Page 26 of Devil on Skates
XAVIER
WHEN I WAKE UP, IRINA sleeps next to me. Her chest rises and falls peacefully, her lips slightly parted as she rests her head on my chest. Seeing her so carefree and relaxed like this feels way more intimate than any physical connection or declaration.
I just watch her, pretending that the rest of the world doesn’t exist. But Irina’s phone buzzes on the nightstand, lighting up with “Dad” on the screen before going dark again.
She’s been ignoring his calls since yesterday, and I guess her dad was the first one to find out about Keith and Irina’s breakup.
I glance at my phone, but I guess word of what happened with Keith still hasn’t reached my dad, and I hope it’ll stay that way for some time. Will Keith press charges for me attacking him? Or will he pretend nothing happened because, if he talks, everyone will find out exactly how he treated Irina?
The outside world feels like it’s pressing in on my and Irina’s little bubble, but maybe we can keep it from bursting and just see what happens.
Maybe Irina can talk to her dad and explain what happened and what the Costellos did to her.
If he cares even a little bit about her, he’ll understand.
And it’s better for the Costellos to avoid any major drama that would affect their family’s image.
My career, though... They can probably ruin that without anyone ever figuring out they were behind it, but with Irina by my side, I can live without hockey.
Irina stirs and shifts slightly, her eyes opening and finding mine.
“Morning,” she says softly, a slow smile spreading across her lips, and I know it’s genuine.
“Morning. How are you feeling?” I gently trace my fingers over her arm, avoiding the bruises that look even worse today.
I almost want to find Keith again and punch him some more. That asshole shouldn’t have ever even thought about hurting her.
“I feel better than I have in weeks,” she says, stretching a bit before settling back closer. “But I’m worried the reality will crash down on us pretty soon.”
“Your dad’s been calling, but I don’t think anyone knows yet about what went down with Keith, or mine would be calling too.”
“The Costellos will probably try to make us pay from the shadows.” She lifts her arm, staring at the bruises. “I should probably take some photos of these, just in case.”
“I still can’t believe he did that.” I clench my jaw.
“He’s used to getting whatever he wants, and when things don’t go his way or you don’t behave as expected, he gets mad. His nice act disappears once he thinks he owns you. But I’m more worried about his dad. Who knows what that man is capable of?”
“It doesn’t matter. We’ll see what happens. Maybe they’ll want to avoid a scandal and just forget about us. Until then, we should just try to live our lives.”
“Maybe.” She presses her lips into a tight line as if she’s not sure about it. “Your career—”
“I told you already. I don’t care about that. Yeah, I love hockey, but it’s not the most important thing in my life.” Not anymore anyway.
Now I have something else to live for.
Her.
“If we’re going to try to live our normal lives, then I should get to class.” She groans. “I’ll wait until my dad cools off to talk to him.”
“Good idea. I’d like to go with you if you don’t mind.” I just want to be there for her as we try to go back to our routine.
“But what about you?” Her eyes fill with concern. “Your classes and hockey? I mean, my dad still didn’t tell you you’re off the team, right?”
“I’m supposed to have practice this afternoon,” I say. “Your dad didn’t say anything to me, so I guess that’s still on. But I can skip my morning classes if I want to.”
She gives me a nod, and then I pull her to me and kiss her.
“Wait, I don’t have anything to wear. My stuff is still at the place where Costello forced me to stay.” Her eyes go wide.
“That’s not a problem,” I say. “I can go to a store and get you whatever you need.”
My dad hasn’t cut me off just yet, so I can still use the credit card he gave me.
“Really? You’d do that for me?” Irina’s mouth parts in surprise.
“Of course. I’d do anything for you.”
And I mean it.
She wraps herself tightly around me, and I can barely believe that in all this mess, I’m actually the happiest I’ve ever been.
ONCE I brING IRINA everything she needs and we get ready, we catch the bus to her campus. Some students give us curious looks, and there are some whispers about the hockey captain and the coach’s daughter who’s supposed to be dating someone else.
Irina notices but keeps her cool. Her hand stays tightly in mine, her posture calm and confident rather than apologetic or nervous.
“People are going to talk,” she says quietly as we step off the bus. “About us, Keith, and everything. I deleted all the photos with him, so I hope everyone will realize we broke up.”
“Let them talk.” I shrug. “Gossip doesn’t matter.”
She smiles, and I can tell she’s free from all the pressure.
We walk toward the parking lot. Most students are focused on their own business, barely noticing us holding hands. Soon, everyone’s going to forget about all the drama and move on to something else.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a black car parked not too far away from us. There’s nothing unusual about it, except the engine is still running and no one’s getting out.
Irina stops, and I guess she doesn’t want to say goodbye to me, even if it’s just to go to class. After what happened, any distance between us feels huge.
“I’ll be waiting for you after class,” I say, my hands resting on her waist as we face each other.
She nods, wrapping her arms loosely around my neck, and then she brings her lips to mine. Our kiss is slow and deep, without any rush.
When we break apart, a smile spreads across her face, and I know it’s all real. She starts toward the building, adjusting her bag, as she looks at me over her shoulder.
The revving of an engine pierces the air. It’s that same car I spotted before. What the fuck does the driver think he’s doing? Probably showing off.
Irina steps out into the open, and suddenly, the car speeds forward, tires screeching as it heads straight for her.
My heart leaps into my throat, my eyes bulging.
“Irina!” I yell, lunging toward her.
She turns at my shout, confusion replacing her smile, but it’s too late. Everything seems to move in slow motion. I reach her just as her eyes widen in realization. I throw myself at her, wrapping my arms around her like a shield and shoving her away.
Pain shoots through me as I’m knocked sideways, tumbling across the asphalt. Then everything goes black.