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Once I’m back in the locker room, I pull my phone out of my pocket and read a text from Wilder.
Wilder: I don't want to start shit, but I thought you should know one of our sisters is heading to the movies as we speak with Gage Hanson.
I hastily type back a response.
Me: Which one?
I swear on everything, if it’s Elodie, I will make Gage wish he were never born.
Wilder: Elodie
“Fuck!” I shout as I ball my fist, pounding it right into the locker. My fingers flex and I instantly regret it, just like every time I punch shit.
She’s trying to get under my skin. That has to be it. No way would she be going to the movies with Gage for any other reason. Then again, she doesn’t know him like I do. He’s not a good guy.
Me: Did she leave already?
Wilder: He picked her up about ten minutes ago.
God dammit!
I remember the way his fingers glided up her leg with purpose. She handled it that night, but tonight she might allow him to go further. I shouldn’t care. I should let Elodie make her own mistakes then pick at the cracks whenever he breaks her.
My jaw tics as the rage inside me simmers, threatening to boil over. I can’t let that happen, though. Over my dead fucking body will he lay a finger on her.
I bolt out of the locker room, practically running down the hall before shoving the exit doors open. I don’t stop moving until I’m in the driver’s seat of my car. Before I even close the door, I bring the engine to life.
I’m in workout clothes because I chose to lift after practice for a bit, then Coach wanted to talk, so I didn’t even think to grab my bag.
Fuck. I should've just gone straight home after practice. Gage was acting all high and mighty at practice, even after I put him in his place and told him to stay away from Elodie. Now I know why.
It’s a ten-minute drive to the theater, but I make it in six. As soon as I slam the car in park, I’m out the door, fleeing the car and heading into the building.
Luckily, there are only two movies showing, so it’s easy to figure out they’re watching Blackouts because the only other option is an animated movie that doesn’t start again for another half hour.
I get one ticket, a large bucket of popcorn, and a soft drink, then I head in to watch the show.
Just as I enter the room, the lights dim and the previews begin. There aren’t many people here, maybe a dozen at most. I’m not surprised, considering it’s a Monday night. Even better for me as I search for them. Chances are, he’s already trying to swoon her with his hand on her leg or around her shoulders.
Squeezing the popcorn bucket, some of it topples over, landing on the floor. Then, I see the back of her head. On the far side of the room beside the wall in the back row. Fortunately, all the seats next to Elodie are empty.
I inch my way down the row in the nearly empty movie theater, the sticky floor clinging to my shoes. She's so engrossed in what’s on the screen that she doesn't even notice me until I plop down beside her, causing the seat to squeak. She turns and looks at me, her eyes narrowing in surprise.
Her mouth drops open as shock consumes her and I toss a handful of popcorn in my mouth while I smirk.
You wanted to play a game, Freckles? You picked the wrong opponent.
She shifts in her seat, her shoulders tense, and I realize she’s wearing a dark-colored skirt. One that’s far too short for this date she’s on. Fortunately, she’s got a sweater on her lap to hide her skin from this fucking dickwad and everyone else in this room.
Elodie’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as she sets her jaw. “What in the world are you doing, Rome!?”
I notice Gage straightening his back and leaning forward to get a look at me.
Causally, I hold the bucket of popcorn out to Elodie. “Want some?”
“No, I don’t want some,” she whisper-yells.
“Suit yourself.” I offer some to Gage, who seems to be in a state of shock because he’s not saying anything at all. When he doesn’t reach his hand in, I shrug my shoulders and return it to my lap.
