Noah's P.O.V
Jaxon, the prick, was peeking into my phone and I slapped him upside the head, snorting when he started whining before standing up and heading out.I sighed as soon as he left, glancing back at the text. Parties weren’t really my thing, but maybe this was an opportunity to get closer to Dorian. If I invited my team along, Dorian would have no choice but to be there and if I could get him to loosen up with alcohol, maybe I could figure out why he hated me so much.
I shot back a reply, cringing when I saw she’d already sent me five more messages, complaining I wasn’t replying fast.
—Mind if I bring a few of the guys?
Her reply was instant.
-–Sure! The girls are bored here anyway.
```
The bass from the speakers pounded through the room, vibrating against my chest as I slouched onto the couch. Far down to my right, Jaxon was playing beer pong which he clearly sucked at as he’d lost many pieces of clothing and was even more loud than usual–drunk, but I barely registered any of it. Rose was draped across my lap, her lips brushing my neck as she giggled at something she thought I’d said.
Sometimes, her fingers would lightly dance along my chest, trailing down towards my jeans, but I’d grab her wrist gently, discreetly, keeping her hand where I could see it. “You’re distracted,” she pouted, pink lips shimmering with a lot of gloss. I guess it was pretty. I forced a small smile. “No baby. Just thinking.” What I didn’t say was that every thought in my head wasn’t about her. It was on a particular set of green eyes that hadn’t arrived yet. But she seemed to buy it and continued groping me as my stomach continued tightening with discomfort. Honestly, Rosetta was beautiful–every guy’s dream girl, including mine. Long legs, perfect curves, and a face that looked like it belonged in a magazine. Hell Jaxon had always told me what explicit things he’d do to her before we became an item. And yet, no matter how much her hips shifted in my lap, my dick refused to cooperate.So that’s why I kept pushing her away before she found out the flaccid state in my pants. There’s no fucking way any guy would be able to explain away a lack of a hardon right now.
Someone let out a curse and instantly the room shifted. Or maybe it didn’t. Maybe it was just me.
But I really didn’t have to look up before I knew it was him. Instinctively, I carefully pushed Rose off my laps, making her sit next to me. I didn’t know why I did that and I wasn’t about to dissect my reaction when it came to Hayes. I looked up just in time to see him push someone’s drink out of their hand as he strode into the party, broad shoulders cutting through the crowd. His short red hair was tousled as he’d just rolled out of bed after fucking someone senseless. The thought made my stomach clench weirdly. When his eyes moved over the room before falling on me, I forgot how to breathe. My skin burned and where I’d been feeling dead for the past hour, my nerve endings began lighting up like I’d touched a live wire as he started walking towards us. Rose kept saying something, but it might as well have been static. I couldn’t focus on anything except the way Dorian’s black jeans clung to his thighs, top tight on his chest. Wait… my eyes were drawn back to his face and I jerked my head back…was that a fucking lip ring? A tiny silver hoop glinted in the corner of his bottom lip as he smirked, catching me staring at him. Christ. That piercing cranked up his whole bad-boy vibe about ten notches. My brain short-cicrcuited trying to process it. What hockey player even does that and why haven’t I seen the piercing hole in his lips ever? I wondered just how rebellious he had to be to wear lip jewelry! It was against the rules to have any type of piercing like that! Soon he stopped in front of us, towering over the couch. “Captain,” he said in a derisive mockery. “Hope I’m not too late for your party.” Before I could respond, he slid onto the couch, sitting between me and Rose. What the hell? I wanted to push him away but he spread his legs and the heat of his thigh pressed again mine. My thoughts instantly scattered and I bit the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted blood. Rose shifted, shooting me a questioning glance but I only shrugged my shoulder, the blood roaring in my own ears too loud for me to do anything. Ignoring me, Dorian leaned into her space, his arm draping casually across the back of the couch as he struck up a conversation with my girlfriend. Was that inappropriate? Probably. But I was too focused on my breathing, trying to will my body to calm the fuck down. Just a few minutes ago, I’d been feeling almost dead but now it felt like my nerve endings were singing.As their chat grew more animated, I decided not to intergrate myself into the conversation. I’d never seen him this chatty with anyone. I ignored the odd wave of emotion that washed over me at this realization. Maybe I didn’t have to get him drunk to know things about him. But as I listened to his conversation with Rose, it was on the most mundanest shit ever, and nothing of depth that provided any insight to Hayes at all.
Just then I felt a soft hand on my arm and when I looked to the side, Rose was smiling at me. “I’ll be right back, baby. I need to go to the ladies.” I nodded and she stood up, pressing a kiss to my lips before she left. The second she was gone, it felt like the air between Hayes and I grew tenser. Previously, he’d angled his body towards Rose, but now, he shifted and leaned back, head resting against the couch as he finally turned to look at me. For the first time, his green eyes didn’t hold rage, rather his gaze was almost bored and if not for the tiny sparkle in his eyes, I might have let my guard down. He continued staring at me, creeping under my skin until it felt like I would go mad if the silence between us wasn’t broken. What the heck was I even doing? I came to this party and even stylishly invited Dorian so I could get to the bottom of his issues against me but here I was, gaping at him like a tongue-tied idiot. Okay. first things first… a drink. “I don’t know about you but I’m thirsty.” I was shocked at how leveled my voice sounded despite my churning stomach. “Want me to grab something for you at the bar?”His brow went up comically and then he narrowed his eyes at me but I forced myself to hold his gaze until he shrugged. “’ 'Kay, I’ll have whatever's available.”
I nodded and left to fetch the drinks. After an unwanted conversation with the guys manning the bar, I returned to the couch. But Hayes was gone. Pursing my lips, I set the drinks on the table and glanced around for the tall redhead, coming up short. My lips twisted into a derisive smile as I realized Hayes must have been playing a fool out of me. Irritation bubbled in my gut and for the first time tonight, I drank, throwing both drinks down my throat. Honestly, screw him.
A drunk girl walked past my couch and I grabbed the drink from her hand, also downing it and shooting her a wink when she tried to snap at me. Seeing who I was, the strange girl just blushed before scuttering off.
I would definitely regret this tomorrow morning but I didn’t care right now. There was a burning in my chest that could only be dulled by getting wasted.
Just as I decided to go join Jaxon to play beer pong, I froze, realizing Rose still wasn’t back from the bathroom.
A strange, uneasy feeling settled in my chest. What if something was happening to her? One reason I hated college parties was how unruly the guys got when drinks were flowing.
My stomach was in knots as I pushed myself off the couch and made my way towards the hallway. The music was less loud here and people were standing at different corners together, literally having sex. Finally, I found the bathroom after opening at least five wrong doors and asking people if they’d seen where she’d gone.
“Rose?” I knocked on the door but there was no answer…just a muffled sound that sounded like groaning.
My stomach turned to stone and rage bubbled in my gut. Was someone assaulting my fucking girlfriend?
I made to kick the door down but I’d barely given it a shove when it fell open.
And then I froze.
That…wasn’t assault.
Rose was on her knees, her dress pushed up around her waist as she worked her mouth up and down…Dorian’s fat cock--it really was fucking huge and long with a fat mushroom tip--while rubbing herself through her panties.Noah’s P.O.V“Hey Faggots!”I stiffened, forcing my hands to keep untying my skates as if I hadn’t heard it. The noises of the room—laughter, shouting, clang of lockers as they slammed it shut—kept going. Nobody even flinched. It was just a normal joke from Matt, one of my defensemen who thought anything that came out of his mouth was comedy gold. The dude was built like a fucking tank and sometimes, I wondered if that was all he was. Brute force with an empty skull.A few of the other guys joined in, tossing back their own crude jokes as they stripped off sweat-soaked jerseys and peeled away pads.My fingers kept trembling, but I worked the laces faster, hoping no one noticed. The worst thing you could do in this locker room was stop, freeze up, and let them see how the words hit you. That was blood in the water, and these guys were sharks who didn’t know how to leave a wounded animal alone. Usually, I didn’t care about the jokes, hell I joined in most times, but it just felt fucking
Dorian’s P.O.V“Stay the fuck out of my way, Golden Boy,” I yanked my arm free of Noah’s grip, storming off into the freezing night. Fuck Noah Carter and that goddamn punch he threw, trying to play savior when no one asked him to. My boots loudly hit the pavement, like I was stomping out a goddamn wildfire. But the flames raged on in my chest. Hypocritical little prick. My jaw clenched, dragging my mind back to when I’d first seen him in the locker room and he introduced himself as captain. Blonde hair, light blue eyes, and his body all defined lines and sculpted muscles. All-American-Pretty boy. He probably had fucking skincare products to keep his skin that dewy…and his lips as red as they looked.I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets, clenching my fists into balls. My jaw ached from grinding my teeth, but it was nothing compared to the fury coursing through me. Just a few years had passed and yet, the bastard didn’t even remember me. Not a flicker of recognition in those stupid
Noah’s P.O.VI was late.The second I stepped into the rink, still tugging my gear bag over my shoulder, Coach O’Rourke’s glare snapped onto me like a laser beam. “Princess Carter!” he barked, hands on his hips. “You planning to set a goddamn example by strolling in whenever the hell you feel like it?”I bit back a groan. This was definitely not the start I needed. Knowing he hated excuses as much as he hated milk in his coffee, I schooled my features and gave Coach a slight nod. “Sorry, coach,” I said, setting my bag down by the bench. “It won’t happen again.”“It better not.” he snapped. “Captain or not, you don’t get a free pass. Hustle up now, we’ve all been waiting for you.”There were a few scattered laughs before he turned away, muttering something about discipline, and I exhaled sharply. The guys were all watching me, Jaxon included. He seemed very worried and mouthed at me. ‘Talk later?’I ignored him and started to change into my gear right there on the rink. I wish I could
Dorian’s P.O.V The locker room reeked of sweat and ballsack. I stepped out from the hot spray of water, turning it off. Grabbing my towel off the bench, I roughly ran it through my damp hair, water dripping down my shoulders and chest as I walked towards the locker room naked. It wasn’t like I cared who saw. Besides, most of the team had cleared out and it was just the sound of my breathing and shuffling feet breaking the silence. I was halfway to my locker, still drying my hair, when I noticed him. Carter. The Golden Boy himself, standing frozen like a fucking deer in headlights, eyes wide and glued to me. My brows furrowed and before I could ask him what the hell he was looking at, all red-faced and barely breathing, he left. But the funny thing was that he didn’t just walk away. If the expression, ‘running with tails between your legs’ needed an image, Noah in that moment was it. Bag in hand, practically tripping over himself as he disappeared through the door. For
Dorian’s P.O.VShrugging off my leftover warmth from the stupid compliment, I leaned against the locker, watching Carter move to the center of the room, commanding everyone’s attention like he was born into it.The bastard.His voice wasn’t even loud–he didn’t need it to be. The guys quieted the moment he raised a hand, his blue eyes blazing like he was giving some State of the Union address. Oh, I’d love to see his fucking face once I steal his title and become captain. I’m sure he’d throw a tantrum, scream at the Coach, and probably call his daddy to build the school a new library. Coming from a long line of hockey legends, Golden Boy has the money to throw around, leeching off his father’s fading glory.I barely bit back a snort, turning my attention back to him. The speech itself wasn’t anything mind-blowing, to be honest. Just your basic post-game “good job” spiel, but fuck if he didn’t sell it, gearing up the team to put in their bests in the future games. His voice was steady,
Noah’s P.O.VI tugged my jersey over my head, the sweat already drying on my skin after practice. The room buzzed with post-practice chatter–dull aches, bruises, and the usual locker room banter filling the space. However, Matt was unusually quiet today, fingers moving furiously over his phone. For once, I didn’t feel like I had to be walking on tiptoes, so I sank onto the bench in front of my lockers, pulling off my skates and socks and letting the cool air hit my overheated skin.Just then, Jaxon came out of the showers with a towel around his waist and plopped beside me after grabbing a hoodie from his locker. His perpetually messy black hair flopped into his eyes as he grumbled under his breath about something.“Man if I fail another AP class, my mom’s going to disown me,” he muttered, pulling at his hoodie strings. Was that a GQ sweater? I swear to God this idiot I call my best friend could be obsessed with designer brands like it was his last meal.Shaking my head, I chuckled at
Noah's P.O.VJaxon, the prick, was peeking into my phone and I slapped him upside the head, snorting when he started whining before standing up and heading out.I sighed as soon as he left, glancing back at the text. Parties weren’t really my thing, but maybe this was an opportunity to get closer to Dorian. If I invited my team along, Dorian would have no choice but to be there and if I could get him to loosen up with alcohol, maybe I could figure out why he hated me so much.I shot back a reply, cringing when I saw she’d already sent me five more messages, complaining I wasn’t replying fast.—Mind if I bring a few of the guys?Her reply was instant.-–Sure! The girls are bored here anyway.```The bass from the speakers pounded through the room, vibrating against my chest as I slouched onto the couch. Far down to my right, Jaxon was playing beer pong which he clearly sucked at as he’d lost many pieces of clothing and was even more loud than usual–drunk, but I barely registered any of
Noah’s P.O.VI tugged my jersey over my head, the sweat already drying on my skin after practice. The room buzzed with post-practice chatter–dull aches, bruises, and the usual locker room banter filling the space. However, Matt was unusually quiet today, fingers moving furiously over his phone. For once, I didn’t feel like I had to be walking on tiptoes, so I sank onto the bench in front of my lockers, pulling off my skates and socks and letting the cool air hit my overheated skin.Just then, Jaxon came out of the showers with a towel around his waist and plopped beside me after grabbing a hoodie from his locker. His perpetually messy black hair flopped into his eyes as he grumbled under his breath about something.“Man if I fail another AP class, my mom’s going to disown me,” he muttered, pulling at his hoodie strings. Was that a GQ sweater? I swear to God this idiot I call my best friend could be obsessed with designer brands like it was his last meal.Shaking my head, I chuckled at
Dorian’s P.O.VShrugging off my leftover warmth from the stupid compliment, I leaned against the locker, watching Carter move to the center of the room, commanding everyone’s attention like he was born into it.The bastard.His voice wasn’t even loud–he didn’t need it to be. The guys quieted the moment he raised a hand, his blue eyes blazing like he was giving some State of the Union address. Oh, I’d love to see his fucking face once I steal his title and become captain. I’m sure he’d throw a tantrum, scream at the Coach, and probably call his daddy to build the school a new library. Coming from a long line of hockey legends, Golden Boy has the money to throw around, leeching off his father’s fading glory.I barely bit back a snort, turning my attention back to him. The speech itself wasn’t anything mind-blowing, to be honest. Just your basic post-game “good job” spiel, but fuck if he didn’t sell it, gearing up the team to put in their bests in the future games. His voice was steady,
Dorian’s P.O.V The locker room reeked of sweat and ballsack. I stepped out from the hot spray of water, turning it off. Grabbing my towel off the bench, I roughly ran it through my damp hair, water dripping down my shoulders and chest as I walked towards the locker room naked. It wasn’t like I cared who saw. Besides, most of the team had cleared out and it was just the sound of my breathing and shuffling feet breaking the silence. I was halfway to my locker, still drying my hair, when I noticed him. Carter. The Golden Boy himself, standing frozen like a fucking deer in headlights, eyes wide and glued to me. My brows furrowed and before I could ask him what the hell he was looking at, all red-faced and barely breathing, he left. But the funny thing was that he didn’t just walk away. If the expression, ‘running with tails between your legs’ needed an image, Noah in that moment was it. Bag in hand, practically tripping over himself as he disappeared through the door. For
Noah’s P.O.VI was late.The second I stepped into the rink, still tugging my gear bag over my shoulder, Coach O’Rourke’s glare snapped onto me like a laser beam. “Princess Carter!” he barked, hands on his hips. “You planning to set a goddamn example by strolling in whenever the hell you feel like it?”I bit back a groan. This was definitely not the start I needed. Knowing he hated excuses as much as he hated milk in his coffee, I schooled my features and gave Coach a slight nod. “Sorry, coach,” I said, setting my bag down by the bench. “It won’t happen again.”“It better not.” he snapped. “Captain or not, you don’t get a free pass. Hustle up now, we’ve all been waiting for you.”There were a few scattered laughs before he turned away, muttering something about discipline, and I exhaled sharply. The guys were all watching me, Jaxon included. He seemed very worried and mouthed at me. ‘Talk later?’I ignored him and started to change into my gear right there on the rink. I wish I could
Dorian’s P.O.V“Stay the fuck out of my way, Golden Boy,” I yanked my arm free of Noah’s grip, storming off into the freezing night. Fuck Noah Carter and that goddamn punch he threw, trying to play savior when no one asked him to. My boots loudly hit the pavement, like I was stomping out a goddamn wildfire. But the flames raged on in my chest. Hypocritical little prick. My jaw clenched, dragging my mind back to when I’d first seen him in the locker room and he introduced himself as captain. Blonde hair, light blue eyes, and his body all defined lines and sculpted muscles. All-American-Pretty boy. He probably had fucking skincare products to keep his skin that dewy…and his lips as red as they looked.I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets, clenching my fists into balls. My jaw ached from grinding my teeth, but it was nothing compared to the fury coursing through me. Just a few years had passed and yet, the bastard didn’t even remember me. Not a flicker of recognition in those stupid
Noah’s P.O.V“Hey Faggots!”I stiffened, forcing my hands to keep untying my skates as if I hadn’t heard it. The noises of the room—laughter, shouting, clang of lockers as they slammed it shut—kept going. Nobody even flinched. It was just a normal joke from Matt, one of my defensemen who thought anything that came out of his mouth was comedy gold. The dude was built like a fucking tank and sometimes, I wondered if that was all he was. Brute force with an empty skull.A few of the other guys joined in, tossing back their own crude jokes as they stripped off sweat-soaked jerseys and peeled away pads.My fingers kept trembling, but I worked the laces faster, hoping no one noticed. The worst thing you could do in this locker room was stop, freeze up, and let them see how the words hit you. That was blood in the water, and these guys were sharks who didn’t know how to leave a wounded animal alone. Usually, I didn’t care about the jokes, hell I joined in most times, but it just felt fucking