Love Game

Chapter Twenty-Three - The Return of Seguin

My body was numb. I couldn't move as I stood in the tunnel of Pepsi Center, seeing a familiar face that I knew all too well. His tongue flicked over his pink lips as he stared at me in satisfaction. Why was I alone in a tunnel with him again? I was planning on meeting Dougie before the game, talking shit about each other, but instead I was greeted by Tyler Seguin; the man I hated the most at the moment.

"Hello, Mallory," he sneers, a smirk spreading across his face. "How lovely it is to see you again."

"Fuck off," I snap, crossing my arms over my chest. I despised this man, if you didn't already know.

He chuckles and shakes his head as he approaches me. My breathing hitches as I feel his hot breath on my face. His breath lingered of scotch and mint. He was drinking already? Charming.

"I just wanted to talk to you, s'all," the words roll off his tongue like venom. "What's a pretty girl like you doing all alone out here?"

"I was expecting Dougie, not you. You pile of shit," I growl through my teeth, narrowing my blue eyes at him.

"No need to be sassy, princess," he chuckles a cocky laugh, brushing a piece of my auburn hair behind my ear.

"Don't touch me," I smack his hand away from me, leaving a red mark on his skin.

He chuckles again, pressing his hands against my shoulders and pinning me against the wall. I try to kick him in the groin, but his reflexes are quicker than mine. He is stronger than me too, pinning me now with more force than ever before.

I try calling for help, but he presses his mouth against mine, quieting my plead. He forces his tongue deep into my mouth, making me want to vomit right here on the spot. I screw my eyes shut as I pray for this to pass, or someone to save me. Because I sure as hell couldn't save myself at the moment.

"Just relax," he whispers against my lips. "Don't make me slip something into your Gatorade bottle."

"Excuse me?" I gasp, my eyes growing wide.

"You didn't know, princess? I drugged you that night at Marchy's house. It was the only way I could get you to loosen up," he smirks, running his hands up and down my thighs. That bastard...

"You... You drugged me?" reality hits me like a slap shot. Of course he drugged me. If I recall, I only had two shots of vodka that night. I wasn't that much of a lightweight.

"I wanted you for so long, Mallory. It was the only sensible thing to do," he strokes his long fingers against my jaw line.

I finally broke free of him as my right hand came into contact with his cheek. His head snapped to the side. Did I really hit him that hard?

"You bitch!" Tyler exclaims, grabbing hold of my wrist and pinning it above my head. "You don't touch me that way!"

"Oh, but you can drug me and rape me? That's okay, isn't it Tyler? That's perfectly fine. But if I slap that smirk off your face, it's suddenly a big deal?" I growl at him, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Fuck you," he growls, narrowing his eyes right back.

"You ruined my life! I have nightmares because of you. I can't even figure out who I am because of what you did to me. I'm so confused about my entire life because you fucked me up mentally and emotionally. So, no Tyler. Fuck you!" I shout at him, forcing back the tears brimming from my eyes.

He releases my wrist and steps away from me. His brown eyes soften as they trail up and down my body. The tears slowly start rolling down my cheeks as I stare at him, hoping he doesn't pull another dick move. It wouldn't surprise me. Nothing surprises me anymore.

"Look at you," he whispers, sticking his hands out and gesturing towards my body.

"What about me?" I whisper, wiping my eyes.

"I ruined you," he mumbles. "I fucking ruined you. You're not that brave, fearless girl anymore, aren't you?"

"I haven't felt brave lately," I reply softly, looking down at the floor and brushing a piece of hair behind my ear.

"Because I took your bravery. I can see it now. But you had the courage to slap the shit out of me," he states, forcing a smile.

"Because I was very upset," I look up at him, biting my lip.

"I don't blame you," he replies, sighing in defeat. "You should knock me on my ass tonight."

"I think Gabe is already planning on doing that for me," I force a laugh and smile.

"I deserve it," he sighs, taking a step towards me but I immediately push him away. "Mallory, I'm really sorry. I put you through hell."

"You sure did," I mumble, pressing my hand against his chest. "But I guess it will make me stronger."

"Struggles and complications make us who we are. Do you know what I see under your fear, Mallory? I see a brave warrior, refusing to let anything or anyone get in her way. I see fire deep in those blue eyes of yours. I see passion burning in your soul." Tyler says softly and sincerely.

"I'm still going to hate you for a while," I sniffle.

"Understandable," he chuckles. "Take as much time as you need. I know I'm an asshole and I did a lot of shit to you, but I want to be your friend. I mean, if that's okay."

"I'll think about it. Thank you for at least telling me the truth." I run my fingers through my hair.

I tense when he leans in and kisses my forehead. He gives me a sincere smile before turning off into the tunnel. I sigh to myself and then I hear a cough in the distance. I snap my head to the left and I see Varly leaning up against the wall. Oh, God. I don't feel like talking to him right now, especially after my experience with Tyler just a moment ago.

"How long have you been standing there?" I whisper, leaning back into the wall and looking at the floor.

"I heard you two arguing. I got here once he backed away from you and spilled his guts," he replies, walking towards me and embracing me in a hug. "I'm here for you."

"I know, Varly. You're such a good friend," I whisper, holding onto him tightly.

He sighs at my description of him, but continues to hold me tighter. He runs his fingers through my hair, but then pulls away from me.

"We have some Bruins booty to kick," he smiles at me, wiping my cheeks dry with his thumb.

"That we do," I laugh, soon following him into the locker room.

A/N --- brb crying because Paul Stastny isn't an Av anymore. Sorry if there are typos. I wrote this on my iPod again. Next chapter will be longer, hopefully.