Page 129 of Ice Rebel

“I’m not your damn enemy, Cole. I don’t know the details about what the fuck happened with my sister, but whatever you did, she’s not herself any longer.”

“She fucking betrayed me. She’s working for your father.”

“Like hell she is. Can’t you read a room? Can’t you tell how much she cares about you?”

I hadn’t seen Jagger so talkative before. Why now? “Are you trying to tell me it was all a misunderstanding?”

“I’m trying to tell you that she gives a damn about you. I’m not supposed to tell you anything and trust me, she’s not talking to me. But she’s up to something. You need to realize that not everyone is against you. I’m not.”

“Then how the fuck do you know she cares?” It took a second to dawn on me. “Oh, wait. You’re still seeing my sister.”

He sucked in his breath. “Yeah, I am. Samantha is an amazing woman. She’s allowed me to feel something other than rage. Isn’t that what happened with you and Chelsea?”

I closed my eyes, hating the way I felt, including the need for her. My body refused to stop aching.

“What do you want, Jagger?”

“What do I want? I want us to go out there and fucking win this game for starters. And the game in a couple nights to continue the streak. I want you to stop thinking everyone is your damn enemy. I am not my father. We won’t get along and the only reason I’m here is because my father hopes I’ll fail. Once I do, he thinks I’ll come crawling back to him. That ain’t gonna happen. I’ll fucking wash dishes for the rest of my life if I need to.”

I hadn’t heard him talk like this before. “Alright. I get it. You said your piece. Let’s let the Dynamic Duo make a name for themselves.” I started to walk away.

“I’m not finished, Cole. I also want you to get your head out of your ass. Sometimes things aren’t always what they seem to be. I learned that the hard way.”

When I swung around, I could tell he was prepared for any act of violence. Apparently, I surprised him. “I’m going to give you the same piece of advice you gave me. You fucking hurt my sister, I will kick your ass.”

Jagger grinned. “Fair enough. Now we can kick some ass.”

And kick some ass we would.

* * *

Chelsea

“You wanted to see me, Jasper?” I hadn’t danced well in days. Practice had been shit and I was to blame for it.

Between being upset, enraged, worried, and now in a state of what could only be described as la-la land, I was lucky I’d remembered the dance steps at all.

Jasper’s expression was bland. Noncommittal. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or just over dealing with the troupe.

“I wanted you let you know I’ve had an offer from Chicago, which I’ve accepted. I’m going to become the assistant director of the Chicago Contemporary Dance Theater.”

“That’s fantastic. I know that’s what you wanted.” So I had been his ticket out of the city. Well, good for him.

He chuckled. “Yes, and one step closer to getting back to New York. I’m very happy.”

“When do you leave?”

“Next Friday. I have a lot to do, which means I’m tidying up loose ends.”

“Do you know who’s going to take your place?”

“A woman out of Atlanta. She’s very good.”

“Well, thanks for telling me.” It surprised me he hadn’t simply announced the change in front of everyone.

“That’s not all, Chelsea. As you know, it was rumored there would be talent scouts from a couple dance companies in the audience. The rumors were true.”

Now I felt extremely uncomfortable. “Okay. I’m not sure what that means.”