Torn Apart (Torn and Bound Duet 1)

I peek my head around the corner and see Brayden towering over Ashton, the veins on his neck busting at the seams. “Stop being a little bitch,” Brayden says, handing Ashton two bills.

“You know, I think the price just went up to three hundred.”

Brayden stalks up to Ashton until their chests bump, getting in his face. “And I think you’re about to get your ass beat.”

Before a fight between my roommate and my player breaks out in the living room, I step forward and clear my throat, making my presence known.

Brayden’s gaze leaves Ashton and lands on me, at the same time Ashton swivels around.

“What do we have here?” I say, snatching the papers out of Ashton’s hands. I thumb through the packet and sure enough, it’s the answers to a quiz.

“None of your fucking business,” Brayden barks.

“I’m making it my business.” I smirk. “This isn’t happening.” I hold up the packet and rip it into two. “You want to pass, you do it the right way.”

I turn to Ashton. “How will your dad feel to learn his son is selling answer keys?”

Ashton snorts, shrugging his fucking shoulders. The action reminds me of Brayden. They’re about to throw down in the living room because they’re surprisingly similar. But where Bray deflects with anger, Ashton acts as though he doesn’t care—like consequences mean nothing.

But, unlucky for Ashton, I know Brayden.

Which means I got a pretty quick read on Ashton yesterday.

He hates his dad, but riles him up for attention. The guy would probably never in a million years admit that shit, but I see it for what it is. Rather than taunting him with what his dad might think, I switch gears.

“This shit you two are doing won’t just hurt each other if found out,” I say slowly. “It might hurt those around you. Dean Carter doesn’t deserve that and neither do I.”

They both come to the same understanding at the same time, which would be comical if I weren’t annoyed as fuck with both of them. Before they can argue anymore, I tip my head at Ashton.

“You want to help Bray? Tutor him. He’s failing in two subjects.”

Brayden is already shaking his head. “Fuck no.”

“Yeah… I should probably mention the fact that I’m not doing so hot either.”

“Your dad said—” I start, but Ashton cuts me off.

“That I’m his incredibly smart and also handsome gay son?” Ashton offers, a bitter bite in his tone.

“He left out the handsome part,” I deadpan.

Brayden laughs. “There you go. I’m fucked. Guess I’ll have to figure it out on my own. Just like always.”

I shake my head, pinning Brayden with a glare. “No, Ashton knows people. He’ll hook you up with someone good. Right?”

“As long as she’s hot,” Brayden sneers.

Ashton’s eyes gleam with wickedness. It’s probably a good thing these two hate each other, because on the same team, they’d cause all sorts of shit for those around them.

“Mia. She’s super smart.”

“Mean hot girl Mia?” Brayden asks at the same time I say, “Student Mia?”

Ashton’s hazel eyes sharpen as he smirks. “She’s smarter than the three of us combined. Plus, she already knows what an asshole Brayden is. You won’t have to worry about any funny business.”

I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I’m backed into a corner.

“Fine,” I grunt out. “Make it happen. And, Bray, if I catch you cheating again, I won’t be so understanding next time.”“Good morning. As most of you already know, my name is Andrew Thompson, and since your coach had to take an unexpected leave for health reasons, I’ll be taking over.”

My gaze skates across the twenty-two players on the team who I’m now responsible for. Several of which I’m the same age as. But unlike me, who was drafted into the NHL at eighteen years old, most of these guys will never play anything past college hockey. Some are here on a scholarship so they can get an education. But for a few, like Brayden, hockey is their life, and this season is do or die for them. Their last chance to prove they have what it takes to make into the pros.

“From the tapes I’ve seen, you guys are good. Last year you made it to the Frozen Four. I’ve gone through and noted who has what strengths, but now I want to see it for myself. We need to get ready for our first game against Western Michigan. And every game counts. So we’re going to work some drills, see what you’re capable of, and then we’ll go from there. I want you here every morning at five a.m. for workout and practice, and back in the gym every afternoon for another workout.”

My eyes meet Brayden’s, who’s making it a point to keep his emotions in check. “Make sure you keep your grades up. I know Coach Garrison was letting shit slide because he was sick, but that won’t happen with me. I’m doing everything by the book. If you aren’t academically eligible to play, you won’t play. If it becomes a thing, you’ll be off the team. If you’re here on scholarship, you’ll lose it.”