Chapter 26 The Choice
Rafe’s POV
The words left my mouth before I could stop them, echoing slightly through the entire rink. Avery turned to face me instantly, confused by the strange tone in my voice.
Shawn, however, looked like I had just punched him across the face, pure panic flooded him as he realized the impossible choice I had accidentally thrown into the open.
Him fucking me tonight… or going to meet Avery’s parents.
“Why is that so shocking to you, huh?” Avery’s voice cut through my thoughts, her eyes flickering between Shawn and me. “We’ve been together for three years, so it’s high time he makes a decision.”
My gaze was still locked on Shawn even as Avery faced me, I could see the war happening behind his eyes. Part of me wanted to stay quiet, let him drown in it. Another part — the jealous, possessive part couldn't let Avery win against me this time.
“Look, Avery…”I started, stepping towards her, “Shawn can’t afford any distractions right now, especially with the game coming up soon. This is the biggest play of our lives and if he’s not one hundred percent focused, it could cost him…cost all of us…
“The coach already rode our asses today, and that's a more valid reason why Shawn needs to rest, prepare, and keep his head clear. Meeting your parents tonight would mess with that.”
The instant I said those words, Avery's eyes narrowed dangerously. She crossed her arms, shifting her weight as she sized me up.
“Since when do you speak for him? You’re just his teammate, and honestly? It sounds to me like you’re jealous. I mean…look at you, maybe you wish you were the one he was spending his nights with instead of me.”
What the fuck did this bitch just say to me?
Hest rushed to my face immediately, her words forcing back the memory of Shawn’s mouth on mine a while ago in the bathroom, his hand stroking my cock mercilessly while he growled into my mouth that my ass belonged to him.
“Are you kidding me? I’m jealous of your boyfriend?” A bitter laughter tears out of me before I can stop it, taking another step closer. “You’re the one forcing him to make a decision when he’s clearly not ready. Three years or not, if he says he needs to focus on his career, maybe you should listen instead of giving ultimatums like some spoiled—”
“How dare you call me spoiled!” Avery barked, her voice thundering through the entire rink. “You jealous son of a bitch!”
The words snapped something inside me instantly, the jealousy, the frustration, the ache between my legs from being left by Shawn desperate earlier — it all boiled over.
“Maybe if you actually cared about what he wants instead of forcing him into some picture-perfect future.” I snapped back, stepping close until there was no inch of space between Avery and me. “Your pretty little boyfriend wouldn’t be so fucking distracted all the time. Hell, maybe if you knew what he really—”
“Enough! Both of you!”
As if sensing what I was just about to blurt out, Shawn moved fast. He was suddenly between us, one hand slamming against my chest to shut me up.
“Navarro,” his voice dropped low, only to my hearing. “Don’t you dare say a word.”
Holy shit!
I had been seconds away from blurting out the truth — that we had fucked. The secret was right there on the tip of my tongue, burning to come out.
Shawn turned to face Avery soon after, the expression on his face shifting into something softer, more controlled. He moved closer to her, gently taking her hands in his. “Avery… I want to save our relationship, and you’re right about that…we’ve been together a long time.”
He swallowed hard, his gaze flicking to me for the briefest second before returning to her. “I’ll meet your parents tonight.”
What the—!
The words hit me like a hard slap across the face, the sheer brutality of it forcing me to stagger backwards.
“Are you serious!” Avery’s face lit up with relief and triumph as she threw her arms around Shawn’s neck, pulling him into a tight hug. “Thank you, baby. I knew you’d choose us…and trust me, Mom and Dad are going to love you!”
Shawn hugged her back without thinking twice about it, but his eyes were still locked on mine over her shoulder.
There was an expression of guilt etched across his face…and something else I couldn’t quite figure out yet.
I stood frozen on the ice, my knuckles clenched tightly at my sides, so that the bandages on them started to stain red again.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!
Like seriously?
Was he choosing her over me?
After the way he’d just kissed me minutes ago in the bathroom, stroked my cock shamelessly while he made me beg—
And he was still choosing her?
The jealousy that had been simmering all day flared into something ugly and painful. I wanted to scream at him, drag him away, and remind him exactly how he had sounded when he pleaded for my cock.
But instead, I forced my face into a cold mask. “Whatever,” I muttered, my voice coming out harsher than intended. “Good luck with the parents, Captain.”
I turned and headed towards my gear, which lay uselessly on the floor before either of them could say anything else. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.
How dare he promise something else and then do an entirely different thing? As I reached the exit door of the rink, I glanced back one last time to see Shawn’s eyes still watching me, Avery clinging happily to his side.
Our eyes met.
And for one brief moment, I saw the same conflict tearing him apart that was tearing me apart.
Fucking backstabber!
Without thinking twice, I pushed through the door and left them behind. I swear…this time, there was going to be no forgiveness, Shawn.