Obsessed With The Hockey Captain

ZOEY’S POV

Boredom had clawed its way into my chest like an infection. It has been two days since I spoke to my parents, yet I haven’t made a move to pack my stuff and move in with Adam.

Mom must have probably told Adam about it so I made sure I ignored him like my life depended on it. And to subside the boredom I felt, I scrolled through my phone endlessly.

Adam would have pushed with it but at the moment, he was busy with classes and gym commitments.

Theo on the other hand existed like a shadow. He was always irritating because that was how he always made me feel.

The worst part? He acted like nothing had happened. Like that kiss and my slap had been some mild afternoon drama.

So when Farrah texted me about the frat party, I didn’t even hesitate.

Frat party tonight, so come get wasted with me before we both die of boredom. Also: slut fits required. No negotiations. This was the text she sent to me that afternoon.

Since it was the weekend and I was left with zero better options, I agreed.

When it was time, I threw on a tight black crop top and a skirt that barely covered anything. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want Theo to see me and regret ever messing with my head.

But I was sure as hell he wouldn’t be at the party. Adam definitely wasn’t coming, and Theo usually stuck close to him as they were like two peas in a pod.

When we arrived, the frat house was already packed full. Music thudded through the walls, the smell of beer and sweat was thick in the air.

Farrah squealed as she dragged me inside and I followed without hesitation.

Neon lights flickered across the living room where bodies writhed like snakes on a dance floor too small for this many people.

We found a spot near the drinks table and Farrah immediately poured something cheap and fruity into two red cups and handed me one.

“To make more bad choices,” she cheered, lifting her cup above her head.

Mimicking her, I said, “And to pretend we have our lives together.” We clinked and drank.

Everything was fine at first. It was loud, chaotic, and mind numbingly until I saw him.

Theo.

He stepped into the room like he owned it, dressed in black jeans and a fitted gray tee shirt that clung to him like it wanted to live on his skin.

At that instant, my chest went cold as I cursed under my breath. “Of all nights…”

Farrah raised a brow, “Isn’t that—?”

“Don’t,” I snapped.

He walked past the crowd and locked eyes with me immediately but I looked away, sipping my drink and pretending not to care.

But my throat was suddenly dry, and my stomach started doing that flip thing again. It was the only thing my stomach ever did around him.

As if I haven't had enough, one of the girls standing near us jumped to her feet and yelled Theo’s name.

She threw her arms around him and pulled him close and he didn’t resist.

The girl sat right on his thigh like he was her personal throne and started grinding on him like they were behind closed doors.

I tried not to look, I tried to act like it didn’t matter but I failed miserably. My gaze flicked back to him, just once and that was enough as our eyes met.

The girl on his thigh turned her face toward his, leaning in to kiss him but still, his eyes didn’t leave mine. I felt like someone had shoved a brick into my throat.

Why did it hurt? He wasn’t mine so I had no right feeling this way.

When I couldn't take it anymore, I pushed my chair back, “I need air,” I muttered, grabbing Farrah’s arm.

“You okay?”

“I just need to step out.” She didn’t need to respond as I slipped through the crowd and then out of the door.

Outside, the night was cold. With my hands wrapped around myself, I leaned against the porch rail.

Why the hell did I feel like this?

Jealousy? Heartache? What right did I even have to be upset? I was the one who slapped him, I was the one who said he should stay away.

“Hey,” a low voice called out from the shadows and I turned to face the owner of the voice.

A guy stood by the edge of the house, smoking like he was trying to set the building ablaze. Thick smoke billowed from his lips, and his eyes glittered under the porch light.

“You’re Zoey, right?” he said, flicking ash onto the gravel.

I didn’t answer, I kept staring instead.

“You’re hot,” he added, stepping closer. “Gimme your number.”

“Not interested.” I rolled my eyes and then turned to leave but he moved fast.

One second I was heading back inside, the next, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

“Don’t be rude, baby,” he said, pulling me toward himself, his body pressed against mine.

Disgust rose in my throat, “Let go.” I hissed, trying to wriggle from him but he didn’t instead his grip tightened.

“You think you’re too good to talk to me?”

I shoved at his chest but he didn’t budge and that’s when I felt fear. Real, creeping fear that was about to knock me out but then I heard his voice

“Back off.” Theo hissed.

Relief poured into me like warm water. The grip on my wrist loosening immediately but not because the guy suddenly respected boundaries.

But because Theo was already grabbing him by the neck.

Theo slammed him against the wall of the porch with enough force to rattle him. His face twisted with rage as he drew back and punched him hard across his face.

He didn't stop there, he pushed him again, and then again but before he could repeat his action, I yelled, “Theo stop!” I shouted, grabbing his arm but he wasn’t listening.

When he finally stopped, the guy slumped to the ground, groaning as blood trickled from his nose. Theo stood over him, his chest heaving with his fists still clenched.

“She is not like those other girls so don't touch her,” he growled and then turned to me.

“Why are you doing this?” I huffed. “Why do you even care?”

“You know why.”

“No, I don’t! You let that girl grind on you like I wasn’t even in the room!” I said even before I could realize.

“You think I wanted that?”

“You didn’t stop her!”

“Because I was trying not to do this!” he shouted. “Not to fall into this mess with you again!”

“I don’t mean anything to you. You made that clear.” I snapped.

“And who told you that?” he shot back at me.

“I didn’t need anyone to, I can see it.”

He stared at me for a long time and with a quiet and rough voice, he said, “Move in with us. This happened because you’re alone. I can't allow it to happen again.”

“Why would I live with my enemy?” I scoffed, crossing my hands on my chest.

“I’ll leave instead,” he said. “Just… stay close to your brother, Leika.”

The way he said my name made my whole body stutter. The anger, the chaos, the fear, it all melted into something else, something dangerous.

I could’ve kissed him right then as I wanted to but I didn’t. I turned away, my heart pounding like a war drum.

“You don’t have to leave,” I whispered. “I’ll move in tomorrow.”