chapter five

Another crashing sound pulled our attention back to the ice as number twenty-three slammed a player into the boards surrounding the rink and then stood over his unfortunate opponent for a few seconds, glaring down at him. This guy seemed to enjoy hitting other players more than actually playing the game.

He didn't have much time to revel in his aggressive display though because he instantly found himself engulfed by an angry mob of opposing players. In turn, his teammates quickly rushed to his aid, and the umpires started frantically blowing their whistles and waving their arms trying to stop the ensuing scuffle.

Jennie started fanning her face. "That's hot."

I shoved my shoulder into hers. "You've clearly lived in the cold far too long," I said. "You're losing it."

"What?" She protested. "I like it a little rough."

"Uh, Jen, are we still talking about hockey?"

"Of course!" She pressed her hand to her chest in a show of feigned shock and then waved her hand at the crowd around us, who were only cheering louder as the umpires struggled to end the commotion on the ice. "And I'm not the only one who likes it."

All I could do was sigh in response. I really was out of my depth here.

"My poor, hockey-deprived Virginia," Jennie continued. "How much you still have to learn about living in Beverly Hills. It's okay, will get you there eventually." She slung an arm over my shoulder and returned her attention to the game. The brawl had finally ended, and number twenty-three was making his way off the ice.

"Speaking of hot and rough," Jennie said.

"That's one of the Darling Devils. He's going to the penalty box for the hit that started the fight."

"The who?"

"The Darling Devils. You know, the Darling brothers." She spoke like she was stating something painfully obvious.

"And who exactly are they?"

"You've never heard of them?"

"Well..." Jennie drew the word out, and I could see she was only too happy to explain. "The Darling brothers are three of the best players in the state. The play for the Riverdale Devils, and they're lethal."

Her voice lowered slightly as she continued, but her eyes were still sparkling with excitement. " I'm not just talking about hockey either. They have a pretty bad reputation off the ice too. People around here have a lot to say about those boys."

I frowned down at the Devils player who had just entered the penalty box. I could just make out the name " Darling" printed across the back of his jersey.

"That's Ethan Darling," Jennie said, nodding in his direction. "He's the Riverdale Devil's Captain. He's destined for the NHL, but people say he's an even bigger player off the ice."

"Sounds like a great guy." My voice was thick with sarcasm.

"Sure, if bad boy is your type," Jen continued. "I heard he had to miss school last year because he got sent to juvie."

"Lovely," I replied. "I'm sure his mother is very proud."

Jennie smirked. "Well, his mother did something right; he is one fine specimen."

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