Dangerous Affection

The air inside the ice rink always smelled like rust, metal, and cold ice. It was six in the morning, and the bleachers were dark and completely quiet, except for the sound of hockey skates scraping across the ice. I sat on the top row, wearing an oversized sweater over my school uniform, trying to keep warm. My fingers were so numb I could barely flip through my flashcards for Organic Chemistry. I couldn't afford to mess up. If my grades dropped even a little, Saint Jude’s would take away my full scholarship. And if I lost my scholarship, my mom would lose her cancer treatment, which was paid for by the school’s medical program. My entire life depended on me being perfect. Down on the rink, the hockey team was practicing. And then there was Jaxson Vance. Number 88. He was the team captain, the son of a billionaire, and the most dangerous guy in school. He was tall, broad, with dark hair and gray eyes that made everyone nervous. He didn't just play hockey; he used his size to hurt people. A loud, violent CRACK echoed through the building. Jaxson had just shoved a player hard against the glass right below where I was sitting. The whole glass wall shook. The guy on the ice was struggling, his hands desperately trying to push Jaxson’s arm off his neck. I felt sick when I realized who it was. It was Julian. Julian was in my history class. He was nice, gentle, and always smiled at me. I had a crush on him for two years. Say it again, Jaxson said. His voice wasn't loud, but it was cold enough to give me chills. I said... leave her alone! Julian choked out, his face turning red. Jaxson’s grip tightened. She’s none of your business. Jaxson, stop! I yelled, standing up and running down the metal stairs. You're going to hurt him! Jaxson didn't even care. He shoved Julian into the glass one last time and let him drop onto the ice like trash. Julian stayed on his knees, coughing hard and clutching his neck. Jaxson pulled off his helmet and ran a hand through his wet hair. Then he turned his head and looked straight at me. His gray eyes were totally calm, like he hadn't just almost choked someone to death. He skated over to the door, stepped off the ice, and walked right toward me. The sound of his skates on the rubber floor sounded like a warning. He stopped right in front of me. He smelled like sweat and expensive cologne. You're late, he said, wiping a bit of blood off his face. Julian's blood. Late for what? I asked, taking a step back until my back hit the metal railing. My heart was beating out of my chest. I don't even know you. Everyone knows I'm failing Chemistry, he said, taking another step closer. He reached out and tucked a loose piece of my hair behind my ear. His fingers were hot against my cold skin. The school board told me if I don't fix my grades, I can't play hockey. You're the smartest student here, and you don't take money to cheat. I'm not tutoring you, I said, shivering. You're crazy. Look at what you just did to Julian! Jaxson smiled, but there was no real warmth in it. Your sweet Julian spent last night at a party making bets with his friends that he could get you into bed before the school dance. My heart dropped. That's... that's not true. He wouldn't do that. He did, Jaxson said softly. His hand moved from my hair down to the back of my neck, holding me in place. He thinks you're an easy target because you don't have money. He thinks you're desperate. But I know you're not. Let go of me," I whispered, trying to pull away, but his grip was solid. You need someone to protect you, and I need to stay on the team, Jaxson said, his voice dropping low. So here's what we're going to do. You're going to sign a deal with me. You tutor me, and we pretend to date. I'll make sure no one in this school ever picks on you again. Pretend to date you? I asked, my head spinning. Why would you want that? Because when you're with me, nobody touches you, he said, his thumb tracing my chin. And here's rule number one: you don't talk to or look at any other guy. Before I could say anything, the doors at the end of the rink slammed open. Two security guards ran in, followed by Principal Sterling. Elena Rae! the principal shouted, his voice echoing in the empty room. Stay right where you are! You are in huge trouble! Panic hit me instantly. What? Why? I didn't do anything! Someone stole the Chemistry test from the teacher's office this morning, Principal Sterling said, holding up a plastic bag with test papers inside. Your ID card was used to open the door! We're canceling your scholarship, and the police are coming! I couldn't breathe. Everything went black for a second, My mom's medicine , My future. It was all gone. Someone was framing me. I looked at Jaxson in total terror. But he didn't look worried at all. Instead, Jaxson reached into his bag, pulled out a heavy gold ring, and pushed it onto my finger. She's not going anywhere, Jaxson said, his voice loud and completely in control. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me hard against his chest right in front of the principal and guards. His hand went under my sweater, his warm fingers pressing into my waist so tightly I gasped. Principal Sterling stopped walking. The guards froze. She didn't steal your test, Jaxson said, looking straight at the principal while squeezing my waist. "She was with me in my room all morning. My mouth fell open. His room? He was lying right to their faces and taking over everything. Jaxson leaned down until his mouth was right next to my ear. His warm breath touched my neck, making me shudder. Just say yes, he whispered, his grip tightening so I couldn't move. Say yes, or I will let them take you to jail.