Don't Let Me Down

by Kelsie Rae

“Tell me you believe me,” he orders. There’s a slight rasp to his voice. An undertone of conviction and need. The combination leaves me speechless. “Tell me you know I would never hit you.”

He reaches up and tucks the same loose strand of my hair behind my ear. His movements are cautious and controlled, and so is his voice as he prods, “Did he hit you, Mia?” He. We both know who he’s referring to. It only makes my shame grow stronger. Bigger. Heavier.

“I need each of you to beat the shit out of Shorty during tonight’s game.” Theo cocks his head. “What?” “Every time you wind up in the penalty box because of Shorty, I’ll give you a ten thousand dollar bonus.” Silent, Colt takes a seat across from Dawson’s desk. Theo follows suit, both of them sensing the shift in the air and what it means for us to even discuss something like this, let alone actually contemplating it. Keeping his voice low despite our privacy, Colt asks, “What happens when we get thrown out of the game?” “You get an extra fifty grand.” “And if we get suspended for multiple games?” Theo starts. “I’ll give you another fifty grand for every game you miss.”

“I want him to hurt,” I clarify. “If he looks like a dumbass while he’s hurting, more power to you, but I don’t want him walking off the ice tonight. I want him limping. Or leaving on a stretcher.”

He might not know his world is about to be rocked. But he will. And afterward? He’ll wish he’d never heard of Mia Rutherford, let alone laid a hand on her. That, I can guarantee.

Colt drops his hand. “I’ve lost family, Mia. And so help me, if I ever lose you––if Ash, Blake, or Kate ever loses you––we’ll never forgive ourselves. And I’ll never forgive you for being too stubborn to ask for our help when you needed it most.”