Page 45 of These Wicked Hearts

Until my mind starts to unravel and the thoughts choke out any reasoning. When my heart hurts. Then I crave it. It’s worse when I’m alone. “Well, that’s good,” Andre says.

“I’m staying sober. For good this time.”

“That’s incredible,” Andre says.

Another knock echoes against my door. “What now?” I mutter, pushing off the counter. I go to the door and check the peephole and see Knox standing on the other side before I open it.

“Oh shit.” Andre gets up to give Knox a hug. “Sleeping with the enemies I see. Is he telling you all about our plays, which will definitely make us win our game tonight?”

“I’d die before letting anyone just win. You guys are going to eat it tonight.”

“Mmm, but we happen to have the number one goalie in the league.” Oli grins. “Sexy as hell too.” He kisses the side of his head then whispers something in Andre’s ear that makes his eyes heavy.

“I was headed out and came to see if you wanted a ride.” Knox drops down beside Andre on my couch.

“I’m going to ride down with Oli and Andre, thanks though.”

“Of course. So, how’s life on the Otters? How’s Colton? Still a fucking loser?” I still don’t know what the deal is, but I want to. Colton and Knox have some weird feud that none of us fully understand. Even when I was on the Otters, Colton never talked about it.

Andre taps his chin. “What was it, babe? What did Colton say to us?”

“Oh.” Oli snaps his fingers. “Colton said if you see Knox tell him to eat shit, actually.”

Knox salutes Oli. “Message received. I’ll hold it close to my heart.” He grins.

“Are we ever going to know what the deal is between you two?” Oli asks.

“Ask him.” Knox smiles unkindly. “I’m not the scheming backstabbing dick.”

“Doesn’t his brother play on Grey’s college team?”

“Yeah, Brandon,” Andre says.

“I bet the prick apple doesn’t fall far from the prick tree,” Knox says.

“That doesn’t make sense. That’s his half-brother, not his father.”

“Add the whole family to the list.” Knox shakes his head. “Legacies. I’m sure his brother is just as bad and he’ll be picked first round on name alone. He’s a Montague. His grandfather, father, and his brother. That guy’s got a free ride to the pros.” Knox rises. “Well, I guess I’ll see you all down at the arena.” He leans, in hugging Andre one more time. “Get ready to eat shit.” He sticks his tongue out and winks.

Oli looks over at Andre. “We’re going to kick their ass tonight.”

I smirk. “We’ll see.”

Since coming here, I’ve felt a little soft thrum of dread before games and practices, but I don’t know if it’s seeing Oli and Andre or the fact that last night was a solid ten out of ten, but I’m feeling really good right now. I’m excited to play. I’m excited to play against my friends.

During practices when I was on the Otters, I used to have a lot of fun with Grey and Oli. We’re all competitive as hell, but it was on a different level with the three of us. It’s going to be brutal, but I can’t wait to get out there.

Walking down the hall to the locker room, I pull my jersey over my head and freeze when I hear voices down the hall.

“I’m fucking tired of this shit.”

Rome again? What is his deal with Coach?

I slow, instinct telling me to back up, but there’s nowhere to go without making a noise.

“You can get as tired as you fucking please,” Coach Grady snaps. “You know what your role is here, and if you’ve forgotten, let me remind you.”

“This is stupid,” Rome fires back, his voice lower now but no less sharp. “Things are changing. I don’t need to hide⁠—”