Page 43

CHAPTER 43

Jordyn

B esides a bump on the head and brush-burnt backside from skidding across the concrete, I’m fine. Tristan isn’t convinced, and even after helping me shower, cleaning my wounds, and dressing me in warm clothing, he’s still hovering like a worried mother hen.

“Let me drive you to the wellness center. You need to get checked out.”

“Only if you’ll get your knuckles looked at.” My gaze drops to them.

“Don’t worry about them. They’re fine,” he growls.

“They’re swollen and busted open.”

“I said they’re fine,” he growls. He pulls me into his arms, regret filling his green eyes. “I’m sorry Josh pushed you. I shouldn’t have?—”

“Stop blaming yourself. It’s not your fault.”

“What can I get you, kitten? Anything at all.”

“A snack. Something chocolate.”

He grins. “You got it. Now get your ass in bed.”

I blow out a breath, frustrated that he won’t let me help. As my gaze circles his room, I spot his jersey thrown over the back of his desk chair. With a smile, I slip out of bed, shedding the sweatshirt and yoga pants and pulling his jersey overhead.

The frustration in his voice is evident as I hear him say, “Listen, Robert. You need to get your son. If he’s doing drugs, he’s not welcome here. He can return and pack his things later, but I want him out within the week.”

Curses fly from his lips, and I hear his voice say, “Hey, Coach. I need to tell you something. You’re gonna be pissed.” He reveals the details of what happened, and then he’s quiet for a bit. “I’m throwing Josh out. I’m not dealing with his shit.”

Tristan is quiet for a while and then says, “I understand.” I hear his footsteps move into the kitchen and begin heading toward me. He looks up, his surprise replaced by concern. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

I hold up the picture, a small smile on my face. “I was going to ask you about this picture. Plus, I was bored and was coming to help you with my snack.” I look at the tray filled with four different chocolate desserts in his hands. “Is that a snack or a buffet of desserts?”

He grins at me, heading up the stairs. “Come on. Let’s get you back to bed…” His eyes heat as they travel over his jersey that I’m wearing, and he mutters some curses.

“Do you like?” I hold the hem of the jersey out, a seductive smile on my face.

“You know I do.” He switches the tray to one hand, reaches around me, and swats my ass. “Get in bed.”

“Yes, sir.” I spin, putting an extra swagger in my hips as I head back to his bedroom.

“Swear to God, kitten, you’re about to get it.”

Stopping in the doorway, I wink. “Oh, I hope so.”

I squeal as Tristan chases me into his room, deposits the tray on the nightstand, and grabs me, pulling me against his hard body. With a giggle, I melt against him, my arms around his neck. Our lips meet in a heated kiss.

“I can’t fucking believe the two of you.” We jerk back at the sound of Josh’s furious voice. He stands in the doorway, soaking wet, bruises already lining his face. There’s blood beneath his swollen nose and on his shirt. “I can’t fucking believe you.” He glares at Tristan. “I trusted you. You knew she was off limits.”

Tristan shoves me behind him, facing Josh head-on. “What she and I do is none of your fucking business.”

A bitter laugh comes from Josh as his eyes move to me. “Seriously. She’s a fucking nerd. Look at her.” He gestures a hand in my direction, and I move forward, grabbing Tristan’s arm, who is clearly ready to attack Josh and beat the hell out of him. “Is it because she’s a virgin?”

Tristan doesn’t correct him. “No, it’s not because she’s a virgin. It’s because I’m in love with her.”

“Love?” His lips twist in disgust. “With her? Oh, come on?—”

Tristan takes another step forward, pulling me with him because I’m still hanging onto his arm. “I suggest you keep your fucking mouth shut before I permanently ruin your hockey career.” A smirk pulls up his lip. “Although, you may have taken care of that yourself.”

“You motherfucker.” Josh lunges at Tristan, and I take a step back, fearing I’ll get assaulted by Josh again.

But there’s no way Tristan is letting it happen again. In a flash, he grips Josh, slamming him against the wall. “Leave, motherfucker. Now ,” he seethes. “Before I break every bone in your fucking body.”

“You’re a traitor. You told Coach I was doing drugs.” He shakes his head. “I fucking trusted you. I didn’t think you’d end up telling on me like a little bitch. ”

My eyes widen, shocked by his words. It’s true. He is doing drugs.

“Pack your stuff. Your father is coming to pick you up. We’re done here.” He releases him, his eyes never leaving Josh as he backs up, linking his hand with mine. “I don’t want drugs in my house. I warned you once.”

Josh smirks. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s the real reason. It’s because of her.” His eyes are disgusted as they flicker to mine, then back to Tristan. “You’ll both pay for this. I fucking promise you that.”

Spinning on his heel, he stomps away, his retreating footsteps striking fear in my heart.

Tristan gathers me in his arms. “It’s okay, Jordyn. I won’t let him hurt you.”

I tremble in his arms, remaining silent. He pulls back slightly, his finger beneath my chin, tilting my face so he can look into my eyes. “I’ve got you, kitten. I won’t let anyone hurt you, and I’ll never let them come between us or ruin our dreams.”

Doubt swirls through my veins as I tighten my arms around Tristan’s waist. I hope he’s right.