A Hockey Player's Guide To Deception

Chapter Thirty-One

Kayla woke up to a pounding headache that sent waves of pain through her skull. A dull, relentless thump pulsed behind her left temple, each beat sharper than the last. She hissed through her teeth and sank back against the bed, muttering a string of incoherent, pained words as the room spun around her.

"Take it easy," a low voice said.

She blinked, the room slowly settling into shape. Louis sat on the edge a chair beside the bed, elbows on his knees, watching her with furrowed brows.

"Louis...?" Her voice came out hoarse.

He exhaled in relief, leaning back slightly. "You're awake. Thank God. You've been out for eight hours."

Her brain struggled to piece together the fragments that led to this throbbing pain. The game, the weight of another body slamming into hers, a blur of chaos, of bodies colliding....and then nothing. She lifted a trembling hand to her temple and winced as a sharp sting shot through her head again. 

She groaned, "What happened?"

"You passed out on the ice," Louis said quietly. 

"They said it was a mild concussion," He explained.

 "They thought it'd be better if you rested somewhere quiet. I'm supposed to let them know when you wake up so they can check your vitals."

Kayla's eyes drifted toward his face and caught sight of a thick bandage wrapped around his head, a large patch of gauze peeking out from beneath it. The sight triggered a flash of memory the image of him, fists flying, slamming into the other guy's face with unfiltered fury.

"Are you okay?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me," Louis said quickly, his tone clipped.

"But--"

"But nothing," he cut in, jaw tightening. "I'm fine."

Kayla fell silent, watching him. His eyes were dark, still burning with the remnants of anger, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.

"You know...." she said quietly, "you didn't have to do that."

Louis's gaze snapped to her, his brows knitting together. "That guy came at you unprovoked. He deserved everything I did...and more."

"He's obviously an ass, but--"

"Did you hear what he called you?" Louis interrupted, his voice rising. He shook his head in disbelief, pacing a few steps before running a hand through his hair. "No excuses. He had it coming."

Kayla watched him, her lips falling into a lop-sided smile, "Thank You."

"It's the least I could do," Louis said, his voice softening. Kayla managed a weak grin. 

"Remind me not to get into fistfights with you," she teased.

"I would never hit you," he replied firmly, shaking his head. His expression was so serious that it almost made her laugh.

She rolled her eyes, the corners of her lips tugging upward. "Relax, I'm just pulling your leg, buddy."

Louis huffed a small chuckle, but his gaze stayed fixed on her, concerned.

"And by the way... where am I?" she asked, trying to push herself up. The moment she did, a sharp streak of pain tore through her head, forcing her to stop mid-motion with a soft groan.

"Whoa, chill" Louis said quickly, leaning forward. He adjusted her pillow, easing her back until she was lying flat again. "Better?"

She nodded faintly, closing her eyes for a second.