SIN-BIN (Sinners on the Ice #1)

by Anastasija White

What was the point of hooking up with Amy if I’m hornier than I was? Maybe because you chose the wrong girl, idiot? I hate my life and that girl. She’s the reason I feel like a fool.

“What happened?” His voice is quieter than I expect. He stops just behind my back, and goosebumps spread across my skin. “Nothing.” “Why did she throw her drink on you? It didn’t look like an accident.” He sounds strange. Almost like he cares.

“She knows I have no friends here.” “Meaning?” “No one wants to talk to me. Or even notice me. People act like I don’t exist.” I shut my eyes because my voice is trembling. Then I take a deep breath and look at him through the mirror. “That’s my life now.” “Why?” “Because they think you hate me, and no one wants to be on your bad side.” “My bad side?” He blinks, stepping back, and I suddenly feel lonely. I want him back close to me.

“After you kicked me out, they all think I offended you or something. They ignore my presence.” “Wait…” he mumbles, frowning. “They’re doing this to you because of me?” I turn off the faucet and examine my T-shirt. Nothing can save it. Its place is in the trash. “Are you seriously that dense?”

“Yes, Thompson, they’re doing this to me because of you.” “That’s bullshit. I never asked⁠—” “You sure are an idiot,” I snap, anger consuming me.

“Why didn’t Benson tell me? I could’ve fixed it a long time ago.” “Because I haven’t told him,” I counter, grabbing my backpack from the floor. The door opens, and a girl rushes inside, stopping in her tracks as soon as her eyes land on Colton and me. Her jaw drops as she gapes at us in silence. “Get out,” he orders her. Then he returns his attention to me. She doesn’t exist to him anymore.

Opening the door, I saunter out of the stall and halt in my tracks. His bomber jacket is lying on the countertop. Did he leave it for me? I hesitate, not sure if I should go for it. Then I brush my doubts aside and put his bomber on.

I wanted to twirl her around and kiss her just as much as I wanted to spank her for her behavior. She’s unbelievable.

No one deserves to feel like they don’t exist. Especially her.

I want her so badly, like I’ve never wanted anyone in my life.

“If you meet a girl you like, one who causes your heartbeat to speed up, who is constantly on your mind, day and night; one who stirs such strong emotions within you that it is hard to control yourself. If you meet a girl like that, promise me you will bring her here and introduce her to me.”

I need to make things right. She doesn’t deserve to be treated this way. Even if we don’t get along.

I do love hockey…but I hate the ice and all the memories it brings.

The emotions she causes me are stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced, and that speaks volumes. “Yeah,” I murmur, taking another step in her direction and wrapping my arm around her waist. She gasps at the contact of my skin against hers. “Stay with me.”

“What’s the matter with you?” she demands, her hands dangling at her sides. “Why are you acting so nice to me?” “Because I’m nice.” I sway to the music a little, urging her to move with me. “Nice? Not the word I would use to describe you.” Her green eyes are dark and full of mischief. “Handsome? Hot? Well-built?” “Annoying,” she corrects me.

“I have no idea what’s wrong with you tonight, but I need to remind you that you don’t even like me.” “What makes you think you know anything about me?” I smirk. My hand travels south, incredibly close to the waistband of her skirt.

“I see right through you, Thompson.” She inches her face closer, rising onto her toes. “You and I are not going to happen. Ever. Even if you were the last guy on this planet, I’d say no.” “Why?” The question leaves my mouth before I can even think what I’m asking. “You’re not my type.” Not her type? What the fuck does that mean?

“Besides, you left kind of a lasting impression on me, and not in a good way.” “I can easily change your mind.” I wink at her. “And I think you’re lying.” “I’m not.” She stomps her foot. “I don’t l...

Then I go for it—my hand slides down and cups her butt. It’s the biggest mistake, because my dick instantly hardens. I grab her arm and turn her around, her back pressed to my chest. “I can be slow, as you said that day, but I’m not an idiot. You like me.” ...

“How many times have you dreamt about me?” I whisper in her ear, feeling her body tense up against mine. God, she’s so tiny in comparison to me, and it ignites an unfamiliar desire. I want to keep her safe. “Zero.” Her answer is curt. “Unlike you. Your hard dick poking into my ass kinda says a lot.” “I appreciate beauty when I see it.” My hand covers her belly, and her muscles contract. She sucks in a breath, and I know the answer without her saying anything. She likes me.

“I’m sorry for my words. You didn’t deserve them.” She stiffens, and then she slowly spins around.

“What are you playing at?” “Nothing,” I mumble, not sure I understand her reaction. “I just apologized to you.”

“I heard that.” She puts her palm on my chest, and my heart starts pounding so hard that it echoes in my ears. She feels it too, as her eyes go wide. “Why are you… Do you really like me?” The girl sounds so surprised, and I feel uneasy. Does she think I’m such an ass that I can’t have feelings like a normal person? Shit. I’m a fucking idiot.

“You’re welcome,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets. “What?” Her confusion increases, just like her nervousness. “I wanted to make things right for you, so no one would bother you because of me.” I gesture around, and her eyes dart between me and people that surround us. “You’re welcome.”

“That’s why you approached me?” “Why else?” I ignore the growing heaviness in my chest. Her reaction hurt me, and I’m not good at dealing with hurt. “You might be beautiful, but I don’t like you. I just hate bullies, and I don’t like to be accused of things I never did or wanted.” “Oh. Cool, thank you. I appreciate it.”

“I need to give you your bomber. Can I⁠—” “I don’t care. You can keep it.” I wheel around, not letting her finish.

“Hey,” I say, and she looks up, focusing her gaze on my face. “Hey,” Grace echoes. “Why didn’t you come back to me?” “You and Colton were having a moment.” A smile stretches across her lips. “He has the hots for you.”

“Hey.” An arm wraps around my wrist, stopping me. I know it’s Thompson without even looking. “What happened?” “Nothing,” I whine, trying to wipe these traitorous Niagara Falls tears off my face.

“Are you going to tell me, or should I guess?” he asks, and I chuckle, still crying. “Dancing with you turned out to be a big mistake.”

Colton says softly, his long fingers tracing my jawline. “I don’t like seeing you so upset.”

“Yeah, me either. I look horrible.” “Never. You look like the most—” Thompson doesn’t have a chance to finish this sentence, as someone shoves him away from me. I stumble backward, and the back of my head hits the wall.

“What did he do?” “I did nothing.” Thompson roars from behind Layla’s brother. “You misunderstood the whole situation.” “Misunderstood?” Drake spins around and comes face-to-face with his teammate. “You kicked her out of the last party. Now I find her crying her eyes out right in front of you. Are you going to tell me you weren’t the reason?” “I wasn’t, Benson.” Colton’s voice is an octave higher as he glares at Drake. “I just tried to help.”

“What did he do?” “Nothing.” My eyes dart between the two guys. “Colt was trying to calm me down. Promise.” “Colt?” Drake’s eyebrows almost reach his hairline. “That’s my fucking name, asshole,” Thompson grumbles.

“Thank you, Colt,” I say as he takes a step back. Our eyes lock, and he doesn’t look away. Hesitating, he slowly opens his mouth. “You’re welcome, Ava.” He finally calls me by my name. For the first time since the day we met.

I turn my head and lock eyes with Thompson. A strange energy surges right through me, and my heart starts beating faster. As I leave the house, I’m aware of three things, and they all scare the shit out of me. For some reason, Colton Thompson likes me, and now he’s jealous. This leads to another realization: he thinks Drake and I are hooking up behind Layla’s back. The third one? I’m a messed-up idiot who likes the guy I’m not supposed to like at all, and he’s not the one I’m leaving this party with. See? The biggest idiot ever.

Why did he take her to the bathroom? He could’ve waited outside while she collected herself. Why did he go inside with her? I shut my eyes tightly and grit my teeth. I shouldn’t be here. It’s just that my drunk ass doesn’t want to do what is right. It’s like I’m dead set on making myself miserable. I’m not her boyfriend. I’m the guy she hates. But she called me Colt, and I finally said her name aloud.

“You’re a way better person to deal with all this, my ass,” I hiss under my breath, balling my fists. I hate when girls cry, and I never know what to do, but with her… With her, it was different. The longer they stay in the bathroom, the harder it is to control my thoughts.

She’s not mine, but all I want is to have her. Is it jealousy I feel? If it is, it fucking sucks. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.

I turn my head just slightly and see Benson and her strolling to the front door. A beast in my chest roars, and a poisonous feeling fills my lungs. He has what I want. Obsessively. It’s definitely not healthy, and it makes me want to do stupid things. Things I’m going to regret later for sure.

“What is it?” I try to sound polite, and thankfully she doesn’t notice my sarcasm. “Why did you decide to leave with me?” What kind of question is that? “Because I love sex.” “I saw you looking at the girl who left the house with Drake Benson. You were dancing with her before.” I tune her out as I come to realize that I was more obvious than I’d hoped. Does everyone know I want a girl who doesn’t want me?

“Look, I want to open the door and invite you in. I want you to fuck my brains out. I want that.” Dylan takes a deep breath. “But I don’t want to be a fix. I don’t want to be a girl you fuck because you couldn’t have the one you wanted.”

“Ready to be defeated?” he taunts my best friend. “In your dreams.” Layla smirks, focusing on the screen. “Will you cheer me on?” Thompson asks me. I swivel my head to see him smiling at me. “Sorry. She’s my best friend, and my loyalty to her comes first.” “Loyalty…” He holds my gaze. “It’s a remarkably interesting thing, and every person has their own take on it. Right?” “Probably.” What the fuck was that? Is he implying something?

“Talking to your friend won’t stop me from kicking your ass, Layla.” He winks at me. He’s so fucking confusing. My head starts spinning.

“What did he do?” Drake bends his head, gaping at me. “Did he hurt you?” “No.” I make my voice firm. “He’s drunk and tried to hit on me. Just tell him to leave me alone. Please.” “Sure. I’ll beat the living shit out of him first, and then I’ll tell him to leave you alone.” He sounds so serious, but I laugh.

“Freshman, truth or dare?” I hold myself back from mimicking him. “Dare.” “I dare you to kiss the last guy you had sex with,” he says calmly, enjoying my shocked state. “Colton, that dare is stupid,” Layla chimes, and I feel a pang in my chest. “How do you expect her to do that? Do you want her to go back home to kiss someone?” “Why?” He takes a swig of his beer. “The last guy she had sex with is here, in this room.”

I stare in front of me, unblinking. Thoughts are swirling in my mind, making my head spin. He saw me leave with Drake and assumed we fucked. Not surprising, as he already suspected it after the first party. He’s challenging me because he’s jealous. What a fucking idiot. “Kiss the guy I had sex with, you said?” I slowly stand up from the couch, holding Thompson’s gaze. He nods, narrowing his eyes. I’m sure he thinks I’ll chicken out—and he’s so wrong.

Heading to Drake, I stop right in front of him. He looks calm, and it helps me to make my decision. I rise onto my tiptoes, put my hand on the back of his head, and pull his face toward me for a kiss. His hands slide down my sides as he slips his tongue into my mouth. Drake doesn’t hold himself back, but I don’t feel anything anymore.

Slowly turning around, I meet Thompson’s eyes. “I hope you’re happy.” With that, I storm out of the room, down the hallway, and straight to the front door. There’s only one thought in my mind as I leave this place: I don’t like Colton Thompson. I fucking hate him.

“Where are my fucking dragons when I need them?”

She hopes I’m happy? I’m fucking furious.