Hell's Belles Read Online Free PDF Page B

you on American soil. The Liberty Belles especially.”
    â€œHmm.” Annie rolled her eyes. “After my face plant during Thursday’s scrimmage, I’m not so sure.”
    â€œIt happens,” Jesse assured her. “You’re a great player. Don’t let that stuff get you down. It’s all just part of the game.”
    A cheerful voice boomed across the rink. “Annie, c’mere!”
    Annie turned to see Sharmila waving her toward the lockers, holding a little container of glitter gel.
    â€œTime to get your war paint on,” said Jesse.
    Annie shook her head thoughtfully. “Funny, I’ve worn more makeup since I became a roller girl than I’ve worn in my whole life put together.”
    â€œWell, you don’t need makeup anyway,” Jesse said matter-of-factly. “You’re more than pretty enough without it.”
    The compliment seemed to surprise him as much as it did Annie. His cheeks turned pink and he quickly shifted his gaze back to the speakers, clearing his throat. “But, ya know, everyone can benefit from a little glitter now and then.”
    Annie bit back a smile. She’d taken only three steps toward the lockers when Jesse said, “Annie?”
    She stopped and turned around to face him again. “Yes?”
    â€œI, uh, I downloaded a special playlist, with you in mind. I’m gonna play it during warm-ups, to help get you psyched.”
    â€œI’ll definitely listen for it. Thanks, Jesse.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    Annie hurried toward the lockers to get ready.

    â€œDo these blue fishnets clash with my pink shorts?” asked Holly.
    â€œAnybody have an extra pair of false eyelashes I can borrow?” called Liz.
    â€œTake mine. I’m just going with some purple mascara tonight!” replied Carmen.
    Annie watched as Lauren ducked to avoid the tube of eyelash adhesive that sailed over her head; Carmen had thrown it to Liz, who caught it easily.
    â€œThanks, Carm.”
    â€œNo prob. Just don’t get that glue in your eyes. It stings like crazy!”
    Annie couldn’t help giggling as she allowed Sharmila to powder her eyelids with the sparkling eyeshadow. Back when she was an elite gymnast, Annie had spent plenty of time getting ready in the locker room. Gymnasts did wear a fair amount of blush and lip gloss and even glitter hairspray for meets. But roller derby makeup was an entirely different art form — more like war paint. Part glam, part monster movie, it featured heavily lined eyes and scary embellishments.
    â€œThis looks incredible on you,” Sharmila announced, sitting back to admire her handiwork. “It really brings out your eyes.”
    â€œThanks,” said Annie, blinking at her reflection. She actually did look glamorous — in a truly terrifying sort of way! In addition to the orange glitter eyeshadow, Sharmila had heavily outlined Annie’s eyes with swampy green liner and applied a thick coat of mascara. Then she’d added a series of black thunderbolts along her jawline and a long, purple “scar” across her forehead. She also wrote Annie’s player number — 5’11½” — on her arm in bold black numbers. Annie had chosen the number as a reference to her height, which in roller derby (unlike in gymnastics), was turning out to be an advantage.
    Sharmila had gone a little off the rails with her own makeup. Rather than playing up her stunning features with eyeliner and lipstick, she’d created a virtual mask with black and white face paint. She looked like a weird hybrid of skeleton and supermodel.
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want to go a little sexier with your outfit?” Sharmila asked, eyeing Annie’s black tights and snug red miniskirt.
    â€œSexier than a skirt made of less fabric than a handkerchief?” Annie looked down at her long legs emerging from the tiny Lycra skirt and laughed. “I’m