The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 96

Bruce was no stranger to the law. Breaking it was his favorite hobby. I could still recall the moment he walked through the door of my father’s home, a permanent smirk etched onto his face along with that practiced swagger. From the moment he locked eyes with me, I knew he’d found his next punching bag.

I tried to keep my distance from him, during High School, but I was well aware of the shady activities he was involved in behind closed doors. Teens and adults alike. would show up at our door for all sorts of

things, most of which were illegally produced by his own hands. With my dad constantly out and my stepmother purposefully carefree, Bruce could bring over a serial killer and they’d be none the wiser.

Seven Years Ago

I’d come home earlier from school that day. Debate team was cancelled for the evening, so I had the

luxury of trekking home while there was still a hint of daylight. I was less fortunate to find Bruce’s truck parked in the driveway.

I paused at the door, my hand wrapped around the doorknob, as I debated going in. I didn’t have anywhere – or anyone

or anyone – else to run to, but dealing with Bruce seemed like a bigger hassle than just sitting on the swings at the elementary school’s playground until sundown.

With a sigh, I tried the door and found that it was unlocked. I pushed through, trying to keep my steps quiet as I shut the door behind me and took off my shoes. Bruce’s voice travelled down the hall, though he sounded preoccupied.

“Well, tell that asshole if he doesn’t give me my fair share by the end of the week, I’ll skin him alive,” he growled, and I heard winced when I heard glass shatter against the wall. “No, you will tell him!”

It wasn’t out of the ordinary to hear Bruce spout off violent threats, but I had yet to see him act on any of them. He wasn’t exactly strong in build, and his skin had the pallor of someone who barely touched the skin. Of course, I’d already learned not to underestimate his ability to manipulate others.

I slipped my backpack off my shoulders and walked into the kitchen. I grabbed

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one of the only decent looking apples out of the basket on the counter and took a small bite out of it, testing the taste. It had taken on the softened texture of a fruit far past its due date.

Scrunching my nose, I threw out the rest of them and turned to the grocery list on the refrigerator door.

The list was getting bigger and bigger, like they were expecting me to pull the weight when it came to grocery shopping. My salary was only so big and buying hundreds of dollars‘ worth of food meant little with Bruce’s impossible appetite.

I dropped my bag onto the floor and hopped onto one of the seats at the breakfast bar. I dropped my head in my hands and shook it violently, wondering when I’d wake up from this nightmare.

“Who’s out there?”

the hallway and walked into the kitchen, spotting me at one of the seats. He narrowed his eyes. at first before a crooked grin edged its way

other side of the counter. I looked down, letting my hair fall over my eyes and

“Bruce,” I said coldly.

along the counter and let out a chuckle. “I’ve

at

back. “I can show you a thing or two

bangs away and allowed him to take in my scrutinizing expression. He seemed pleased with this,

the master of

his foul breath fanning against my face. “It’s second nature to me. You just find someone’s

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shiver run down my spine, a mixture of fascination and unease. Bruce had always been enigmatic, but now he was being open about a side of himself that I’d only heard whispers of. He had a reputation for hacking into secure systems,

as the conversation was taking an unsettling turn, there was a knock at the door. Bruce tilted his head toward the door and lifted his eyebrows, a silent offering

asked obnoxiously. Briefly, he caught me staring and gave

who it is,” a familiar voice came through the door, already sounding agitated.

seemed to morph right then. His relaxed demeanor turned stiff and reserved as he opened the door and waved his visitors inside. When I saw who walked through,

his expression stern. He didn’t notice me sitting there with his back turned and his attention set solely on

him, his tone dripping with false cheer. “Well, look who we have here. Timothy, what

no time, his voice laced with irritation. “Cut the crap, Bruce. Where are those CDs we

onto Timothy’s. “Ah, yes, the CDs. Well, it seems the

his patience wearing thin. “You can’t just change the price like that, Bruce. We agreed on

chuckled darkly, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Fair is such a subjective term, Timothy. But don’t

my chest. There was an air of danger in the room, and

low and controlled. “Fine, Bruce. Just tell us

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Chapter 96

22 Mar

grin, and he turned his attention to me. “How about this, Timothy? I’ll throw in Evie as part of the deal. That should balance

fell on me and I ducked my head, feeling the heat rush

sharp and unwavering. “You nasty

His eyes were on Bruce, but there was a passion behind his glare that made my chest tighten