SIN-BIN (Sinners on the Ice #1)

by Anastasija White

Suddenly, a grin forms on his lips. He takes a step back, as if he wants to get a better look at me. “Why didn’t I notice it before?” Drake laughs, running a palm over his face. “You know I fucked Ava? Well, genius, I saw you dance with her. Throwing a tantrum just because the girl you want chose another guy?”

I start laughing because his words are ridiculous. “I don’t want that girl. I don’t even like her. She’s just annoyed the fuck out of me since the day I met her. Nothing else.” “Keep telling yourself that; maybe you’ll start to believe it,”

Looking around, I wonder how far my apartment is from here. I wouldn’t mind going to bed. My head is killing me. “Colt?” A clap on my shoulder brings me back to reality. I glare at my best friend, but he only grins at me. “We’re in the middle of a very intriguing story, but you keep spacing out. You’re no fun, bro.” “I just think I’m ready to call it a night.”

“I think he likes her,” he rumbles. Then he squints at me. “Do you think she likes him?” Do I think she likes him? Hell, I hope she doesn’t, but who am I to say it aloud? I’m the asshole she hates. “I don’t know. She’s not easy to read.”

“I-I don’t think she likes him in that way.” “Uh-huh. Do you like her in that way?” he asks, and I halt in my tracks. “I don’t. The only reason I did what I did is because I hate liars.” “And yet you lie,” Clay says, holding my gaze. “I’ve never ever seen you so riled up over a chick.” “Exactly. I’ve never met someone who doesn’t give a shit about me and isn’t afraid to tell me to fuck off or slap me across my face. She’s the first one, and I’m not handling the disrespect too well.”

“Ava is confident, knows her worth, and keeps her chin up most of the time. I think growing up with Benson taught her not to pee her pants when hockey players waltz into her life. She looks at us like totally ordinary people.”

It’s Wednesday, and I haven’t seen Ava for a whole week. It’s like she disappeared and doesn’t go to this college anymore. That’s not the case at all, since I know Clay is hanging out with her any chance he gets: during lunch breaks, cornering her in the hallways, walking her to her dorm. They are friendly to each other, but nothing else.

she told me not to deal with you there, but I might change my mind.” My gaze flickers between them both, and an awfully familiar feeling forms in my chest. Anger. And it’s targeted solely at Moore. Did he try something with her at the party?

“What happened?” I ask before I can even think about what I’m doing. Drake looks at me as if he sees me for the first time. “Nothing that concerns you, Thompson,” he rasps and turns around to order his popcorn. He’s treating me like I’m worse than motherfucking Moore.

She’s adorable.

“What do you have here?” Clay reaches out and grabs the ice cream from my hand. “M&Ms. Why am I not surprised?” “Give it back,” I pout, and he hands it to me with a mischievous smile. “Thanks.”

“That’s Zootopia, not the real world,” she comments, and I notice the corners of her mouth quirk up in the tiniest smile. “I don’t watch Disney movies.” “Then how do you know the quote, about anyone being anything? And how do you know it’s Disney?” She’s got me. I watch Disney sometimes. Usually after I visit my mom. It gives me a very nostalgic vibe, and I enjoy it. Though I’d rather die than admit it aloud, especially to her.

“So you’re an honest person?” she asks, and I nod. “Okay. Then a question: what do you want from me, Thompson?” She speaks sweetly, but a fire dances behind her irises. “You’re not listening.” I smirk. “Nothing. I don’t want anything from you.” “Then what’s this all about? Why are you here? Why were you watching lil ol’ me instead of the movie?” “I think I like our dynamic.”

“Get lost, Thompson.” “I thought we were talking.” I shove my hands in my pockets to hide my nervousness. “It’s an illusion. I don’t talk to people who can’t even call me by my name.” “You don’t call me by my name either.” I remind myself of a big kid. “Really, Colton? You’re looking for excuses, nothing else. I bet you don’t even say my name in your head.” Is she a mind reader? She sees right through me, and it scares me.

Calling someone by their name means becoming familiar. Becoming closer. And you’re dead-set on being distant.”

“Fuck it,” I mumble to myself. I wind my hand around her waist and pull her close to my chest. Without giving myself a chance to change my mind or giving her the opportunity to push me away, I bend down and cover her lips with mine. Just because I want to have a taste.

I press her closer, and she gasps in surprise, letting me slide my tongue inside her mouth. The second mine brushes hers, my cock comes to life and my whole body becomes tingly, because she answers my kiss, closing her eyes at once. She has a fucking piercing in her tongue, and it makes this moment even more sensual. More passionate, but at the same time I go slow. I don’t want to rush things, not with her. I want to experience every emotion this kiss is giving me, every quickened heartbeat this girl causes me. I want it all.

This girl drives me crazy, and I have no idea if I’ll ever be able to react to her without looking like an obsessed moron.

She moans into our kiss, and it’s the sweetest sound on Earth, especially because I’m the reason for it. She moans for me, and I can’t fucking wait for her to scream my name. Over and over and over again.

I just had the best kiss of my life. I’ve never felt⁠—

“Don’t you dare kiss me.” She opens the door and looks at me over her shoulder, halting in her tracks. “Never do that again, Thompson. Ever.”

“But you kissed me back, Ava,” I reply, amused. It takes two people to kiss the way we just did. I wasn’t alone in it, and I fucking know it. “In your dreams,” she stammers loudly, and the next moment, the door slams shut. Man, this girl is going to be my absolute nightmare.

I can’t stop myself from smiling once I get to my seat. She likes me. Ava likes me, and for incredibly strange reasons, I’m excited. I’m scared as shit, but at the same time, this new experience intrigues me. It’s a very big deal for someone like me,

She stands up and spins to face the guy. I have no idea what she tells him, but he smiles from ear to ear. Fuck. She bends down and plants a kiss on this dude’s cheek. Double fuck.

“I like someone, but at the same time he brings out the worst in me, and sometimes I hate him. No, most of the time I hate him. Literally can’t stand the guy, but I don’t know,” I fumble.

One second he insults me, but the next he looks at me with puppy dog eyes, like I’m his favorite snack.”

“We kinda had an argument, and he said something rude. And then he kissed me, and I kissed him back.” Dad tilts his head to the side, expecting me to continue. “Well, I came to my senses, pushed him away, and told him not to do that ever again.” “What did he do?” he speaks in a calm and soothing voice. “Nothing. He let me leave.” I press my glass to my forehead and close my eyes. “I’ve avoided him ever since.”

“Ava?” I look over my shoulder, meeting Dad’s gaze. “Did you say his last name is Thompson?” “I… I did…” “Okay.” He gives me his back.

“Hey, Mason,” he says as I stop in front of him. “I’m good. What about you?” “Just yelled at Moore. Told him I’d rather ride an angry bull than ride his dick.” His face changes so drastically, it’s funny to watch. He’s stunned speechless, but a second later, he bursts out laughing. “Are you proud of me?” “More than you fucking know,” he lets out between fits of laughter.

“Was that your mom with you?” “My mom?” He sounds and looks surprised, and I feel stupid all of a sudden. “I saw you with a woman when I was talking to Moore. I thought…” I fall silent, noticing Clay’s lips tremble. He’s trying hard not to laugh, and I scowl. “What’s so funny?” “That’s not my mom. I hooked up with her last night—”

“Hey? What’s wrong with you? Ava?” Giggling comes out on its own, loud and infectious. Clay cracks a smile too, shaking his head as he watches me with amusement.

This guy is the best thing that’s happened to me in college.

“For most men, reaching orgasm during sex isn’t a problem, while for women it’s often not so easy. We need a connection, the ability to talk openly about things we like or even show a guy what makes us feel good. It’s simpler when you know you can trust him.”

“You know who Jax Teller is?” “Um, yeah? Sons of Anarchy is my dad’s favorite TV show.” I lift my shoulder, furrowing my brows. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “Because you’re the most amazing girl I’ve ever met,” Clay mumbles, heading down the street.

“Clay?” I follow him inside, even as an uneasy feeling settles in my chest. Something isn’t right. “Where are we going?” He ignores me, climbing the stairs to the third floor and turning to look at me only when we stop in front of apartment thirty-five. “Welcome to the gang, baby.” He knocks on the door, beaming at me.

I’m ready to ask the question that’s been lingering on the tip of my tongue, but it dies as soon as Colton Thompson opens the door and looks at Clay and me in total bewilderment.

I don’t even look at him. I keep my eyes on her. She’s wearing black jeans that end above her ankles, a pink knit sweater, and my bomber jacket. I thought she got rid of it, so seeing it on her is overwhelming. In the best possible way. I bring my gaze back to her face and see fire dancing in her eyes. She doesn’t like this.

“If being your friend means you don’t speak a word of truth, then I don’t need it,” she exclaims harshly, turning to leave. Clay rushes out of my apartment and grabs her by the wrist. She pulls her hand out of his grip, but he catches it again and drags her inside. “Clay!”

“What do you want to watch?” “I’m up for anything,” she says and takes a sip of her drink. “How about something spicy?” Clay motherfucking Rodgers. You’re the dumbest idiot I’ve ever met. My eyes zip to her, and I watch as she slowly gulps her drink. She shifts slightly to face my best friend, and he looks at her too. “You’re testing my patience, friend. It’s like you invited me here only to get me to run away.”

Ava huddles more comfortably on the couch, hiding her legs under her butt and leaning against Clay. I have no right to be jealous, but I’m curious what she’s going to put on. Taking another swig of my drink, I focus on the TV screen. The second I see what she’s starting, I barely hold myself back from spitting out everything I just gulped. “Zootopia?” Clay asks, taken aback.

She grins at him, sneaking a glance at me. “Anyone can be anything in Zootopia, which means you can watch a Disney movie.” “Colt?” My best friend draws my attention to him. “You don’t mind?” “Nope. I just hope it’s good.” I’ve fucking seen it three times already; this will be the fourth. “It is. You’ll like it.” Her eyes glimmer with mischief, and I bottle up a snort. This girl is something else.

“I want to go back to the dorm.” “Bullshit. You’re staying,” I blurt out in a harsh voice. Instantly, she puts her hands on her hips. “Look, I didn’t mean that like it sounded. When is your first class?” “Eleven.” “Cool. Clay and I will give you a ride to your dorm tomorrow morning. Before your classes start.” “And where am I supposed to sleep?” She narrows her eyes, becoming defensive. “In my room. I’ll take the couch. It’s not a big deal.” “Clay is here.” “So what? Don’t worry. We will fit. Rodgers won’t be happy if I let you go home on your own. He’ll understand why I’m crashing with him on the couch.” I collect the empty bottles from the floor, and amble to the kitchen.

“You’ve been avoiding me.” “I’m in your apartment.” “If you knew where Clay was taking you, would you have agreed to come?” “No.” Ava grins.

“Have you been practicing?” “Practicing what exactly?” “Calling me by my name,” she says, making me laugh. “Not really. I was just tired of all the ‘she’, ‘her’, and ‘freshman’ I was using when I thought about you. You have a name, and I like it.” “That’s nice to hear.” Ava takes a step into the kitchen. Her fingers fly to her earring as she avoids looking at me.

“Seeing you in my bomber is nice too. I thought you threw it away.” Her gaze dashes to me. “No one knows it’s yours.” She shrugs, the ghost of a smile at the corner of her mouth. “Besides, it looks good on me.” “It does.” Our eyes lock, and my body warms up. The air in the kitchen becomes charged.

She rakes her eyes over my face and down my body. She’s checking me out, and a smug smile forms on my lips. “You’re strange. Why are you smiling?” “You just checked me out, ogled me without even a hint of embarrassment or shyness,” I state, staring down at Ava.

“You’re such a feisty girl,” I coo, dragging my thumb over her bottom lip. “I’ve never met anyone like you…” “Colt,” Ava says my name, and the sound is so overwhelming and so powerful, I inch closer and place a light kiss on the seam of her lips.

“I don’t want to be another random hookup for you.” She could never be a hookup. Absolutely out of the question. The emotions she causes me are unique, and I’m not stupid enough to screw it all up, yet the doubts are loud in my head. I’ve never dated anyone. I have no idea what it all means. Nervousness finds its way under my skin and straight into my heart, and I flip.

“And Drake can be a hookup?” I ask, holding her gaze. Her brows knit together, and anger crosses her features. “Drake could be a boyfriend, not just a hookup, if I wanted more.” She takes a step back, and my hand ...

“Oh, really?” I mutter, watching her head to the door. “So Benson is good enough for you, but I’m not?” Abruptly, she twirls around and glares at me. “How would I know anything about you? All you do is make me feel like you fucking hate me.” she whisper-yells, balling her fists. “You took my words all wrong, and now you are fucking pushing me away.” “I heard you right. I’m not good enough for you, while Benson...