Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
I’ve always known he loved to play hockey and is incredible at it. I just never understood until now that it’s his way out. It’s his only way to gain freedom from her.
I have to do something.
I have to help him.
My mind concocts a whole list of ideas, some more ridiculous than others. Then, like a lightning bolt striking down to the earth, it hits me.
“I have money, Aiden,” I whisper as though someone else will hear.
Aiden’s eyes widen in surprise, but he shakes his head. “No. I can’t. Absolutely not, Pip.”
I crawl up on my knees, facing him. “I want to give it to you.”
“There’s no way I can take it.”
“Sure, you can. It’s no big deal.” My hand cups his knee. “It’s only money.”
“Pip. It is a big deal. You need it.”
For kids like us, any amount of money is a really big deal. It’s the difference between surviving or ending up on the streets when our time comes to escape our current situation.
“It’s not a lot. But it should be enough to get you to the game,” I say, mentally counting how much I have saved up.
His stormy eyes land on mine. “Pip.”
I scoot closer toward him so we’re eye to eye.
“No. Don’t ‘Pip’ me. I want to give you this.” My eyes stay trained on him. “Consider it an investment.”
A side of his lips quirks up. “An investment?”
I bob my head once. “A business arrangement,” I suggest.
“So it’s just business?” The heaviness from moments ago lifts slightly, and a grin spreads across his handsome face.
“Yep. And one day, you will pay me back.” I wink.
As the rain pours down and thunder rumbles in the distance, Aiden looks at me with a mix of disbelief and hope. He reaches out and takes my hand in his. “Just business?”
“Just business.” I smile up at him. “But you have to promise me one thing.”
He takes a deep breath, exhaling as he says, “Anything.”
I inhale, readying myself to be more vulnerable than I’m typically comfortable with. Even with Aiden.
“Promise you will never forget me.”
His head tilts to the side, his eyes still holding mine captive. The dark ring surrounding his irises moves toward the center, turning the deep blue even darker. Something…more.
“I’ll never forget you.”
I stick my pinky out. “Pinky promise on your puck.”
He links our fingers together with a smirk. “I promise.”
3
AIDEN
Ten Years Later…
I slump down onto the couch in my hotel suite across from my agent, feeling the weight of stress pressing down on my shoulders.
Despite everything, round one looms over my head like a dark cloud, and I can’t shake the feeling of unease that gnaws at my insides.
Tomorrow is game one.
We’re facing off against the Detroit Renegades. As a five seed facing off against a four seed, I should have my head on straight. Hell, this is the best team we’ve had in well over five years, but being back in Michigan is fucking with me.
Which is not something I have time for right now.
Ever since getting my big break all those years ago, I’ve prided myself on having full control over my life and, in turn, the game. I’ve been focused and dedicated, but the moment I crossed the state line, it seems like my mind is a mess.
Everything rides on this.
I can’t fuck it up.
This is our best shot for the Cup. Something I’ve dreamed about my entire life. Since that day all those years ago, when the coach of the prestigious academy saw something in me and changed the trajectory of my life. Had I not gotten the scholarship to the private school for my academics, I never would have started playing hockey.
Hockey isn’t exactly a typical sport a poor kid from the trailers falls into.
Every sacrifice I’ve made has gotten me to this point, and I won’t let myself or my team down.
But instead of having my head in the game, it’s everywhere else, like usual.
My agent, Mike, leans forward in his chair, his brow furrowed with concern. “What’s going on, man?”
Mike is one of a kind. A good, loyal man. He’s supported me throughout my career, guiding me through the highs and lows of playing professional hockey.
“Nothing,” I lie, not in the mood to discuss my inner turmoil.
He sits back on a huff. “Cut the shit, Aiden. I know you.”
He does, and I know there’s no skating around the talk he’s determined to have.
I let out a breath. “I’m stressed.”
“Okay, and…” He motions toward me. “Aren’t you always stressed?”
“Not like this.” I ball my hands into fists at my side.
“I thought your routines helped with—”
I wave him off. “They do. But this is different. I’m on edge, and it doesn’t matter if everything is perfect, it still feels like…” I shake my head, closing my eyes and clenching my teeth. “Just forget it.”