Destiny's Whisper by Elizabeth Moynihan Read Free Book Online

grimace.
    “I’d say someone’s practice session didn’t go so well today,” Dani offered, concern causing a small frown to appear between her eyes.
    “That idiot’s going to kill someone someday,” Sergei forecast as he listened to the echo of screeching tires fade away in the distance.
    “I’m just glad Chloe had the good sense to bring her own car,” Dani stated, recognizing the bright yellow VW Beetle in the parking lot, her frown lessening only marginally as she looked around the lot for her friend.
    “Now if she only had the good sense to drop that asshole of a partner; he’s a time-bomb waiting to explode!” Sergei concluded.
    “They’ve been together a long time, Sergei, five years. It’s not that easy to just switch partners, you know? Well, you don’t know, but you will soon enough. You’re liable to find yourself amazed at the amount of stuff you learn to tolerate when the alternative is starting all over with a new partner.”
    Sergei cast his sister a disbelieving look. “Right. I can’t wait to be abused, both mentally and physically, all for the sake of keeping a skating partner,” Sergei growled deeply.
    “There’s been no proof he’s ever abused her,” Dani fired back, a low blush tingeing her cheeks at her comment. No one had ever actually seen Andrew strike his partner, but to know Chloe off the ice and then see the change in her when her partner was near made it clear, something definitely wasn’t right. And then there were the bruises, always hidden by clothing, but impossible to hide while changing in the locker room.
    “You’ve seen the way he acts, not just to her, but to women in general. He’s an asshole, pure and simple, and someday he’s going to hurt her, it’s just a matter of when and how badly,” he argued.
    “I hope to God you’re wrong about that, Sergei. Chloe tries so hard to please Andrew, unfortunately, he seems to have turned into a person it’s impossible to please or satisfy. He finds fault with everything around him and her in particular. When he’s in the right mood, they’re wonderful together,”
    “And when he’s not in the right mood?” Sergei questioned, seeing the answer in his sister’s eyes without her saying a single word.
    “Don’t ask,” Dani finally answered quietly, a small frown making the corners of her generally smiling mouth turn down.
    They continued their walk toward the building’s entrance in silence. Sergei held the door for his sister as they entered through the double doors of the ice house. Hurried greetings of welcome were exchanged as they passed friends in the lobby and made their way toward their respective locker rooms.
    “Ten minutes, Sergei. Whittaker said seven-thirty and you know how he hates to be kept waiting,” Dani needlessly reminded her brother, pointing at the watch on her wrist.
    “The day I keep you waiting is the day the world comes to an end,” Sergei growled at his sister, a teasing smile lighting his eyes. “Five bucks says I’m on the ice before you,”
    “I’m not going to risk breaking a nail for five dollars; make it ten and you’re on!” Dani threw back, her look full of challenge.
    Sergei smiled at his younger sister, so grown up in some ways and felt a pang similar to what their father probably did when he looked at her. Where had the little girl that had tagged along behind him so adoringly gone? It was hard to believe this gorgeous young woman was his littler sister and the thought he was going to have to start keeping an eye on the guys that seemed to follow her like meek sheep popped into his head. He knew the days ahead were going to cause him major headaches.
    “You’re on!” he agreed and dashed into the locker room, the door closing with a whisper behind him, her barely heard ‘cheat’ reaching his ears through the doors.
    Seven minutes later, Dani burst through the double doors leading to the west ice rink, screaming ‘I win! I win!” and found her brother