Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 168

Hands Off The lee King

168: HOPE

Hope’s POV

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“Hey, Hope. Want to come to the after-party?” Desmond asked as he came out of the press conference room. That meant Levi was up next, and we were going to reunite again.

Alright, maybe “reunite” was too dramatic. It had only been half an hour at most.

Was this the honeymoon phase people always talked about? I just loved being with Levi. Gosh, my face was warming up just thinking about him. Every little moment apart made me look forward to seeing him again.

“Stop thinking about Levi for a moment and answer me, Hope.”

I was snapped back to reality. “I wasn’t thinking about Levi-”

“There’s no use denying it, Hope. Your face is as red as a cherry.”

I let out a deep breath and shook my head, unable to hide my smile. “What time is the party?”

“At six,” he said with a grin. “It’ll be at a family-friendly restaurant. No alcohol. Levi banned me from organizing parties with alcohol.”

“Oh,” I muttered, tilting my head to the side, wondering why that was. “I just have to tell my brother and parents…”

“I already invited them. Harley already agreed. Don’t worry. A lot of the team’s families are going to be there too. It’s going to be family-friendly, just like the restaurant.”

I scratched the back of my neck. Figures. Harley would never miss a chance to hang out with the team.

“I’ll go too, then.”

“Sweet,” Desmond said, bringing out his phone. “I just texted you the address. Don’t bail, okay?”

I giggled and nodded, watching as he answered a call.

“Hey, babe-”

I shook my head as he walked away.

Talking to another girl, huh?

I understood Lia more and more, and why she didn’t want to confess her feelings to him.

I glanced at the door Levi would come out of. It wouldn’t be for a little while, right? I could still go to the restroom.

Well, nature calls.

I walked to the restroom and did my business, but the moment I stepped out of one of the stalls, I was greeted by a familiar

face.

I nearly jumped in shock.

My hand flew to my chest as my heart pounded wildly, but I quickly recovered, straightening my spine.

“What are you doing here, Connor? You’re not allowed in the women’s restroom. And since the final game is over, you’re not part of this team anymore.”

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He didn’t answer right away.

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His jaw clenched tightly, the muscles twitching.

He looked miserable.

He was wearing an oversized shirt that looked like it hadn’t been ironed-or even washed–and a pair of worn out basketball shorts.

He looked thinner than before, his cheeks slightly hollow, and the stench of mildew mixed with alcohol clung to him. The smell was so strong that I instinctively took a step back.

“You… you’re really happy, aren’t you?”

I pursed my lips before deciding to answer him honestly.

“Yes, I am. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“Is Levi that good to you?”

“He is,” I answered without a second of hesitation. “He doesn’t live off me. He treats my family well. He and Harley get along. And he’s the best player there is,” I said with a small, proud smirk.

“Fuck,” he cursed loudly, making me take another cautious step back.

I could scream and call for help. But I was afraid he would hurt me before anyone could get here.

“Can’t you be with me?” His voice cracked. “Let’s have a fresh, new start. I’ll be loyal to you from now on. I promise I won’t cheat again, Hope. Just… help me, please. Help me get back on my own two feet again.”

“No, thank you,” I muttered quietly. “You weren’t loyal to me when you started getting everything you wanted. Now that you have nothing, suddenly you want me by your side again.”

“Levi… Levi wants to be there for me even when he has everything. In fact, he treats me like I’m his everything. He never tries to make me feel inferior, the way you always did.”

I met his eyes without backing down.

“So just stop, Connor. Whatever situation you’re in now, improve it yourself. Don’t depend on other people for your success or your happiness.”

I wished those words would get through to him. But instead, something in his expression snapped.

He suddenly charged toward me.

“Wait, Connor. No-”

“Stop right there, bastard, before I send this clip to every team you’re applying for.”

Lia stepped out from one of the cubicles, her phone raised.

She had been recording.

Connor’s breath hitched.

“You already don’t have much of a chance with other teams,” she said coldly. “This will destroy your reputation even more. I can blur Hope’s face, and you’re fucking done.”

Relief washed over me, but it was only for a second.

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Connor suddenly turned and charged at Lia instead.

Everything happened so fast.

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Before I even realized what was happening, a crack echoed through the restroom, making me close my eyes. The moment I opened them again, I found Connor crumpled onto the floor.

I stared at Lia with wide eyes.

She casually cracked her knuckles as though she had merely stretched her fingers.

“It’s been a while.” she said, “but it seems I’ve still got it.”

“You… you just knocked him out with a single kick?”

She shrugged.

“I played most sports when I was younger.”

I looked down at Connor, wondering about his condition. However, Lia was already gently pulling me toward the exit before I could ponder upon it longer.

“Don’t mind him. He’s still alive. I’ll get security to drag his body out.”

I couldn’t even argue with her.

She was just… unbelievably cool.

The moment we stepped out of the restroom, I was suddenly pulled into familiar arms. Warm hands cupped my cheeks before soft lips brushed against mine.

“Where did you go?”

Well, it seemed Levi was already done with his interview.

“The restroom,” I answered, looking up at him.

His brows were still slightly furrowed, as though he had been looking everywhere for me.

“I missed you,” he murmured

My heart instantly melted.

“I missed you, too.”

“Oh, come on, guys,” Lia giggled. “You just saw each other an hour ago!”

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