The Hockey Roommate's Filthy Desire novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

ARIA’S POV

I woke up to warmth.

For a second, I forgot everything, the clinic, the

hallway, the way the world had tilted beneath me.

Then the dull ache behind my eyes reminded me.

I shifted slightly, expecting emptiness.

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Instead, I found a tray on my bedside table. Tea. Toast. Honey on the side. And a note. My fingers felt slower than usual as I reached for it.

Eat. Rest. I’ll be back soon.

A small, involuntary smile curved my lips.

He had an early appointment. He must have left quietly. The tea was still warm, not hot, but warm enough to mean he hadn’t been gone long.

I traced the edge of the note once before setting it down. Julian didn’t do “soft.” And yet. He’d slept on the couch. He’d carried me. He’d made breakfast.

The headache pulsed again, sharper this time.

Right. Fever. Fainting. Humiliation. I pushed the covers back slowly and stood. The room didn’t spin this time, just a mild sway. Manageable.

I freshened up, brushed my teeth, splashed cool water on my face until I looked slightly more alive. When I returned to bed, I sat cross–legged and ate slowly.

The toast was perfect. Of course it was. The tea soothed my throat. The honey cut the bitterness.

I shouldn’t have found it this comforting. I finished most of it before the exhaustion crept back in.

A nap would help. Just thirty minutes. I lay back down, pulling the blanket to my chin and then my phone buzzed. I groaned softly and reached for it.

Luca.

My stomach dropped. I’m outside. We need to talk. It’s urgent.

I stared at the message, irritation burning through the lingering weakness. I typed back immediately.

Leave,

Three dots appeared. Aria, please. It’s an emergency. My jaw tightened.

Then call campus security. Not me.

A pause. Then: This isn’t something I can say over the phone. Please. Just come downstairs.

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11:06 am M

Chapter 13

I shouldn’t have cared. But what if something actually happened? What if… I cursed under my breath. Stupid. I grabbed my coat and slipped into my shoes. I didn’t tell Julian.

He was in an appointment. And I would be back upstairs in five minutes. Five controlled minutes. When I stepped outside the building, cold air hit my face. Luca was leaning against his car.

He looked terrible. Red eyes. Unshaven. Rumpled. Not composed. Not charming. Just wrecked. My patience evaporated instantly. “What emergency?” I demanded.

He straightened, relief flashing across his face like I’d already forgiven him just by showing up. “You came.”

“That’s not an answer.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I needed to see you.”

My expression hardened. “You lied.”

“I didn’t know how else to get you to come down.”

Anger flared hot and fast. “You said it was urgent.”

“It is,” he insisted. “You’re making a mistake.”

A bitter laugh left me. “Is this an emergency? Your ego?”

His jaw clenched. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

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“Act like this is nothing. Like we were nothing.” I folded my arms across my chest, ignoring the wave of dizziness that followed the movement.

“What do you want from me, Luca?”

“I want you back.” His voice cracked slightly. “I made mistakes. I know that. I handled things badly. But you don’t belong with him.”

I blinked slowly. “Excuse me?”

“You’re using him,” he said, stepping closer. “You’re angry at me. I get it. But dragging Julian into this…”

I laughed outright this time. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

His eyes darkened. “You’re not in your right state of mind.”

“I’m perfectly clear.”

“You’re sick, Aria. You fainted yesterday. You’re vulnerable. You’re reacting emotionally.”

“No,” I said evenly. “I’m choosing clearly.”

He shook his head. “You’re trying to hurt me.”

“If I were trying to hurt you,” I replied quietly, “I would’ve done it a long time ago.” Silence stretched. “I would choose Julian over you a thousand times,” I said. “On my worst day. In my worst mood. Without hesitation.”

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Chapter 13

The words landed like a physical blow. His face hardened. “You don’t mean that.”

“I do.” Something shifted in his expression then, not sadness, Frustration. Possession. He grabbed my wrist. My breath caught.

“Let go.”

“You’re not thinking straight.”

“Luca.”

“I’m doing this because I care about you.” His grip tightened. Pain shot up my arm.

“I said let go.”

“I’m taking you somewhere we can talk properly.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. “I am not going anywhere with you.” I tried to pull back. He was stronger. And I was still weak. My balance faltered as he tugged me toward his car.

“Stop!” I snapped, struggling harder now.

“Aria, calm down…”

“I said let go!” The world tilted slightly. My head pounded. He reached for the passenger door handle. And then–A blur of movement. A violent crack of impact.

Luca’s head snapped sideways as Julian’s fist connected with his jaw. The sound was sickening.

Luca staggered back, losing his grip on me

immediately.

I stumbled, but before I could fall, Julian was there, one arm locking around my waist, pulling me firmly behind him. Secure. Shielded. Julian’s voice when he spoke was ice.

“Touch her again.”

Luca spat blood onto the pavement. “You broke my…” He winced, clutching his jaw.

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