CHAPTER 2

ANASTASIA

I dragged my two large suitcases as I stood right in front of the big building that had a big name written at the top. ‘New York Titans.’

I pushed the glass doors of the building and stepped inside.

The wheels of my suitcases were making loud noises on the floor and I couldn't but notice immediately how completely out of place I looked.

The lobby has displays of old championship trophies and framed jerseys. Though deeply, I was genuinely happy for how far my brother had come but at this moment, with a lot going on, I couldn't just bring myself to admire any of it.

My arms ached so bad from carrying my very heavy camera bag as I slowly dropped the handles of my bag, resting my hands on my hips while I waited by the security desk.

Kier had called earlier to let me know he'd be bringing the keys for me instead, so I've had no choice but to shut the messy thoughts of mind and be patient.

Luckily, it didn't take long for him to appear.

Kier walked out from the back and was still on his official team track jacket and athletic sneakers.

I raised my hands a little higher and made a small wave. It had been a while since we had seen each other, we only spoke mostly through the phone.

Kier didn't smile back, as expected.

He only gave me a very strict look before even saying hello.

He stopped a few feet away, reaching into his pocket and pulled out a key which was attached to a simple plastic ring.

"Here is the spare apartment key," Kier said, and he dropped it into my open palm, but he did not let go of the keychain immediately.

He leaned down slightly, leaving me no choice but to look into his eyes, and his voice came out low and clear.

"I am going to say this one more time, Ana. You cannot hang around the rink, and you cannot distract my teammates. The Titans are under intense pressure to win the championship this season, and the management is watching every single move we make. I am letting you stay at my place because you are my sister, but my work comes first, and I cannot have any trouble."

I nodded quickly, only because I wanted him to stop talking and I immediately pulled the key from his grip.

"I understand, Kier and I assure you about that. You have already told me all of this on the phone, and I am not here to cause trouble for your team."

"Good, because I don't want to find out you're wandering around the facilities," Kier said, and he looked down at his watch, his expression turning hurried. "The team meeting starts in five minutes, and the coach penalizes anyone who is late by even a few seconds. Take a cab to the apartment, get yourself settled in, and I will be home after official practice ends later tonight."

"Okay, I will see you at the apartment," I replied.

I watched Kier turn around and walk back through the back door again, leaving me in a daring thought.

‘I really also don't want to be here, Kier. I just need you all to trust me.’

I whispered mainly to myself.

I stared down at the key in my hand and frustration hit me at once.

I definitely did not want to sit in his apartment all day, doing nothing and starting to feel sorry for myself while I thought about how pathetic my life had become.

In any way possible, I just needed to fix my career as soon as I could. And that could be possible by starting it solo for now to get clients.

Like maybe taking some high quality sport photography to find a job as soon as I could, then updating my professional portfolio. One thing I was definitely sure of was that I was definitely good at my job.

That was the only way I could ever hope to get new clients and clear my name in this industry.

An idea clicked in my head that instant and a bright smile spread across my lips.

I looked over at the security desk, but the guard was really focused on the computer screen right in front of him and paying no single attention to me.

I immediately grabbed my suitcases and moved them behind a large decorative plant near the entrance and swung my camera bag securely over my shoulder.

Kier had given me a strict warning to leave but then this girl right here was desperate to prove herself.

I walked past the front desk, moving as quietly as I could and I found a set of stairs that led up to the higher part of the building.

The top was completely silent and I was starting to beat myself for doing this, making it clear this was going to be a bad decision.

But as I walked along the corridor, I saw a door that was labeled ‘Private Media Booth.’

A smile immediately spread across my lips as I pushed the door open and I was relieved to find that the place was completely dark and empty.

I slowly stepped in, closing the door right behind me.

The view of the rink was perfect from here.

I just needed to take a few shots and leave before anyone caught me.

I immediately set my camera bag down and pulled out my favorite camera.