SIN-BIN (Sinners on the Ice #1)

by Anastasija White

“Oh, come on.” Layla whimpers. “Don’t tell me you’re extending your rules to Ava too.” “What if I am?” Benson stares at his sister, unbothered.

“You’re off-limits to the hockey team, love,” Clay states. “Drake’s rules.”

“You’re trying to make something out of nothing.” “So you just spent the night with the guy, alone in his room, and nothing happened?” “I don’t even know why I’m having this conversation with you. I don’t owe you anything, but I’ll say it once more, just for Drake’s sake.” She steps closer, looking up at me. “If you think that a girl can’t spend a night alone with a guy without something happening between them, then that’s who you are. You measure people against yourself, and not everyone is like you. Remember that.

Thank you, I mouth to Drake, and he smiles at me warmly. “Did you sleep well?” His eyes go wide, and a blush creeps onto his cheeks. Isn’t he the cutest? “Yeah, as soon as you left my bed, I finally got to sleep comfortably.” “What do you mean she left your bed?” Layla is loud,

“She’s not annoying.” The freshman shakes her head. “You don’t get personal with anyone, so how would you know? Layla is friendly, intuitive, and fun to be around, that’s all.” “Intuitive?” I bend down a little, inhaling her scent, and I feel like I’ve become drunk within a second. Like two beers have turned into a shot of something stronger. “Last year, I told her I wasn’t interested, and I needed to repeat it. She never seemed to listen.” “You probably weren’t very convincing.”

“How am I a hypocrite? Don’t put your issues on me, Benson. You were fucking around with your friend, with your sister’s best friend, while calling her family. Just suck it up and own it.” 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?”

“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. “Your face says it all. Do you even know why you’re like this?” “Like what?” I lick my lips, seeing her beautiful eyes narrow even more. “You’re reserved and opinionated. You don’t let people in, because you have too many things you don’t want to share with anyone. You create boundaries, filter your words and even your thoughts. Calling someone by their name means becoming familiar. Becoming closer. And you’re dead-set on being distant.” She looks up at me. She’s small, but at the same time, she’s a warrior. That word suits her perfectly. Just like the way she described me is totally on point, but I’m not ready to admit it.

“Drake could be a boyfriend, not just a hookup, if I wanted more.” She takes a step back, and my hand drops to my side. “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.”

He finally clears his throat, and a lopsided grin blossoms on his face. Leaning closer, he inches to my ear. “You didn’t let me finish. I’ve never seen sex in books before, but now? I definitely need to borrow one or two. For research purposes.” “Of course.” I snort. “Asking for a friend, right?” “Something like that.” He guffaws, standing up. “God, how am I supposed to go to practice now?” “Cold shower might help,” I suggest, and he instantly narrows his eyes. “Or jerking off. Or maybe a quickie.” “Considering the books you read, I’m not surprised you have such a filthy mouth.”