SIN-BIN (Sinners on the Ice #1)

by Anastasija White

“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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

“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.”

WTFFF why is he doing this?!?!?

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.

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.”

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

“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.

“I certainly do not like you.” She punctuates every word, and I’m losing it. For the first time in my entire life, I’ve lost control, and I’m not sure I want to take it back. “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.

“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.

“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.

does he know him!?!?! Know of him?!?!

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—” I don’t let him finish, untangling myself from him and scooting away. “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.

“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.

“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.”

lol omg

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,

lmao

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.

“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.”

“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.

“You just spoiled everything, asshole.” “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 is exactly what you need.” “No, you’re a dumbass. All I meant is that I don’t want to be a one-time thing.” Ava spins around, ready to bolt to the door, but I catch her. My hands wind around her waist, and I press her back to my chest.

“I’m an idiot. I’m sorry. I fucked up,” I utter in her ear, kissing her neck tenderly. “Can I touch you?” She presses into me; her voice is breathless. “Yes…please…”

“I know exactly what would change your mind,” he says, and I focus on him with a raised brow. “Layla is always at the parties if her brother is, and that means Ava will be there too.” “And what?” My heart pounds rapidly, and my palms get sweaty. “I saw how you looked at her yesterday.” Clay points his finger at me. “You like her. Don’t deny it.”

“First, Thompson, you suck. Second, next time the girl you like hooks up with another guy because you were a damn coward and couldn’t make a move on her, don’t take it out on her. That’s a hundred percent on you.” My jaw drops. What the actual fuck?

This girl is a fucking hurricane, and I’m right in the middle of it. In all honesty, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“What is this?” “A story about a girl falling in love with her stepbrother.” Clay’s face is long, his gaze heated. I snatch my book away from him and arch my eyebrow. “Boo, you should’ve told me you’ve never seen a book before. I would’ve given you a few of my favorites.” “I’ve never seen sex in books⁠—” “Aw, Clay, you’re literally ruining my image of you. I thought you weren’t judgmental.”

I won’t talk about it because I don’t want to give the accident power over my life. Again. It happened; I healed.

Woah wut

“He can always try,” I hiss, balling my fists and clenching my jaw. If that fucker touches her, I’ll destroy him. “Wow.” Blinking, I meet my best friend’s gaze, noticing a little twinkle behind his irises. Why is he staring at me like that? “You really like her, don’t you?” “Maybe.”

“Are you going to the library?” “Maybe.” I smirk, snatching my backpack. I haven’t been in the library for two years, but to finally get to see her? I’d go to the end of the fucking earth.