem deliberate and unnecessary.
“Is it just me, or does Luka seem off tonight?” I murmur to Tessa and Audrey, my concern growing with each passing minute.
Tessa frowns, her gaze locked on Luka as well. “He’s definitely not himself,” she agrees. “But who can blame him? This whole situation must be weighing heavily on him.”
“Still,” I say, biting my lip, “I hope he doesn’t do anything stupid.”
No sooner have the words left my mouth than a player from the opposing team shoves Luka against the boards, the impact sending a sharp crack echoing through the arena. My heart leaps into my throat as Luka pushes back, his face contorted with fury.
Luka throws off his gloves and starts throwing punches. JD skates over as the situation rapidly escalates. Both teams join the fight until it’s an all-out brawl.
“Stop!” I shout, my voice lost in the cacophony of the crowd as everyone leaps to their feet. Tessa grips my arm, her nails digging into my skin as we watch helplessly.
JD keeps throwing himself into the fray in an attempt to pull the other player away from Luka. The two of them struggle for a moment before crashing to the ice together, their bodies tangled in a mess of limbs and flailing fists.
Their coaches and the refs have to pull them apart.
“Jesus,” I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest. “This is all my fault.”
“Emma, you can’t blame yourself for this,” Tessa insists, her eyes never leaving the chaos unfolding on the ice. “They’re just trying to handle their emotions and boys suck at that.”
“But if it weren’t for me,” I counter, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes, “they wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.”
“Emma, listen to me,” Tessa says, turning to face me, her expression serious. “You didn’t force any of them into this relationship. They chose it just as much as you did. And right now, they need you to believe in them, and in what you have together.”
“She’s right. Plus, the team has their back. I’m sure it will all be okay,” Audrey tries to reassure me.
I swallow hard, knowing they’re right but struggling to push aside the guilt that threatens to consume me. As the referees finally manage to separate Luka and JD from the brawl, I take a deep breath and square my shoulders. Whatever happens next, we’ll face it together—because that’s what love means.
And I do love these guys.
Chapter 45
I take a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs as I lace up my skates. The arena is buzzing with anticipation for tonight’s game, and I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and frustration. My eyes drift to the bench where Alec sits, suited up but unable to play due to his suspension. It’s not fair – he doesn’t deserve this.
