OFF THE ICE: FAKE DATING MY HOCKEY ENEMY

I HATE HIM NOW

(A few hours later)

I’d never seen nightmares get significantly worse—but this?

This one spiraled really fast. Priya didn’t waste time turning her threats into reality. If I knew one correct thing about her at all—it was that she’d never fail to stand on business.

The car had dropped us off twenty minutes ago—a sleek black SUV that didn’t feel real. Zane had disappeared into one of the bedrooms without a word, only his duffel bag slung across his shoulder.

I stood in the middle of the living room, my two small bags at my feet. The apartment was gorgeous, with floor-to ceiling -windows, marble countertops and a leather couch that cost more than everything I own. And on top of that—they were all new.

It was built for people who were worth it.

I wasn't.

With one deep exhale, I picked up my bags and headed to the smaller bedroom in the hallway, directly opposite his. I hoped that wouldn’t be a problem. I pushed open the doors, and I felt something in my chest.—not fear but—-excitement.

A proper bedroom, furnished to perfection. Never thought I’d get to see one up close let alone live in one for real.

A smile had settled on my lips before I even realized. The bags dropped from my hands as I stepped further into the room.

I turned slowly, taking it all in.

I’d have loved it here if the situation wasn’t so bad. Then, my phone buzzed incessantly in my pocket. I paused, taking it out of my pocket.

I had missed three calls from Demi. I hadn’t had the chance to call her back, to explain that today was depressing and ended up with me moving in with the guy who hated me the most.

But the name flashing on my screen now was just as important. My sister —Nadia.

I stepped out of the room, rushing into the living room as I stood at a corner, picking up.

“Nads? What’s wrong?” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

”Reevie?” Her voice came off small, terrified.

My grip tightened around the phone. “I’m here, little bug. What happened?”

I heard her voice—she had been crying.

”I—i got in trouble at school today.”

My stomach dropped instantly, throat drying. “Wh-what kind of trouble?”

”Miss. Chen noticed my shoes.” She sniffled. “She asked why i didn’t just get new ones and i told her we couldn’t afford it and—-“

”Nadia—“

“She sent me to the counselor’s office, Reevie.” Her voice broke. “They asked me all these questions about home and if we had enough things.” Her sniffles increased. “If mom was taking care of me and I didn’t know what to say s—“

”Hey—breathe. Okay? Breathe.” My own voice was barely stable. “It’s okay. You did nothing wrong. You’ve never.”

”But they called mom.” She was crying harder now. “And she got so mad at me—for saying anything and now she’s saying it’s my fault if they take me away and I don't want them to take me away, Reevie. I do—“

My chest tightened, something stinging behind my eyes.

“Listen to me, little bug. No one will take you away from me, okay?”

”But the field trip is next week and I still don’t have the money and my shoes are falling apart and-“ she sucked in a breath. “I’m tired, Reevie.”

A shudder escaped me. I pressed my hand against my forehead. “I know, little bug. I know. But—but I’m going to fix it, okay? I swear I will get you new shoes and you will go on that trip an—-“

”How?” Her voice was so small. “You’re always working and it’s never enough and—-“

”I-erm—“ I swallowed dryly. “I will figure it out, I promise. Give me a few more days and I’ll call miss chen too, okay?”

For a few seconds I heard nothing. Then,

“Okay.” She breathed.

“I love you, little bug.” The tears I’d been holding finally slipped.

“I love you. Bye, Reevie.” She said and the call ended.

I stood there, the phone sliding down my hands as I stared at nothing. My vision blurred completely.

Her words burned so badly in my head. “I’m so tired, Reevie.”

God. Me too, little bug. Me too.

I wiped my face swiftly with the back of my hand. I would give this show everything I’ve got, either Zane hates me or not. For Nadia.

Turning from the corner, our gazes collided.

Zane. With his arms crossed, muscles working slightly in his jaw and just standing there. He had heard everything.

”Were you eavesdropping?” The words came out sharper than I meant to.

He scoffed, his arms uncrossing. “I live here too, Callahan. It’s not my fault you’re quite loud.”

My grip tightened around my phone, staring him down. “That was private—“

”So that’s what this is really about.” He stepped closer. “Money.”

I blinked back slightly. “Wh-what?”

His lips curled into a mocking smirk. “You’re not here because you feel guilty.” He took another step. “You’re here for the money.”

I tried taking my eyes away from him, to anything else but he was so close now that I couldn’t. My stomach twisted violently. “You don’t know what you’re talking about—“

”Don't I?” He cut me off. “How much are they really paying you? Or is it the exposure you’re after. Maybe build your career off my collapse?”

”Stop!” My eyes screwed shut, taking steps back as he moved closer.

”Who was that anyway?” He tilted his head, mocking me further. “Your editor? Your agent? Or maybe whoever’s bankrolling your little redemption arc?”

”You don’t know anything about me!” My voice rose, eyes flying open.

”I know enough.” He was closer now, maybe too close. “I know you ruined my season. I know you’re standing here pretending to be the victim when you’re just—“

”She’s my sister.” The words ripped out my chest before I could stop them.

He paused in his steps, blinking back. I stopped moving, but my voice kept rising, breaking further.

”I know I put you in this mess. I know you won’t let it go!” More tears slid down my face. “But —-Jesus, Zane.” I shuddered. “Give me a f*****g break! You’re being such a jerk.”

He opened his mouth but he didn't get to talk just yet.

“You think the world revolves around you. That you’re the only one suffering. The only one who lost something.”

I dragged in a breath. I never knew a day would come where I found out the boy I crushed on from afar was nothing like his looks. He was annoying, cruel and self-centered.

”You don’t care about anyone but yourself.” I yelled, my vision blurring even more. “You don’t care that I’m drowning just as much as you a—-“

”You ruined my f*****g life!” His voice topped mine. “And you're talking back!? You took the one thing I knew,that I loved, away from me!”

I flinched, stepping back even more.

”You are—-terrible.” I whispered.

Silence settled between us for a while. Then in a split second, he started taking fast strides towards me. I moved back quickly, almost stumbling on my feet till my back hit the counter top.

His hands slammed down on either side of me. My breath was trapped instantly. He was so close, enough for me to see that he had little freckles.

Enough to feel the heat radiating off him, to inhale his cologne mixed with not only his masculine scent but anger and adrenaline.

“You think this is hard for you?” His voice was low now. “You think buying shoes is the same as watching everything you’ve worked for since you were nine disappear because some journalist needed a couple views?”

My pulse kicked loudly. His eyes searched mine, our breaths mingling.

Then he pushed off the counter like he had tolerated my presence enough.

“Stay—out of my way, Callahan.” Zane ran his hands through his hair. “We’re roommates now, not friends.”

He turned towards his bedroom.

“So keep your voice low—And keep your life problems to yourself.”

He entered his room, slamming the door hard enough for me to feel the impact. I gripped the counter, steadying myself as breath left my lungs.

I never thought I’d say this.

But I think I might hate him now.

No—I hate Zane Ashford.