Chapter 22

My phone won't stop buzzing. Ace and my dad have been calling nonstop since they found out I left the bar with Duke. I ignored them at first, letting it ring, but now I'm sending them straight to voicemail. Each call I decline stresses me out more, but I can't give in to them.

This is what I want. Duke is what I want.

They've controlled nearly every aspect of my life for as long as I can remember, and I'm done putting up with it. I'm taking control, and they're going to have to let it happen or leave me the fuck alone. I can't have them constantly hovering over me, asking if I'm making the right decisions and dating the right people.

Who gives a flying fuck if Duke's a hockey player? What difference does it make if it doesn't change the kind of person he is? Duke gives more time and money to his community than anyone else I've ever known.

Who was there to protect me when I actually needed it?

Duke.

Not Ace. Not my dad. Duke.

I'll wait until after the game to tell them that I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want, and what I want is Duke and for them to find something better to do than harass me for who I'm dating.

At the end of the day, it's none of their business as long as I'm happy, and I've been more happy during this hockey season than I have been in years. Sneaking around with Duke was thrilling, exciting, and pumped life back into my body that was tired of the same routines, but there's more to it than that. Duke means more to me than one season of secrets.

I don't care if they want me to be with him or not. I don't care what they think of this incredibly fucked up situation. It's my life and I'm going to do whatever I want. Not once have I ever tried to control their lives, so why do they feel the need to control mine? Is it because I'm the little sister? The baby of the family?

My phone continues buzzing, and I'm about ready to throw it across the room, but I stop myself at the last second, instead choosing to turn it off and tuck it back into my pocket. I can deal with them later. Right now I need to focus on getting through the day.

It's the Makos versus Knights championship, and I can only imagine what's about to go down on the ice when Ace and Duke meet.