Breakaway (Penalty Kill 1)

“Yeah,” is all I say.

“Random or like Sunny?”

I really don’t want to get into how much I slept around, but Presley apparently does. “Like Sunny.”

She shakes her head in obvious disapproval. For a second, I wonder if she’ll tell me what she’s thinking, but who am I kidding? Presley speaks her mind. “Sometimes, I can’t believe why someone would want to drop everything just because you called and decided that that night, you wanted them in particular. Why would someone want to be in a relationship like that?”

My voice is low as I answer. “No strings attached, Smarty. That’s all some can handle or that’s all they want during certain points in their life.”

“If you say so.”

“How’s Marley?” I ask, changing the subject effectively.

“Oh, she’s fine. Nothing a little alcohol, ice cream, and a few days couldn’t fix. Marley’s not devastated, but we have a routine of sorts any time any sort of break up happens. Big or small.”

Our food comes, and Presley orders the takeout so it’ll be ready by the time we finish.

“You’re coming tomorrow, right?”

“Of course. You’re playing my brother. Why wouldn’t I be there?”

“True. Nichols is pretty pissed right now. Jere’s taking his spot. Coach and I told him this afternoon.”

“Well, when you play like that,” she trails. “Question. You usually call the guys by their last names, but you never call Jere by his. How come?”

I shrug. “Didn’t realize that.”

We finish our meal in silence, and I pay for everything afterwards. Standing outside, I press Presley against me. “When we win, are you coming to the party afterwards?”

“Cocky much?”

“Confident. There’s a difference.”

She rolls her eyes. “If you win, then yes. I’ll go.”

Chuckling, I lean down to kiss her. “I love you,” I

say, brushing my lips across hers.

“You better,” she smirks. “I love you too.” Presley gives me one quick kiss and then she’s gone.

~ ~ ~

I’m at the rink a couple of hours early, sitting on the bench, thinking and relaxing. It’s unbelievable how calming it is to simply be inside this building. I can’t wait for tonight’s game. We’ve been doing well since we first played McCarthy this season, and I’m confident in my team. My stomach grumbles and I start heading out. I’m in the hallway, not twenty feet from the door, when no other than McCarthy himself walks in. He’s practically charging me, he’s walking so fast.

“You son of a bitch!” Trevor rears his fist back and goes to hit me, but I see it coming and move out of the way.

“What the hell is your problem?” I ask, pushing him back.

“You listen to me, Carr. After tonight’s game, you’re going to find Presley and you’re breaking up with her. Do you understand, you fucking prick?!” He shoves me.

“Like hell I am,” I yell back, restraining myself from pushing him back.

“Oh, yes you are because there isn’t a chance in hell my sister is going to ever find out how you used her.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, a dreadful feeling sinking into my stomach.

“You know damn well what I’m talking about! How you found out I had a sister because you ran into her when your team left from fucking with our equipment. How when she showed up at the party, you talked her up and got her to go out with you. All so you could get back at me? What kind of heartless bastard are you? I knew you were bad news, but you surpassed what I expected. Within one hour of the buzzer sounding at the end of the third, you better have broken up with Presley or so help me, Levi. I’ll hunt you down and enjoy killing you.”