Holiday Hockey Tale The Icebreaker's Impasse (By Ivory Row) novel Chapter 70

Luci

Fireworks, he promised me. I definitely saw some come out of Marshall’s and the Humphries‘ ears. “We’re not done sweetness, don’t worry.” Easton whispers in my ear as he returns to his seat. “No one messes with my girl.”

The three ‘honorees‘ head for the tunnel and I see people throwing popcorn and a few other food items at them. One girl even dumps her water bottle on Humphries. “How do you like that asshole? Only funny for an innocent young girl, huh prick?” She throws at him.

“There aren’t any kids here.” I note and he smiles.

“We bought out the whole stadium tonight. No children under 17 were allowed. Knew it would upset you if any kids witnessed what was on the screen.”

I nod and grip his biceps. “You know me too well. Thank you. You didn’t have to do this.”

His hands wrap around the small of my back. “Not yet. I plan on spending lots of time learning all of Luci’s secrets. But I know how you feel about kids seeing things they shouldn’t.

Now let’s cheer on the football team. I want them to have their biggest game of the season without that asshole here.”

I lean against him as we watch them dominate tonight. It’s like they are unstoppable after what happened. Sydney wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Never thought we’d be screaming Julian or Deacon’s names happily!”

“So true!”

They win by over thirty points and the whole stadium goes nuts. At the end, Julian and five of his other teammates approach our section. “Game balls go to you ladies tonight.” They hand one to each of Marshall’s victims and then one to Sydney and Stormi.

I grab Julian’s hand and lean over to hug him. Easton growls behind me. “I forgive you. Not for this tonight, but because you have changed. I saw you stand up for that guy in the hallway yesterday that some other guy shoved. Make sure you forgive yourself. It’s over and you have a chance to be a really good person. Don’t hold onto the anger and self–reproach ok?”

He actually tears up and swallows hard. “You’re special, Luci Forrester. If you decide you can’t handle her, Easton, there might be a line waiting for a chance.” He winks at me with a teasing grin as I’m yanked back and wrapped up by my favorite hockey player.

“I’m not a moron, Julian. Keep your hands off my girl.” His whole tone is possessive.

“Meet you outside. We’re not showering yet.” Julian says ominously.

I look around worriedly. “Precaution sweetness. Just in case they are stupid and hung around. Let’s go home. I’m staying with you tonight. And you’re coming home with me tomorrow after we pick up Cole. Sydney is going home with Banning all weekend.”

No sign of them as we make our way to everyone’s vehicles. “Late dinner at the campus diner?” Becker yells at us.

We all agree. Next to Easton’s truck, he leans down to kiss me before we drive to the diner. I open my door to climb out and a large hand wraps around my arm. Marshall stands there glaring at me as he yanks me behind him, heading for the side of the building.

“What. Did. You. Do?” He snarls.

“Let her go asshole or you’ll die.” Becker shouts as he runs my way. Jackson shouts my name too.

“Back the f**k out of this hockey assholes!” Marshall sneers as I try to dig my heels in.

“Such wit. No wonder you need a football career.” Kingston says quickly. Easton is charging our way and Marshall squeezes my arm painfully. “Little slut. Sleeping with the hockey team too. She likes to find the most valuable players, Reed. He’s nothing more than a player. Cold and not worth anyone’s time.” His fingers tighten and I slap him across the face.

“You are nothing. Don’t you dare insult him or them. They are a thousand times better than you.” He reaches back to hit me and Banning grabs his arm and neck. He squeezes painfully and Marshall hits his knees. “I have been waiting three years for someone to hurt you.” He throws him into the dirt with Marshall jumping to his feet. “Come on asshole. Take a swing at me.”

“You’ll go to jail and lose your kid.” He threatens Banning.

“Ahhh, I saw you assault the lady first. Self–defense right, Bill?” Officer Perkins from Cole’s accident scene, says to his partner as he hooks his thumbs in his belt. They stand behind us.

“All night long.” The second officer adds.

Marshall tries to circle Banning and then rushes at him. He punches him right in the face before backing out. “Too easy. Pathetic.” Banning backs away.

Marshall starts laughing. “You know Luci, here I thought you were so sweet and innocent. You’re like any other girl. Looking for the biggest payout. Willing to lie on your back to get ahead in life. Nothing more than an ordinary ball bunny whore.” A fist slams right across his face. Easton stands over him, his fury pulsing out of him. “Get up and insult her again.” He bites out with quiet rage.

Marshall stands and spits out blood. “You want to look all noble for her huh, Reed?” He swings at Easton, but he dodges him with Easton hitting him in the ribs.

A crowd is gathering to watch. “I won’t let you f*****g talk about her like that. It upsets me.”

Marshall chuckles. “Upsets you? How p***y whipped are you? You sound like a pushover.” Marshall tries to attack him again. Easton hits him quickly and he staggers back. He moves forward and grabs Marshall’s shirt before he slams his fist into his face again and again before punching him in the throat. Marshall gags and hits his knees.

“I’d make you apologize, but she doesn’t care. Making sure she doesn’t have to hear your voice again works better, fuckhead. Now let me see. You threatened to hit her while she was battered and bruised in the hospital. You got off on her fear. How does it feel to be on the receiving end? Which hand did he raise to you, sweetness? Right or left?” Easton stares down at Marshall, whose eye is already swollen shut along with a split lip.

“Easton….” I say trying to stop him.

“Answer him, Luci.” Jason Reed says gently.

“Ri…right.” Syd and Stormi come to stand on each side of me.

Jackson and Kingston move to hold Marshall in place with his hand on the ground. Easton stomps on it and you hear the bones crack. He howls in pain. “You won’t be playing anymore this season. Now get up!” He lifts him by his throat and slams him into the building. “Look at her! You won’t set eyes on her again. Because if you do, I will remove them with a spoon and feed them to you. Along with your tongue for speaking to her. She’s mine and you will never forget that. You lost everything tonight because you are a worthless piece of shit.” Easton releases him to let him crumple into a heap on the ground.

The two cops move in. “Up you go, Soames. We’ll stop by the hospital before we book you. Still gotta handcuff you, which is going to be painful for you. Miss Luci, you want to press charges?”

“Yes.” I say softly.

“You can always drop them later. But it’ll make a nice extra story if his mugshot gets leaked. I do love my job some days.” Officer Perkins winks at me.

“I’ll have barbecue delivered to the station, gentlemen. Since this interrupted your dinner.”

Jason offers.

“Very kind of you Mr. Reed.” They say walking off.

Easton is checking my arm already. “Fucker bruised you. Sorry, he was supposed to come at me, not you.”

“You’re hurt worse than me.” I grab his hands.

“You can kiss them and make them better after I clean them.” He jokes with a wink.

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