Chapter 6
Six
Luca
Harper knows the exact words to say to rile me up. Like an infection, her words plague me.
“I’m not my father,” I growl and step away from her.
She is right, though. I’d never force her to have sex with me.
Marriage.
That’s something entirely different. Neither of us had a choice, but I’d never force myself on her.
And I hate myself for nearly losing control, wanting to fuck her senseless and make her beg me to forgive her.
Because that’s all it would take to melt away my anger right now. Spending time with her, she gets under my skin, makes me want to forget why I hate her.
Although I’m not sure I can ever truly hate Harper Ricci. After all, she is my wife.
The word still feels foreign to me.
Only my closest teammates, the ones who are of mafia blood, know the truth—Liam and Ashton.
Everyone else on the team thinks I’m crazy for marrying Harper. But at least I don’t have to worry about us having any house parties. With Zeke under our roof, the partying days at our place are over.
Chase plans on hosting nights that we have a home game.
When we win, there will be a party; when we lose, probably a sulkfest. He moved into the old place that I had last semester with our other teammates Rowan, Miles, and Brooks.
They’re first years, and when they heard from Chase that they could move out of the dorms, they jumped at the opportunity.
After our terse study session, Harper and Liam are on the couch, Ashton and Nova sitting on the floor.
“Let’s play a game,” Nova says and sips her mocktail. At least I’m assuming that’s what she’s having, because all the alcohol has been hidden from her.
“What kind of a game?” Ashton asks, but there’s definitely hesitation on his behalf.
He’s not the only one feeling hesitant, because my little sister’s idea of a game isn’t something I’d necessarily want to partake in.
“Truth or Dare.” Nova is all smiles, and I feel like she’s up to no good. She’s probably trying to push Harper and me together.
No, thanks.
Harper is not my favorite person at the moment.
I can’t believe the nerve, her telling me I’m like my father, and Ashton comes in a rough second, tutoring my wife.
I should be over it. Rationally, I know he’s not hitting on her. He wouldn’t betray me like that, but I still can’t help but feel the jealousy building within me when I see the two of them together.
Laughing.
Smiling.
It’s not easy being married when secrets keep tearing us apart.
Our relationship isn’t built on trust.
Ashton wouldn’t know what that’s like, how easy he has it right now.
I don’t want to feel this way, the burn in my stomach, the ache in my heart, the rage building inside of me with each glance and smile they share.
Their friendship isn’t built on lies.
How can I not feel jealous?
Liam stretches his arms on the sofa and smirks. “I could play a game. Not really into the dare part of Truth or Dare. How about we just have to answer whatever’s asked of us.”
Nova’s eyes flicker to Liam. “Chicken.” She emits a heavy sigh. “But fine, I could do a game of just truths.” It’s like they’re sharing a secret.
For fuck’s sake.
Is everyone keeping secrets from me, or am I just growing more paranoid like my father?
Spending time with him is rubbing off on me.
Grumbling, I’m not keen on this little game, but I tolerate it. Spending time, all of us together, is rare these days.
I exhale through my nose, grab a beer from the fridge, and grab a seat on the floor. “Yeah, sure. Hit me with your best shot.” I offer to go first, at least just to rip it off like a Band-Aid. The longer they have to think up questions, the tougher it will become.
Ashton smirks. “I’ll start. How long are you going to stay angry with me for studying with Harper?”
Maybe I should be reconsidering and opt for a quiet night in my room, in bed.
I roll my eyes and take a swig of my beer. “This would be better as a drinking game,” I mutter.
“I’m game!” Nova jumps up from her position on the floor, and I scowl at her.
“There’s beer in the fridge. That’s all that’s in this house,” I say.
Liam and Ashton both glare at me. I swear it’s the look of we know you’re lying but neither call me out, either.
It’s nice that they’re both my teammates and have my back.
“Whatever.” Nova rolls her eyes and plops back down.
“My turn,” I say and smirk.
Ashton laughs. “The fuck it is. You didn’t answer the question.”
I sip my beer, pretending I didn’t notice. “Oh. Didn’t I? Well, as long as you’re not hitting on Harper and keeping your grimy paws off her, I think we’ll be okay.”
Ashton runs a hand through his hair. Frustration marks his forehead, with his vein protruding slightly. “You both realize my intention was just studying?” Ashton glances from Harper to me.
“Of course, it was!” Harper’s eyes widen, and I’m surprised she’s not screaming in my face. “We’re married. Maybe that doesn’t mean anything to you, Luca, but it means something to me. I’d never cheat on you! Are you always going to be such a caveman? Or is there any chance of you evolving?”
She has a way of trying to get under my skin, but I refuse to let her succeed. “It’s not your question, Harper.” I shoot a look at her, indicating that I have no plan of answering her.
“Don’t worry. It was rhetorical.”
My eyebrows narrow as I turn my focus to Ashton. “Why are you suddenly not bringing countless girls to your bedroom?”
I don’t dare ask is it because he still has a crush on Harper. It would just be another fight tonight, and I’m growing weary from all our arguing.
Ashton not having sex isn’t an option, which means he’s been bedding girls in their dorm rooms or apartments. I’ve got no issues with that, but I’ve been wondering since before we moved into the new place, why the change?
I hadn’t intended to ask, because quite frankly, I know it’s none of my business.
But if Ashton is going to be meddling in my relationship, then it’s time for me to fucking mess with him.
Ashton presses his lips together, and he’s quiet.
A little too quiet.
He runs his fingers over the carpet before he glances up at me. “I asked you first. You don’t get to ask me a question next, but since I have nothing to hide, I thought you wouldn’t want me to bring countless girls into our new place. Seeing as how you have a toddler under your roof.”
His answer surprises me.
I nod curtly and glance at Harper, whose gaze is tight on Ashton.
“My question is for Harper,” I say, wanting to know why she’s looking at him like that.
Liam shakes his head, interrupting me. “You’ve already asked your question. My turn. Someone ask me something, but make it interesting. This truth game is uninspiring.”
Nova rolls her eyes at Liam. “That’s not how this game works—but whatever. What’s the deal with you and Iris?” She’s waiting for him to elaborate.
We all are waiting for more details.
“Iris?” I ask. I wasn’t aware Liam was dating anyone.
“My friend with benefits.” Liam glares at Nova. “How do you know about her?”
“You left your phone on the couch the other night, and she texted you. Her messages were on your home screen.”
His eyes widen slightly, but he shifts on the sofa. He’s trying to play it cool, but I can see the sweat beading on his brow.
“How much did you see?” Liam rubs his hands over his pants.
He’s definitely sweating.
“Do you mean read?” Nova smirks. She’s toying with him. I know that smile, she’s full of shit and he’s buying it.
“Don’t harass him,” I growl at my little sister. “He’s allowed some privacy.”
Nova snorts. “Sure. Whatever.”
Liam glares at Nova. “What about you? Do you want to tell everyone who you’re dating?”
Nova clears her throat and pulls her knees to her chest. “I’m not dating anyone.” Her voice crackles as it catches in her throat.
I’d know if Nova had a boyfriend.
She’d be on her phone all the time, texting him if such a boy existed.
If Liam is trying to make her feel small, pitiful for not having anyone show interest in her, I’m not going to have it. “Nova’s too smart to get wrapped up in a relationship. She’s focusing on her studies. Unlike some people.” I glare at Liam to shut him up.
Nova grabs her mocktail and stands. “I’m bored. This game isn’t any fun. I’m going to go read in my room.”
She’s pretending not to be hurt.
I let her go. It’s better if the game ends before any more damage is done. I stand, not wanting to get stuck answering anything more about Harper or her and Ashton studying. I’m still steamed about it, even though I don’t want to be.
I can’t help my feelings.
I catch a few hours of sleep, but after fighting with Harper when trying to help her study and that ridiculous truth game I never should have agreed to, I’m not the least bit tired.
I’m overstimulated.
I wake before the sun rises, which isn’t a surprise since practice always starts at six-thirty sharp. We do warmups on the ice and drills.
At least the ice arena gives me purpose, and maybe it can help clear my head.
“How’s married life?” Chase skates alongside me as we work on our passes and then shooting into the goal.
“Fucking wonderful,” I say.
“Trouble in paradise already?” Rowan overhears us.
Fuck.
I need to play it cool. These guys don’t have an inkling of what’s going on between us, why we got hitched, or that my family is mafia.
Asking questions will just get all of us into trouble. I’m not an idiot. I know that Ashton has been spying for Dante. I’m just not sure if I’m his target or Harper.
Possibly both of us.
“She wanted a honeymoon,” I say. It’s an easy and believable lie.
“Don’t they all?” Chase quips. “Take her somewhere for spring break.”
His suggestion wouldn’t be bad if I didn’t want to spend another moment in the same room as Harper.
I skate off, avoiding any more discussion of my wife. Maybe I should have pretended that we didn’t get married, but the ring on my finger is a blatant reminder that it happened.
We finish drills, shower, and the team grabs breakfast together in the dining hall.