Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

P ractice was, well, interesting. Sasha caught glimpses of Wyatt staring at her while Jenny talked to him about his arm positioning. The fire burning in his mercury eyes struck her in the chest, stealing her ability to breathe. Yet, he’d also been a little distant. Even while they writhed together, caught in their lovers’ arms, he kept himself apart.

What happened while she’d been sleeping?

“There you are,” Julian said, stepping out onto the ice. “I thought I’d miss you.”

She mentally rolled her eyes. So far, Trent had stayed far away from her, while Julian seemed more inclined to saunter around the suite like a damn cat in heat. “Hey, Julian.”

“Heard about Trent,” he said, circling her. “That’s a tough break.” Then, as if realizing he’d made a pun, he laughed.

“Yeah, thanks.” She grabbed her water bottle and took a sip before rejoining Wyatt.

“Break a leg, you two,” Julian stated, before going to Jenny.

“Did you know he still worked with her?” Sasha whispered, skating to the middle of the ice with Wyatt at her side. Usually, when they trained or practiced for a competition, they did so alone, without the other ice dancing couples being on the ice.

Julian wasn’t in pairs nor ice dance.

“Evgeni,” Wyatt muttered. “No, he wouldn’t normally show up like this because we’re always with Jenny, not both of them at one time.”

They settled into their positions, waiting for the music to start. Danse Macabre filled the rink, and they swayed to the music. The waltz was made for spins and long extensions. Their curved lifts flowed into a stationary lift, each one lasting only until the count of five. However, what Sasha prided herself on was their footwork. The steps added to the intricate way they danced together to tell the story.

The world slipped away once they synced up. They glided on the ice, flowing from one required element to the next while adding the artistic flare guaranteed to garner attention and hopefully earn a spot on the Olympic team. Sasha couldn’t wait to slip into her red and black cat suit and paint half her face as a skull.

When they came to a stop in the middle of the ice, ending the program, she froze, panting for breath. They’d only been on the ice for an hour, but already she felt better about the piece than she had in weeks. Which wasn’t new for her. Sometimes when she got on the ice wearing her figure skates, Sasha felt like a moose instead of a swan. Other days, she glided across the ice as though she didn’t have any issues. The closer she got to an event, the more often moose feet stole the show from the swan. Right then, she’d danced like a majestic swan, spreading her wings.

Sasha glanced over to where Jenny watched them, with Evgeni at her side. Her smile was bright. Jenny bounced on the balls of her feet. Relief surged through her. Sasha worried her brief run in with Trent would really mess her over. So far, so good.

Bonus points for her.

“Alright,” Jenny said when they joined her at the boards. “The update from Nationals is we’ll be skating tomorrow. Everything will be done in one day. Rhythm program in the morning. Free at night. It’s not ideal at all, but this is the only chance we’ll get. No one wanted to postpone until Monday. It would mess with everyone’s schedules.”

“Are we going to have spectators?” Wyatt hedged.

“Whoever is here, is here,” she replied. “Snow’s not letting up, so it might be slim pickings.”

He grunted. “Nothing we can do about it now, I guess.”

“Exactly.” Jenny frowned. “Let’s run through your rhythm program then I want you both to grab a good dinner and get to bed early. Don’t need you tired when you arrive in the morning.”

Right, dinner and bed. They could do that.

An hour later, they stepped off the ice, prepared for the competition in the morning. On the way to the locker room, Sasha made her move. She had to know the truth. Something stood between her and Wyatt. Whatever it was, if they didn’t clear the air, they’d be dead in the water come tomorrow’s competition, no matter how good they seemed during practice. Plus, she couldn’t stand the widening chasm between them.

“Hey,” she said, taking his hand. “I know something is bothering you. What happened? What aren’t you telling me? Did you not like what happened this afternoon?”

He shook his head. “No. It was amazing. Wish I could have gotten in there with you.” He exhaled, running his fingers through his hair. “I did something stupid the other morning. A moment of weakness. Fuck... I don’t even know why I did it.”

“Julian,” she said with a nod of understanding. “Now it makes sense why he’s acting so smug.”

“He cornered me the other morning and... No. I won’t act like a victim when I’m not. Nor will I make excuses.” Wyatt took both of her hands as if he was worried, she’d walk away. “He gave me a blow job.”

“Explains your aggressiveness in the shower,” she replied. “What I don’t understand is why you didn’t tell me. You’ve never hid your exploits before, neither have I.”

He frowned. A sheen of tears glistened in his eyes as he dropped his head forward. “I was afraid. Angry. I hated myself. I thought if I told you, you’d leave me. Stupid right? That’s such a cop out.”

Sasha’s heart ached for him. “We’re not in a relationship, Wyatt.” He winced. “We’re a situationship. I understand you have needs I can’t satiate. I’ve never told you not to experiment or have fun. What I have asked is for you to be safe and keep me in the loop.”

“I know,” he whispered. “I guess... I was so angry at him. At Trent. I let my emotions get the better of me. I felt like I could punish him and instead, guilt ate me up.”

“He hurt you. Now he wants to gloat.” She frowned. “He’s trying to hurt me too.”

“Yeah, I saw.”

“Are you upset about this afternoon and what happened with Archer, Brody, and me?” She quirked a brow.

“No.” He let out a shaky breath. “It was so hot. Cam was also amazing.”

“You guys...” she said. “Watching you...”

“There they are,” Trent said, coming down the tunnel with the US team. “The budding couple.”

Her stomach cramped. “Trent.”

Wyatt tugged her into his arms. “Go away, asshole.”

“Awe. Did you tell her about your little tryst with Julian? From where I stood, it looked like you were trying to choke the little bitch out with your dick.” The viciousness in his glare sent a shiver of dread down her spine.

“I knew,” she said. “We don’t hide anything from each other.” She lifted her chin. “Have you told your teammates how you ripped my knee apart on purpose, because your coach told you to? The same coach who is leading the US Men’s team?”

He bared his teeth at her. “You little bitch.”

“Truth hurts, huh?” She raised her voice. “Poor little Trent forced to do all the dirty work of his coach, just to get the only girl off their team. Such a big man!”

His teammates stared at him while Archer, Brody, and Cam pushed forward.

“Is that true?” Archer asked, pushing into Trent’s personal space. “Did coach tell you to hurt her?”

Trent lifted his chin. “I don’t answer to you. She’s lying anyway. The league agreed, there was nothing in the hit. It was just a horrible accident.”

She gave a derisive chuckle. “You keep telling yourself that, buddy. Maybe one day it’ll be true.”

Murmurs rippled through the group of players. She took Wyatt’s hand as she started for the locker room and brushed her fingers across Archer’s bicep. He bent to her kissing her, while keep his gaze on Trent.

“See you tonight. Maybe we can have dinner sent up,” Archer said, glaring at Trent. “We’ll deal with this.”

“See you then. We’re going to grab a snack and a shower,” Sasha replied. “Have fun out there.”

They continued along the corridor, passing Coach Jones while entering the locker room chosen for the skaters. Her heart hammered. Her stomach churned. How had she stood up to Trent without passing out or puking her guts up? Was his hold over her weakening? A small smile pulled at her mouth while a lightness settled over her.

“That was so hot,” Wyatt said. “I can’t believe you did that. Did you see the looks on the players' faces? Somebody’s going to be in trouble. Bet they call you to find out the truth.”

She shrugged. “Trent’s right. The league’s investigation called it an accident. They never believed me when I told them what happened.” It’d also been part of the reason her parents moved. The other parents had hounded them during the enquiry, and her mom wanted to give her a fresh start.

“Maybe,” he said. “Or you’ve just caused all those boys to question their coach and a player on their team.”

She shrugged. “I don’t think I care.” She paused, hand on the door. “No, I know I don’t care.”

Wyatt smirked. “That a girl.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”

Warmth filled her. “Thank you for telling me the truth. You know, about Julian. I thought for sure you were going to tell me you wanted to pick a new partner or something.”

“Isn’t that my line?” He pushed into the locker room.

“Excuse me, Miss Rhodes,” a man said, jogging down the tunnel toward them. He had a clipboard in his hand and a harried look on his face. “Can we speak for a moment, please?”

“Do you want me to stay?” Wyatt murmured against the curve of her ear.

“No,” she said. “I’ve got this.” She cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders. “Sure. Where would you like to talk?”

The man glanced around. “Uh...” There was a set of chairs close to where they stood. “How about there? It’ll only take a minute.”

“Sure. Also, it’s Sasha Rhett. Ariel Rhodes is my professional name.” She took a seat in the chair. Her knee ached, but not in a bad way, given the circumstances.

“Right,” the man said. “Sorry, Miss Rhett. My name is James Richman. I’m the assistant coach of the US Men’s Hockey team. I heard what you said a few moments ago. Can you tell me what you meant when you said Trent Holden injured you and Coach Jones instructed him to do so?”

She licked her bottom lip. “There’s already been an investigation, Mr. Richman. Everything I explained to the league is in a report. Their findings concluded it was all an accident.”

“Be that as it may,” he said. “I’d like to hear what happened from your perspective.”

She explained the whole play, recalling it as if she was on the ice again. “It happened so fast. One minute I was rushing forward with the puck and the next my skates were tangled with Trent’s and...” She swallowed hard. “He kept our legs locked together, even when he heard the pop in my knee. Then he leaned in and said...” She took a deep breath.

“Little bitches like you don’t belong on the ice,” Trent said coming up behind them. “If you tell anyone what happened, no one will believe you over me.”

Sasha froze. Her stomach knotted and her blood ran cold. She closed her eyes unable to stand the sight of Trent being anywhere near her. Why? Why now? Why was he standing there while she was trying to answer questions she hadn’t even expect to rehash?

“Mr. Holden,” James said, placing the pen on his notebook. “I don’t remember requesting your company for this interview.”

“No, sir,” Trent answered. “However, I wanted you to hear the truth from me.”

“Surprise you even know what telling the truth means,” Sasha said.

“I deserve that,” Trent muttered. “Actually, I probably deserve being kicked off the team.”

“So, it’s true what Miss Rhett has said?” James turned sideways, crossing his arms. “You injured her on purpose because Coach Jones told you to do it?”

Trent nodded. “Yes, sir. I’d like to say I was a stupid boy. But I also understood the ramifications of hurting Sasha, and I didn’t care. I was angry they let a girl on the ice. More so because she was so damn good.”

“And you’ve lied as has Coach Jones for the last ten years?” James pressed.

“We have. Though, I’m sure if you press Coach, he’ll deny everything. It’s how the incident got swept under the rug to begin with, sir.”

“Why now?” Sasha snapped. “It’s been ten years, Trent Holden. You had the ability to tell me or the league or anyone over the years. Instead, you stayed silent. What fucking changed?”

“Do you think it’s been easy being in the same room with you for the last three fucking days?” Trent snarled. “Knowing every time, you look at me, it makes you sick? To know you’re so fucked up in the head, you changed your name, so no one knew it was you out there?” He took a step forward and James stood. “I realized the minute I did what coach wanted I’d be the most hated player on the team. I changed leagues to get away from it. I’ve had Coach hang the whole situation over my head for years, Sasha. So, I fed into it. I became the person everyone thought I was. Not who I really am.”

“Guilt is something,” Sasha muttered. “Do you know how much damage you did to me? How long it took for me to get back out on the ice? Years, Trent! Years! Every time I tried to step out there, I panicked. What you’ve witnessed over the last few days is mild compared to my life before Kai and Wyatt and Jenny. You even stole my best friends from me.”

“I know!” he yelled. “Sorry won’t begin to fix this. So, I just told the team I’m going home when the weather clears.”

Sasha swiped away angry tears while rage ate at her insides. “No. You don’t get to be a martyr, Trent. You don’t get to fall on your sword and have people pity you. You should face everything you’ve done head on.”

“Babe?” Wyatt came out of the locker room still in his practice clothes. Concern marred his expression as he looked from her to Trent then to James. “What the fuck are you doing here, Trent?”

“Something I should’ve done ten years ago,” he said. “Told the truth.”

James gathered up his things. “I have the info I need for now. He pointed to Trent. “You might have told the team you’re done, but you won’t get away with this. USA Hockey will be opening a separate investigation, and Coach will be suspended from his duties effective immediately.”

Sasha should’ve been relieved to hear Trent would go down for what he did to her that day, however what she felt was disappointment. Impressionable kids did stupid things when they wanted an adult to like them or in some cases love them. Trent did Coach Jones’ dirty work to earn his praise. Something Sasha had a feeling, never materialize. Why else would Trent come clean?

“I understand,” Trent said. “I take full responsibility and will cooperate.”

The itch at the back of her neck kept her on alert. His confession spilled out a little too easily for her liking. “What else are you playing at Trent? Who do you have recording this, so you can use it later as a prank or something equally ridiculous?”

He held up his hands. “No one. I guess being stuck in an area where I know what’s happening in other rooms got me thinking about everything we’ve been through, you know? That first night, when you were sick? I’ll never get how pale your skin was or how afraid you were of me out of my mind. I have a niece who looks up to you. I can’t even call her and say I know you, because she’ll ask how that’s possible.”

“The look in your eyes when you made sure to ruin my knee...”

“I had to make it look good for coach,” he muttered.

“Yeah, well, I hope it was worth losing everything over,” she said, taking Wyatt’s hand. “Come on, I need a shower and food. Today has been exhausted.”

Wyatt wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I got you, bestie. Let’s get you cleaned up. I’ll text the guys and let them know.”

“Sound wonderful.” She stepped into the locker room and let the door close behind her. Her past stood on the other side, and she was ready to keep looking forward.