Page 14 of Ruthless Blade

There was something off about him. Even though he was wearing athletic gear, it was all disheveled like he had just gotten out of bed. Quit over thinking things, Lexi. He probably fucked a puck bunny or cheerleader before coming here. No need to get all bent out of shape trying to figure out what was going on with him.

“He bought an apartment for me.” His face turned green, as if he were about to puke. This was so unlike him. I’d never once seen him so fazed.

I raised a brow, “So?”

That seemed to snap him from his vulnerable state, and all of a sudden his gaze turned angry. “His words, and I quote, Alexis is to move in with you indefinitely until you two can start acting like civil future step-siblings.”

Now I was going to puke.

My arms dropped to my sides, and my world tilted on its head. Correction, his dad had lost his fucking mind.

“I don’t...I don’t even know what to say to that.”

He took a step toward me. Then another. I swallowed, his gaze completely locked on mine. Countless times I had fantasized about my brother’s best friend. Him wanting me the way I wanted him. Not to torment me, but to be a friend. Possibly even a boyfriend. There had been times where I’d seen a glimmer of hope from him but then he would turn around and squash it like a bug every single time.

“You will not, and cannot live with me. We have to fix this now.”

I sighed and removed the bag from my shoulders. “Then give me a game plan, because I can’t read your fucking mind, Kayden. You’ve always been like this. You hate me, I get it. I don’t want our parents together any more than you do, but threatening me isn’t going to get you anywhere. I was your best friend's sister, and at some point, we kinda were friends, too. So instead of being a fucking dick all the time, talk to me like a normal human being.”

Obviously that wasn’t the way to go about things. He stepped close to me, invading my space, eyes darkening. “The time is coming for me to cash in on that favor you owe me. Keep pushing my buttons, and you won’t like what you see.”

With that, he walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him, not caring that he disturbed others. And why would he? Golden boy on campus who was about to be drafted, he shouldn’t have to bend to anyone.

At least that’s what he thought.

I refused to bow to him. Whether that meant getting his worst, I didn’t care.

I wouldn’t back down this time. He couldn’t make me.

Chapter Seven

KAYDEN

My fucking legs burned. Coach was killing us with these workouts. To the team he bellowed, “If you want to make it to the championship, you need to work harder, and play smarter.”

His words for me were harsher, more focused. “To be a star, you need to act like one. All of your focus needs to be on the game, and nothing else. No distractions. The draft is right around the corner, Daniel. June isn’t that far away. You’ll be screwed if you decide to sit this one out because your emotions are in a fucking blender.”

My jaw clenched. They were glued in my head, a heavy dialogue I couldn’t get rid of. I loaded up for a set of explosive skater jumps, leaping from side to side. My skates dug deep into the artificial turf.

Every time I wanted to quit, I thought about Jake. He should’ve been here with me, but he wasn’t. It was up to me to live out his dream and make sure his legacy would never die.

While we were both talented, he was a natural. I had to work hard at everything I did, but it was easier for him. Skating, hockey, girls, and grades. He was someone people genuinely liked and got along with. Which was why it was so easy to be his best friend. He and his family were there for me more than mine ever was.

Family.

I didn’t really know what that was like. Apart from being at their house every day growing up, my “family” was at home, fighting, arguing, throwing things.

Now that Jake was gone, I didn’t really belong...anywhere.

Coach blew the whistle. I grabbed a weighted medicine ball. I whipped it against the concrete wall. Smack. I caught it on the bounce. I whipped it again. My breath came out in ragged gasps. My jaw was tight and my shoulders stiff. Faster, stronger. “You must be the best.” Dad’s words stuck with me, the need to prove him wrong. I loaded my core and slammed the ball one last time, ignoring the protest of my muscles.

He blew the whistle again. “Alright, that’s it for today. Same time tomorrow.” He went to walk off and then turned around. “Oh, there will be a special guest at practice tomorrow. Don’t be late.” His gaze met mine, a silent warning.

That meant a professional scout was going to be here. Don’t worry coach; I won’t fuck this up.

I stood up, wiping sweat from my eyes, and locked eyes with Dylan. He leaned against the squat rack, his water bottle dangling from his hand. He wasn't smiling. He had that look, the one where he could see right through my act.

Fuck.