Chapter 13

Riley

After the weekend, things settle down some. The Eagles are in trouble and their whole school is being investigated for fraud. And we are back to Reign invading my every waking moment. He stayed the night over the weekend at my place. Gossip is continuing to spread about us, and about his public announcement that I'm his at the diner. Not that he does anything to tone it down. It's Monday and we're joined at the hip while walking to every class, the library, study sessions, and he waited outside the cafeteria for us to have lunch together. I keep trying to brush it off but I also can't stop the nervous rush of butterflies that fly up into my stomach. Every time he takes my hand or people watch us as we walk past, I wonder if it's for show and if I'm being stupid for falling into his trap.

Even though Reign was there for me the other night, and even though he helped me with the dare, I can't help but feel on edge. Years of rivalry and old insecurities do not disappear overnight. They don't change just because I've let him know my body either. So every time eyes find us and Reign pulls me closer, I can't help the way my body wants to tense up even while craving the warmth of his skin against mine.

As if reading my thoughts, he spins me in his arms outside my film class, the one class we don't share. I'm backed against the wall and his broad frame looms in front of me, bending only slightly, so I'm forced to look up at him.

"Hey." His eyes roam over my face before reconnecting our gazes. "You okay, babe?"

"Yes," I manage to get out and nod my head at the same time.

His eyes narrow slightly. "I asked you a question and you didn't even respond."

"Sorry. I was just thinking about the work I have to do tonight and practice." I rush to reassure him.

Reign's head tilts like he's testing my words and checking them for lies. Our gazes remain locked and eventually his eyes soften a little. "So do you want me to wait for you or should I head right to practice?"

"You don't have to wait for me. I have to head to practice too and I think I should maybe walk over with some of the team. You know, to prove I'm trying to be a Saint anyways."

Reign's lips crack into a smile. "You are a Saint, Riles. You're here and you're mine."

"Maybe." I shake my head and let my eyes drop. "I might wear black and gold on my back, but we both know my blood bleeds Pirate red."

Reign's hand grips my cheeks and I'm forced to look at him again. My lips push together in his hold and he bends to kiss me. "Red or gold, you're still mine."

My cheeks flush with heat and my head feels a little dizzy from his words. The possessiveness in them makes my heart beat rapidly.

"Go to class, Reign."

He laughs and with one last kiss I watch his back as he fades into the crowd of students. My lungs expand with a deep breath and I sigh before heading into class. I get a few curious looks, especially now, but no one says anything. Girls I walk past side-eye me and I meet their stares, refusing to back down or look away. I've been dealing with Reign and his minions for years and these girls are nowhere near their league.

I find the first available desk, close to the front of the room, and slide in before making myself busy with grabbing a notebook and pen. Voices float around me, but I tune them out. Until a hand lands on my desk. My eyes follow the hand to the arm covered in our school's signature white button-up to the guy smirking down at me. My brow lifts at the cocky way he's leaning his hip against my desk.

"Are you lost?"

His grin grows bigger, but his eyes narrow. This isn't a friendly visit or chat session, I guess. I drop my pen and lean back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. I can feel other's eyes on us while some are trying to pretend like this guy isn't invading my space and making things uncomfortable.

"I just don't get it," he says and shrugs his shoulders.

"Don't get what?" I ask while keeping my voice bored. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing my curiosity piqued.

His eyes rake over my body and thankfully I suppress the shudder. His attention feels slimy, and overly sexualized. I want to head back to my dorm room and shower just from being in his vicinity.

"Thorn's fascination with you. You're hot, sure, but he's stooping so low."

My eyes widen at his audacity. Heat claws at my chest. His nerve makes anger crackle in my veins and my lips twist up. "I think Reign would disagree with you but frankly, I don't understand why you think I give a fuck about what you think. Who are you?"

His cheeks flush and I notice his eyes fly around the room. I clearly hit a nerve. "Face it, Con-man, you'll always be a dirty Pirate underneath and nothing more than a challenge to Thorn. The fact that you hang off him like a puck-bunny speaks volumes."

I grit my teeth and continue to stare him down. "What I am to Reign or what he is to me, is none of your business. Or anyone else's for that matter. I'm not going anywhere."

Dude glances around him and at the small amount of attention our little spat is creating. His jaw ticks with what I can only assume is irritation. "I'll enjoy watching the fireworks over this one. What a challenge to make you fall for him and turn you into your arch nemesis by wearing their colors. I'd watch your back, if I was you."

He doesn't give me the chance to respond before pushing off my desk and walking down the aisle to the back, right as our teacher enters the room. My eyes close briefly and I inhale and exhale, trying to calm myself. He doesn't scare me, and in no way was I intimidated by him, but I can't help that his words scratch against my vulnerable spot. I'm already questioning Reign's interest in me and trying to feel confident in my decision to pursue a relationship with him that isn't tainted by our pasts, the hurt we caused each other, and old rivalries. It puts me even more on edge because I like him.

The rest of class moves by in a blur and I'm very grateful Reign gave me the opportunity I needed for space. Without him, I walked to the rink and got ready for practice. The stares and glares were less lethal today, but my skin still tingled with awareness of eyes watching my every move. I changed quickly in the locker room and threw on the practice jersey I had also been given. On the ice I noticed a few raised brows.

"Nice number," Quinn says, skating up next to me. Her eyes narrow slightly yet she also looks amused. I don't answer her and skate off on my own.

Coach Silver runs us through our drills and plays. For our opening season game, the team we play has a heavy defense and their offense has a history of playing tough in the first two periods but slowing down by the third. Even though the game is still a few weeks away, we're already studying our opponents. I do like the Saints' thirst for winning that matches my own.

I skate hard, once again proving that I can be an asset to this team. For the first time some of the girls are looking at me with less animosity in their eyes. By the time I make it back to the bench to cool off before heading to the locker rooms, I can feel my muscles screaming. The other girls slowly make their way off the ice as the Zamboni flares to life to resurface. Right as I grab my water bottle, Quinn is back in my space, sitting right next to me on the bench.

"You know it's not just girls from All Saints you have to be careful of, right?"

I grit my teeth, turning to her. "I don't know what you mean."

She rolls her eyes and I'm reminded of how much of a princess she normally is when she's off the ice and not wearing her skates and jersey. "I'm not saying anything about his public claiming. I could care less. Personally, I think he could do better."

"Gee thanks. Is this a pep talk or what?"

"Nevertheless…you have his attention right now, Riley. And that is something no girl has ever done here at All Saints or anywhere else, and believe me, they've all tried. I have to say I'm almost embarrassed for some of them for how far they've gone to try and get his attention. It's gross actually."

"Again, Quinn." I move past her and out of the box to head to the locker rooms. "Not helping. And none of this is anyone's business."

Both of her brows shoot up and she crosses her arms across her chest. "I'm just saying, be careful. Our conference is large and Reign has played in many cities. He has made enemies of opponents on the ice and broken the hearts of many girls who thought they could have him. We're going to be playing those same teams. I'm not saying you shouldn't be with him if you want. I'm just saying be careful. It's already out. You're already a target."

Oddly enough her warning doesn't come off as territorial or even mean. For Quinn, this might actually be nice and if there wasn't bad blood between us from years of rivalry, I'd almost be touched. I manage to nod in recognition of her words; she didn't have to say anything, but she did before walking to the locker room. I shower and dress in record time, hoping I can get out of here before the boys' team is done. Between the confrontation with the dickhead in class today and now talking to Quinn, I'm mentally fried. My feelings where Reign is concerned are fragile. Everything has been happening so fast. I need things to settle. I want some time to think; only, I never get time because Reign takes up the majority of my time. I grab my phone and quickly shoot him off a text.

ME: I'm really sore and tired from practice. I'm going to fall asleep as soon as I get to my room. I'll see you tomorrow.

I quickly hit send then turn off my phone. My feet practically jog themselves back to my dorm room, where I slide the lock in place and rush to get my pajamas on, forgoing lights. Only once I slide under my covers does my heart stop beating erratically. I have no idea how long I lie there in the silence, waiting for a knock on my door or for any sign that Reign didn't take me seriously. After what I'm sure is more than half an hour, I finally relax and inhale, breathing out through my nose. My heart hurts. I'm more confused now than ever. I want things from Reign that terrify me. What scares me the most though is that his feelings for me might not be what they seem.