CHAPTER 3

Elissa's POV

“Another shot.” I said, a futile attempt to ignore the person behind me.

The bartender hesitated, glancing over my shoulders.

I knew how he was looking, and that was enough to tick me off.

“My eyes are down here, and I'd like another shot.” I said, noting the slowness in my movements.

The alcohol was kicking in.

“I think you've had enough.” Jason spoke.

I turned my head to the other side. I wanted nothing to remind me of those back-stabbing hockey players.

“I think I'm the one paying.” I narrowed my eyes at the bartender.

A crisp hundred dollar bill landed on the table before the bartender could move.

“Thank you for your service.”

The deep voice sent shivers down my spine, and the bloody memory I tried to forget came back up.

There was no way I could stay with him.

I stood up from my seat, ignoring the slight sway of my body.

Jason gripped my wrist, “Elissa, we need to talk.”

“I don't want to talk to you.” I snapped, wanting to pull my hand away, and ignore the electric sparks between our skins.

His eyes remained fixed on me, “You are drunk.”

I laughed bitterly, “What does it matter to you? I don't think you want to associate yourself with a thief, since you are the captain of the hockey team.”

His expression darkened and a muscle ticked in his jaw, “I heard.”

My shoulders sagged, “I'd be surprised if you didn't. Joe dumped me. Everyone, even the coach, hates me. I owe fifty thousand dollars that I didn't steal, and my mother is lying in a hospital bed waiting for medicine I can't afford.”

“I'm really bad luck so you can't be seen around me.” I turned around to pry his fingers off my wrist.

Strangely, he had already released me.

“I know you didn't steal the money.” Jason said.

And for that moment, I paused.

A prickling sense of hope rose in my chest but I didn't want to jump to conclusion.

“You can't just make statements you aren't sure of.” I countered.

He didn't respond, and merely pulled out a seat.

“Sit down, Elissa.”

I sat, without a retort.

Did my perspective of him change because he was giving me something no one else did?

Yeah, he was giving me a chance.

“I am sure of your character, and I know you didn't steal it, trust me.”

I nodded. There was no other choice.

Handling everything on my own would be a disaster.

But it was something different when it was the captain of the hockey team standing up for me.

I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose, “If you say this outside, you are going to get into trouble, Captain Myers.”

He laughed, it was a deep, rich sound.

It was no mystery why the ladies were swooning over him.

In the next moment, I saw a strange expression flash across his face, and he looked at me intently.

“You should stop working here.”

I scoffed, “And let my mother die on the sickbed? That's a fat no.”

Before he could reply, laughter erupted from the door of the club.

It was so familiar that it made me turn.

Damn it. What were these guys doing here?

The voice came instantly.

“What a surprise. To think we'd meet the thief.” Vanessa said, “She's even drinking away our money.”

I ignored her words, and my eyes zeroed in on Joe's arm around her waist.

It hadn't been up to a day, and they were already in each other's faces.

Heat flushed to my cheeks and I looked away.

“Captain, you shouldn't be around someone like her. And that's why I dumped her.” Joe's voice came and I felt so small.

Why was he being so cruel?

“Jason. Better be careful or she'd steal your wallet too.” Vanessa's voice mocked me.

The entire group burst into laughter.

I stood up so quickly that the chair scraped the floor.

“I didn't steal any money. So get your proof right before you try and attack me.”

“But you were in charge of the money?” Vanessa smirked, “So where's it?”

I went mute. The money was still nowhere to be found.

“I thought breaking up with you would make you reflect, but you came here and ended up rubbing your body on another man. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Joe spat, his eyes filled with disgust.

“Mind your words, Joe.” Jason spoke up for the first time since the drama. “Unless you want to leave the hockey team.”

Joe's expression darkened, “This isn't funny, Jason.”

“Does it look like I'm laughing?” Jason answered.

“Elissa is my girlfriend. So, any word against her is talking against me.” He rose to his feet. “And I'm pretty sure none of you want to do that?”

It took a moment before everything could register in my mind.

What the heck did he just say?

Girlfriend?

No! Hell no!

I'm done.

I pulled my hand from his hold, and grabbed my bags.

If he wanted to help me, why do I have to appear like I seduced him?

“I didn't ask for your help and I am not your girlfriend. I'd find out who took the money without anyone's help.”

I said, instantly walking out of the room.

If I needed anyone’s help, it was definitely not from Jason.

He would only bring more attention my way.

“Elissa wait, stop being so stubborn!”

Being stubborn is saving me from so much right now.

I thought and walked out the door.

Away from the mocking laughter.

And away from the hockey captain who would put me in deep trouble.

I heard the footsteps behind me.

“Damn it, Elissa. I'm trying to assist you here.” Jason grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

“I didn't ask for your help.” I said, trying to control my movements.

Everywhere was starting to look funny.

“I didn't and I never would, Jason. I don't want any more attention than I already have. Seducing the hockey captain just to hide the fact that I was a thief? Do you know how the school paper would eat that up?”

I shook my head, “No. I'm tired. Why are you even doing this?”