"I don't know who pissed Thompson off so much, but he is acting and behaving like a damn psychopath." Kaleb chortles out loud, his eyes locked on the ice rink. "Though, it doesn't really matter. We're winning and that's the most important thing."

"Yeah, I have never seen him being so intense and so violent." Grace adds, also not taking her eyes off the game. "He's gotten into two fights already, while usually he stays away unless it involves the whole team."

I'm curious, if I told them it was me, what would their reaction be? I obviously don't think the world revolves around me, but in this case I'm certain about it. I didn't see him for a few days after the movies but when I did on Tuesday night, the look he gave me said it all. He hates me... again.

By Thursday the radio silence between us started to annoy me. Add in his total indifference he demonstrated when we saw each other on Wednesday, and I felt confused more than anything. So many efforts from his side led to one blowjob and he lost interest already? I don't have a magic pussy that's for sure but didn't he want to have a taste? To actually fuck me and do what he does best? Leave and never look back? Why did he act so differently with me? Was my blowjob so bad that he couldn't even think about actually fucking me? I had way too many questions, and I honestly wanted answers.

On Friday I decided to admit a few things to myself. First, I missed messaging him. The exchanges we had were the highlight of my day even if I didn't realize it then. Second, though? No one ever kissed me the way he did. Ever. Cross my heart and hope to die, but it was the most honest truth in the world. So... I swallowed my pride and sent him one quick message. Just to test the waters. I wished him luck at the upcoming game, and asked how he was. What did I get in return? Nothing. He didn't even read it. I don't exist in his world anymore. Just like I suspected. Lovely.

I chew on my inner cheek, following him with my eyes. Growing up with Drake, hockey was a part of my life. Layla and I even played with him more than once, having too much fun and getting scolded by him. So I honestly know when I see talent, and Colton Thompson is a really great player. He has a good and very organic technique. He moves effortlessly and it's constant, I haven't seen him stand around on the ice even once. And don't even get me started on how intelligent he is when it comes to the game, he feels it, as if it's part of him... He's alive when he's on the ice, and it's so freaking attractive that I have a hard time trying to convince myself not to watch him. Screw it!

I tap on Grace's knee and she turns her head to me. "Yeah?"

"I'll wait for you outside." I mutter quietly.

"There is only 10 minutes left, why don't you stay?" Kaleb questions and gets an eye-roll from me.

"Because I don't want to." I retort and instantly cover it with a smile. "See you in the parking lot."

"Sure." Grace nods and focuses on the ice rink, her guy's eyes stay peeled to me for a moment longer and then he looks away too.

Slowly I stand up from my seat and move to the exit. Apologizing, apologizing and apologizing. The Michigan Wolverines are winning against the Minnesota Duluth, and people are really excited. They don't appreciate me getting in the way, but I don't really care. I need some fresh air and perspective because even the thought of being at a party with Colton is already freaking me out. For a lot of reasons.

Just as I get to the stairs, I hear a commotion. Looking over my shoulder, my eyes land on Thompson. He and Drake are storming at full speed to Duluth's net, both focused and resilient. Drake passes the puck to his teammate, and the next thing I know Colton scores another goal. 6-2. I bite my bottom lip, eyeing our center. I feel so many emotions! Already forgotten. Somewhat forbidden. And most importantly, inappropriate... because of what I want him to do to me. Of what I want to do to him...

Even the thoughts in my head grow silent the second our eyes meet. Colton holds my gaze for what feels like eternity and then looks away, skating back to the team. Whatever. I'm not letting him get the rails of my life in his hands. Not him, not any other guy. Setting boundaries to create a healthy atmosphere around myself is something that I do perfectly. I learned my lesson to a T.

Walking out of the building, I take a deep breath. Not sure what I want from tonight's party, or even if I want to go at all. Maybe just for Clay. I want him to make a move on Layla, and without my encouragement he will definitely be a pussy and go screw some random girl, yet again. I don't want my efforts to go to waste. My talk with Drake wasn't the easiest one, so I'm not letting Rodgers ruin my plans for him and my bestie. Not on my watch for sure.

What are you going to do if you see him with someone else? I lean my back on the wall, hearing my inner voice loud in my head. What am I going to do? I have no idea. Though, it would be a sign that whatever it was between us is really over. If anything it should allow me to move forward and continue to live my life as I did before he suddenly decided that he was interested in me. In screwing me? Definitely. But no more than that. I even mentally pat myself on my back for not letting myself get carried away and keeping my guard up around him. I was so right when I thought I was just another hookup for him!

I push myself from the wall and stroll to Grace's car, I will wait for them here. I smile, but it is short lived. I halt in my tracks, like a scared deer in the headlights. I told him I didn't want to be a one-time thing... that's why he continued to play along with me, didn't he? Oh God, Ava Mason, you're so dumb sometimes. Unbelievable. Shaking my head I resume my walk. Colton Thompson is not allowed in my head. Not anymore. He's nothing special.

🏒✨🏒✨🏒

Three hours later and I'm ready to vomit. Grace and Kaleb decided to grace Layla and me with their presence, and haven't left us even for a moment. It would have been fine, if only they weren't sucking the life out of each other every damn minute! I'm so sick of their constant making out, so I am really starting to scowl more and more often, without even trying to hide it. They annoy the fuck out of me and I'm already pretty drunk, making it hard to hold my tongue any longer.

"Babe, what can I get you?" Kaleb stands up from the couch, looking down at Grace. She shrugs, smiling like a Cheshire cat. "Beer?"

"Whatever you want." She murmurs, and I roll my eyes, turning my head away from them. Clay has been hanging out with the team and it is also playing on my nerves. Didn't he get my message? If he wanted to try something with Layla, he should use tonight. I'm not certain Drake will be so understanding later.

"Cool, I will be back soon." Grace's boyfriend exclaims and walks away.

"Don't hurry up, we will be just fine without you." I mutter to myself and instantly feel a slap on my knee. Locking my eyes with Layla, I glare at her. Why the fuck did she hit me? "What?"

My best friend's eyes are big like saucers and she tilts her head to the side, gesturing at her roommate. I focus my attention on Grace and notice that she's seething. Did I say it loud enough for her to hear?

"What's your problem, Ava? Like really." She hisses, her eyes narrowed and lips smacked into a pout. "You are acting like a total bitch."

"I haven't said a word until now."

"Your face has been speaking for you." Grace spats, leaning forward to bore her gaze into me.

"That's her usual resting bitch face, Grace." Layla tries to dismiss the tension, making a joke. It's useless. I'm fed up with everything I want to tell her roommate and I'm not holding myself back. "Haven't you noticed it before?"

"No, you're wrong. She's not the nicest girl ever, but at least she never was hostile. Until lately." Grace roams her eyes over my face again. "What's your problem, Ava?"

"You're a snake." There. I said it.

Her jaw drops open and she blinks as if she's a damn fish on the shore. "I'm what?!"

"A snake." I repeat calmly. "I don't think we can trust you, so..."

"And why is that? What did I do that made you think that? Huh?" Grace demands, and I feel Layla shift uncomfortably around me.

"You slept with Thompson, knowing your friend had a crush on him. You weren't worried about your friendship falling apart with your roommate for one stupid hookup." I smile at her, proud of myself. Yet... I should have known better. Without realizing it, I gave her all the means to make my life a living hell.

"Weren't you the one who told me Layla has zero chances with him?" Fuck you, Grace!

"I did." And I'm not sorry because it was the truth.

"Weren't you the one who suggested Thompson fuck someone close to her so she would move on with ease?" My eyes go round and I quickly glance at my best friend. Layla looks as if she was just hit by the bus. Her face is pale, her eyes are wide with dilated pupils and her lips parted. She meets my gaze, and my heart beats wilder in my chest. Why the fuck did he tell her that? "It's on you too that he decided to pursue me."

"You told him to fuck someone close to me? To make me move on?" My best friend's voice trembles, and I see her clasp her hands together.

"I did." I mumble quietly. "I know you... I know what needs to be done for you to move on... and it was the only advice I could give him when he told me you were annoying him... I didn't want him to snap at you, even though he eventually did... I didn't want him to humiliate you... I just wanted to help..."

"Help? Maybe you said that for yourself? So he would fuck you to make me move on? But he chose Grace and that's why you flipped?"

"Layla, that is ridiculous. I told him I didn't mean me." I'm honestly at a loss for words. It's surreal and I'm having a hard time concentrating. Why would he even think it was okay to tell that to Grace? I told him that in a private conversation, and he just... Fucking idiot! "If I thought there was even the tiniest chance for you and him, I would have never told him that... I would have never even let him-"

I shut my mouth and gawk at my best friend. I almost let slip what happened between me and Thompson. Almost. "And you called her a snake?" Layla bites her bottom lip, piercing her brows together. "You have no right to judge Grace."

Snorting, I stand up from the couch. I'm not having this conversation with her now. She has been drinking just as much as I have, and we need to talk when we both are sober. And without her roommate around. Layla and I stare at each other, then I take a step back and raise my hands in front of me. "Whatever."

Wheeling around, I head further into the house. I want another drink and to leave this fucking place. I don't even want to try to find Thompson to tell him what I think about his obnoxious ass. I'm so fucking tired of all this! Next time I have a bad feeling in my gut about something, I will listen to it and stay put. Nothing else.

"Where are you going, gorgeous?" A hand wraps around my waist, and someone hauls me to their chest. "How about wishing me a happy birthday?"

Ugh, Baker! "Sorry, Adam." I twirl around and rake my gaze over his face. "I'm leaving."

"What?! That's bullshit!" He yelps, grasping my hand and dragging me with him further. I wiggle my hand, trying to pull it out of his grip but nothing helps. "You've been hanging out with the wrong people. Now? I will teach you how to have fun."

Teach me? Is he insane? I don't need anything from him. I just want to leave, nothing else! "Adam! Stop!"

"Come on, baby, don't be so stubborn! It's my fucking birthday and I want to have fun with you!" He pulls me to him and my body crashes into his side. Knocking the air out of my lungs. "Have a drink with me? Nothing else!"

As if I'm going to drink anything you give me, asshole! I grit my teeth, calculating my options. The house is full of people. He won't try anything on me unless we're somewhere alone, somewhere in private. Which means... staying on full display is a must.

"What do you prefer?" He stops near the table, giving me a choice to pick a drink myself. I grab a beer can and open it under his gaze. "I kinda thought you'd like something heavier."

"Nah, this is all good." I fake a smile, opening the can and taking a sip. It cools my insides, and helps me to calm down. I'll be out of this place as soon as he lets his guard down around me. "What about you?"

Baker plays with his eyebrows, a toothy grin lights up his face. Taking a shot of tequila, he downs it and drapes his hand over my shoulder again, holding me close. He nuzzles my neck with his nose and I'm shivering. Not because I like it, quite the contrary. The dude gives me the creeps.

"Ugh, baby, you smell so good." He sucks on my neck, and my face twists into a scowl. I put my beer on the table and elbow him in his ribs. Baker loses his grip on me, so I instantly jump back, putting my hands on my hips. "What the hell?!"

I open my mouth to answer him, but someone shoves me back and hides me from Adam. I sweep my gaze, realizing at once it's Clay. "Leave her the fuck alone."

"Are you her new knight in shining armor?" I take a step to the side to see the look on Baker's face. He's pissed, fists balled at his sides.

"I'm her friend." Rodgers warns, his voice thick with anger. "And when I tell you to leave her alone, you need to do just that. Understood?"

"Friend?" Adam snickers loudly, drawing attention to us. "More like the dude who doesn't want to lose a bet. Are you really going to do anything just to not let me win?"

"It has nothing to do with the bet. She's not comfortable around you, and I don't like it."

I blink. Then blink again. And again. And again. A bet? A BET?! They fucking made a bet on me?! I storm forward and stop right in front of them. Clay and Baker both focus their gazes on me. "What is he talking about? What bet?"

"Ava, I'm so sorry." Clay whines, his shoulders slumping. "I tried to tell you earlier but something was always in the way. And I kept telling myself that I have time... but-"

"Did you make a bet on me?!" Anger fills my every pore. Every freaking bone of my body. "With him?"

"I did... but it was before... when I didn't know you." So not knowing me gives you the right to play with my life? "He said he would fuck you, and I told him that it's never going to happen-"

I'm not listening to him anymore. It's all just white noise. "What does the loser need to do?"

"Wear a dress and full face of makeup the last day before the winter break." Baker muses, enjoying Clay's miserable look.

"And the winner?" I raise my voice, not giving a shit that everyone hears me.

"Dunno..." Adam taps his finger on his lips, pretending to be thinking. "I kinda forgot... let's ask Thompson. He was the one who broke our hands."

My world spins, becoming blurry. Swish and flick, bitch. Did someone jinx me? Used a fucking Wingardium Leviosa on me? Because I don't feel the ground. I'm levitating, drowning in my emotions. The fucker knew about the bet too? He fucking broke their hands?

"Colton, tell the lady what winner gets?" And that's how I know he's here. I veer around, my eyes hook onto his. He looks solemn, not bothered, but his gaze betrays him.

"The bottle of their choice." He breathes, and I'm ready to tear down. My mood already is shit because of Layla but this is just too much.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. I feel him move closer to me, his body warms up my skin and I become all tingley. But as soon as I let everything sink in, I'm furious. I want to punish them all, and I know exactly what I am going to do.

I snap my eyes open, turn around and extend my palm to Baker. "Where is your room?"

"Upstairs." He grins, taking my hand and lacing our fingers together. I feel nauseous but I still proceed. I have a punishment for each of them. "Let's go."

"Ava!" Clay yells, wrapping his hand over my wrist. "Don't do this!"

"What? Are you worried about the dress thing?" I taunt through gritted teeth.

"I don't give a shit about any of it! I don't want him near you!" He's miserable and frustrated, not really knowing what to do to stop me. Eyebrows knit together, eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

"Should have thought about that before. Now? I expect to see you in a dress and with full makeup on Monday." I turn my head away, letting Baker drag me upstairs.

Before I disappear from the view, I look over my shoulder and my eyes find Colton. He doesn't blink, his gaze focused on me and his jaw is hard. He's furious, isn't he? Serves you right, asshole. I'm so fucking done with you!