Break my Heart (Western Wildcats Hockey, #6)

by Jennifer Sucevic

It seems like no matter how far or fast I run, some things refuse to stay buried in the past.

The ice is the only place that makes sense. The only place where I can find any peace. Irony’s a bitch, isn’t it? The thing I love the most is also the thing that inflicted the most damage.

My family. Hockey. School. In that order. And there isn’t room for anything else.

My thoughts are all tangled up in the one girl I can’t seem to forget. The one who wants nothing to do with me.

It’s like Nathan found the smallest thread inside me, pulled it, and unraveled everything. My confidence, my joy, my belief in myself—it all came apart in his hands. Now I’m here, fighting to get it back.

“I’ve heard that before, Tink.” “Why do you keep calling me that?” He cocks his head. “Because the way you skate is pretty fucking magical. Almost like you’re flying. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

That’s when I realize that whatever this is won’t just fade away. The question is, what the hell am I going to do about it?

But there’s something about Hayes that makes it hard to keep running. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me—not like I’m fragile, but like he sees me. Like he knows I’m strong enough to handle whatever this is.

Every time I see Hayes, every time I hear his voice or feel his presence, that invisible wall I’ve built between myself and the world cracks a little more.

“Nothing about me is easy,” she warns. “I know,” I say, leaning back. “But I think you’re worth the effort.”

There aren’t many people I feel comfortable with. How weird is it that Hayes is turning out to be one of them?

The more I try to push Ava out of my mind, the more I feel this growing need to protect her. To be there for her in a way no one else has been.

“I don’t know what I can give you. My head is still messed-up from everything that happened.” His gaze softens in understanding. “I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give, and we’ll go as slow as you need to.”

“The last thing you are is damaged. Not by a long shot. And you know what I’m going to do?” I shake my head. “Prove it to you.”

There’s no doubt about it. This girl will be my complete undoing. And you know what? I’ve never wanted anything more.

“Even though we haven’t known each other long, I feel safe with you. You’re the first person I’ve been with who’s listened and really heard me. I feel like I can be honest, and you won’t judge me.”

Whether she realizes it or not, she’s mine now, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and happy.

For the first time in my life, complete contentment washes over me. The feeling is just as addictive as she is. And I don’t want it to ever end.

For the first time since my life imploded, I’m at peace with myself. And that has everything to do with Hayes.

Whether she understands it or not, this girl now belongs to me. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.

She’s burrowed beneath my skin, and I can no longer imagine my life without her in it. Does she feel the same? I really fucking hope so.

The last few weeks have changed everything. Ava isn’t just some girl. She’s the girl.

It’s like she’s my anchor, the one thing that keeps me steady in all this chaos.

The world could burn down, and I wouldn’t notice. It’s just me and Ava, the connection between us tangible, like a thread we’re holding on to in the quiet pauses of the song.