Page 58 of Ice Rebel

I felt a moment of heat, but not creeping across my face as I would expect. This time between my legs, a deep core throb that I had no business feeling. “I don’t really know any hockey guys.”

“Bullshit. Your brother plays hockey.”

Now I knew where this was going. “Oh, no. My brother is off limits.”

“Party pooper. You’re that protective of him?”

She barely moved when I pushed my way into the room. “My brother is a confirmed bachelor who thinks all women should treat him as if he’s on a pedestal. Trust me. He doesn’t treat women with the respect they deserve.”

“No hockey player does,” Tori insisted. “They’re only looking for a hookup, but that’s fine by me. That’s all I’m interested in. One long, hot sexy night with a man carved from stone.”

Her statement brought one too many inappropriate thoughts. After the sinful night I’d experienced, which I didn’t want to be reminded of, I had no right to chastise Tori in her choice of men.

But when had protocol or my experiences ever stopped me? “Tori. Trust me when I tell you this. My brother will do nothing but break your heart. I heard what you said, but that’s the truth. He’s only in the game for the show and glow. You’re a nice girl. He’ll eat you alive.”

Before she could retort, Kyle appeared in the hallway. “Hey, Chelse. Your brother is waiting outside for you.”

While Tori’s eyes lit up, her mouth pursing into a perfect O, I took a deep breath. My brother, no matter his rebellious nature, was just like my father. He was destined to marry the daughter of someone important, have his two kids and perfect house in the ‘burbs, all while keeping a mistress on the side.

Yes, I loved my brother, but we’d never be friends.

“Thanks, Kyle,” I told him then turned to face her. “Tori. Just trust me. You don’t want to get involved with my brother.”

It seemed everyone involved in the dance industry was melodramatic, her sigh perfect for an Academy award-winning performance. “Fine.” She spun on her heel, leaving me alone.

I took my time getting my things because whatever he had on his mind was likely more about what our father had put into his mouth. By the time I headed to the exit leading to the parking lot, I was in yet another agitated mood. My family had manipulated me my entire life and I was fed up.

Jagger was leaning against his car, acting as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Sunglasses secured. Team jacket on. I didn’t get three feet out the door when Tori suddenly appeared alongside Sienna, both dancers moving toward him at rapid speed. I stood back, watching from the protected shadows of the building while they acted like schoolgirls.

There’d been enough of those during high school. I’d been a sophomore. He’d been a senior and ‘owned’ the private school we’d gone to. He’d learned then how powerful his position as center of the school’s hockey team had been. Heartthrob or heartbreaker, he’d gone through more women in one month than I’d had partners in my entire life.

As usual, he was eating it up, allowing the dancers to cozy up to him. Just watching them drape their bodies all over him left a sickening feeling in my stomach. My father had told me once I was jealous, but honestly, I don’t think that was it any longer.

I felt a little sorry for him. He loved hockey. That I couldn’t deny him, but I had a feeling our father’s thumb was coming down on him just as hard as it was with me. He’d done his best to gain independence, accepting a contract for a team across the country. Sadly, he’d fucked it up, his anger getting the best of him.

He’d come home with his tail between his legs, Dad determined to keep him on a short leash. At least I’d escaped that since my dancing career was…

What had my father said the last time we’d discussed it? An embarrassment to the family.

Thanks, Dad. Love you too.

Less than three minutes later, I’d grown tired of watching the lewd act, striding closer. As soon as Tori saw me, she winked, but she wasn’t fooling me or anyone else. If he snapped his fingers, she’d drop to her knees.

“I’d love to see you at the game next week. Wish us luck in Reno. We’re going to need it.”

My pseudo friends waved before walking off, squealing as they did. I folded my arms, curious as to what he had to say.

“Did Dad send you?” My question caused him to snort and shove his hands into his pockets.

“No, why the hell would you think that?”

“Because I know how you work, Jag. If the heat is off you, then you can enjoy living for a couple more months. Rent free, I might add.”

He shook his head, unable to look me in the eyes. “I’m not here because of Dad. I’m here because I need a favor.”

I couldn’t remember the last time my brother had bothered asking for a favor. “Okay. What?”

“I’m moving to a place with some other guys.”