Page 206 of Don't Fall for the Goalie

---

Fear permanently in my stomach, eating me from the inside out.

I hear Peyton following behind me, her footsteps soft and careful. Like she’s trying not to make too much noise. Trying not to upset me.

That somehow makes it worse.

Because she’s good.

Too fucking good.

But my biggest fear hounds me.

What if I become him anyway?

The thought hits hard enough to make nausea twist violently in my stomach.

I can’t be near anyone right now.

Especially not her.

Without looking back, I head for the stairs leading up to the loft.

“Daltyn?”

I stop for half a second, my hand tightening on the railing.

Don’t look at her.

Because if I do, I might break apart completely.

“I just need a minute.” My voice sounds rough. Wrong.

Then I keep walking.

I disappear into the loft without looking back, leaving Peyton standing alone downstairs while the silence swallows the cabin whole.

55

DALTYN

I don’t sleep.

I try.

God, I try.

But every time I close my eyes, I see Ethan flinch.

I hear my father’s voice.

I feel bruises aching beneath my skin that disappeared years ago.

The loft feels too small tonight. Too quiet.

I sit on the edge of the bed with my elbows braced against my knees while darkness presses heavily around me.

The cabin creaks softly beneath the mountain wind outside.

Normally, I like the quiet.

---