Page 9 of Pucking Good Girl

“I’m with Becks,” Macklin agrees. “I’m glad you told us what’s going on, baby. Between the three of us, we’ll find a way out of this. And actually, I think we should talk to Tucker and find out what he knows about this mix up with his grades last year. It involved two classes, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Professor Cantucci’s class was one of them.”

He might be right. “I don’t know. But I guess at this point, looking into things can’t make things any worse than they are.”

Becks has been listening to us, deep in thought. “I agree. For example, how long has Victor been Cantucci’s T.A.? Maybe you and Gen aren’t the first students he blackmailed.”

I hadn’t thought about that. “I took another class with Professor Cantucci last year. It was Intro to Art class and Victor was the T.A. then too. Even though he was an undergrad student back then. He graduated in the summer. He was in Tucker’s class.”

“Fine. That’s a good starting point. We should speak to Tucker ASAP.”

It hits me that my choice not to give into Victor’s disgusting blackmail could also destroy Tucker’s future. I believe Tucker when he says that he didn’t cheat on his grades. But Victor hinted at pinning this whole thing on Tucker, making him pay for whatever went wrong last year. “I’m just worried about what my brother will do once he hears what Victor tried to do to me.” I groan.

If Macklin and Becks’s reaction is anything to go by, my brother will be on trial for murder before the week is over. He’s as hot-headed as his teammates, maybe even more so, especially where I’m involved. Or his girlfriend, Taryn.

Macklin squeezes my hand. “Don’t worry, baby. Becks and I will make sure we’re there when you speak to Tucker. We’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything too stupid.”

His reassurance is ironic, given his own reaction when I told him what happened. “Like ripping his dick off and shoving it up his ass?”

He laughs, his stunning blue eyes creasing at the corners. “Exactly like that. I’m sorry about that, baby. I mean, I still want to kick Victor’s ass. But I agree that it’s better to use our brains before taking matters into our own hands. We’ll talk to Tucker and maybe putting our heads together will show us a solution that saves you from getting expelled without landing us in jail.”

“Or,” Becks bites out with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Tucker can help us hide the body. We can’t be accused of murder if there’s no body, right?”

The scary part is that I don’t think Becks is joking. At least not completely.

“I’m a fan of trying to find a solution without violence.” I inform them.

Even though, if I have to be totally honest, I would love to kick Victor in the nuts hard enough that he’s going to think twice before taking his dick out without the other person’s express consent ever again.

“I have a class soon,” I sigh. “I need to go if I want to walk back to campus in time for it.”

Macklin rises from his chair. “I can take you, baby. I promised Vaughn that I would meet him at the gym to lift some weights together.”

Becker looks conflicted. “I’d love to join you and Vaughn, but I’m waiting for a phone call from my agent.”

“You mean, Dad?” Macklin grins.

Becks flips him off. “Yeah, but he said it’s hockey related, so you know how he is when he wears his agent hat.”

“Yeah, I do. Good luck with that. If you want to join me and Vaughn, you know where the gym is. Text me and we’ll make sure to wait for you.”

“Fine,” Becks nods. “Goodbye, pretty girl.” He leans to brush his lips over mine.

The contact is so brief that you could barely even call it a kiss, but it feels right. It feels like something a boyfriend would do.

And when Macklin wraps his arm around my shoulders to walk out of the apartment and back to his car, I have the same feeling.

Another feeling makes its way into my mind as I climb into Macklin’s passenger seat. The situation among the three of us is getting more complicated every day. Messy even.

Dating them both long term would be a dream come true, but if life has taught me anything so far, it’s that dreaming is dangerous.

Because sooner or later you’ll have to wake up.

CHAPTER 4

INDECENT PROPOSAL

Macklin

Ipark in front of the building where Talia has her class.