Chapter 40
CHAPTER 40
T here was a slew of people waiting outside the locker rooms, and I bounced on the balls of my feet in anticipation. It was weird being outside when I was used to being the one inside, but I didn’t mind it. It was nice being the cheerleader instead of the player.
My phone buzzed, and I smiled at the text message from Hunter.
Hunter:
Meet me in the girl’s locker room?
This sounded perfect. A locker room escapade trumped the sexy surprise I originally planned. After a win like this, there was a lot of adrenaline to burn off. Hunter was probably chomping at the bit to do something about it. Quickly checking to make sure the coast was clear, I slipped into the girl’s locker room.
The sound of water running echoed around where I stood at the entrance. Smiling, I made my way to the far end where the showers were. I passed rows of dark blue lockers and bleached wood benches. Signs hung on them with various players’ numbers and good luck wishes. Surprisingly, not seeing my name on a locker didn’t upset me. I came to terms with the idea of no longer being on a team. If I made Team USA great, if not, I’d be okay. Hell, lately, I contemplated coaching as a career option. More and more working with the kids at the rink filled me with joy. Coaching made me feel more in my element than painting. Which was saying something.
Entering the shower area, the white-tiled walls were hazy from steam billowing around the room. “Hunt?” I called.
The steam reduced my visibility, making it impossible to see if Hunter was back here. It was odd that all the showers were on. Surely, Hunter wouldn’t do that? Indecision clouded my judgment and someone took advantage by shoving me hard. Hot water sluiced down my face, burning my skin and causing me to gasp in pain. Grappling to regain my balance, I turned away, wiping the water out of my eyes.
Tiffany stood behind me. She played with a piece of her hair as her white teeth gleamed maniacally.
“What the fuck?” I moved towards her.
“Ah-ah,” she scolded, waving a manicured finger, “Stop right there.”
“Haven’t I already proven that I can take you down?” My fists curled in anticipation as I readied myself to lunge. Before I could move, someone lifted me up by the waist.
“Hey!” My voice bounced off the walls of the shower, my feet flailing in the air. The arms banded around my waist held me firmly, remaining steady even as I thrashed.
“Do you know how easy it is to steal a cell phone?” Tiffany remarked, looking down at her nail beds.
I snorted, ignoring her to fight against my captor. “Knock it the fuck off,” He grunted. A chill ran up my spine when recognition dawned on me. My body went lax as I mentally connected all the dots.
Taking advantage of my lack of mobility; he head-butted the back of my head. White spots danced across my vision and my head swam. Tiffany’s shrill laugh boomed around me.
“God, you make this too fucking easy, such a pathetic waste of space.”
There was no point in acknowledging her. Someone as unhinged as Tiffany wouldn’t care what I had to say. No, I needed to do something drastic. Most victims didn’t survive once they moved to a secondary location—thank you Crime Junkie for that life tip. Screaming as loud as I could, I resumed thrashing.
“You bitch! Shut her up!” Tiffany screeched.
Rocking back into my attacker, I flung myself forward, breaking his hold. Without being able to brace for impact, I crashed to the wet ground. Pain radiated through my shoulders and chest. Kicking my legs out in defense, I scrambled to get away. Tiffany didn’t help her lackey, instead she yelled directives at him. His arms latched on to me again, flipping me onto my back. The same dark eyes of my library attacker glared at me. except this time he didn’t cover his face with a mask. Recognition dawned on me. The man who stared back at me was one I had known for the last three years—Cooper Rollens.
“Rollens?” I croaked in disbelief.
“Surprise,” He sang.
“Let’s move this along,” Tiffany threw zip ties at Cooper.
In a last ditch effort, I threw my body against his own, beating my hands against his chest. He grunted, capturing my wrists in one hand, and squeezed hard. It felt like he was crushing my bones and tears pricked my eyes. There was no choice but to relent.
“Good girl,” He sneered before his fist connected with my nose. “That’s for your brother being a shitty captain,” His fist came at me again, “That is a gift for Hunter.” Blood tickled my lips. Rollens fist pummeled my eye. “And that, that was for me. ”
His last punch landed on my right eye, making my vision diminish. Fighting the tears was futile. My face ached, and I longed to cradle it in my hands.
“Smash her head against something or whatever. We need to move.” Tiffany flicked her hair over her shoulder and slinked out of the locker room.
Rollens smirked at me, “This one will be fun,” he took my head into his hands.
“Don’t—!”
Everything went dark after that .