Page 46 of Icebound Attraction

“No, no, enjoy! I'll be back in a minute!”

I need to get away, take a breath, regain my composure.

Tables and chairs have been set up not far from the ephemeral bar. The atmosphere is calmer, there are fewer people and the music is quieter. I sit down to take a short break. A glass of water will certainly do me good. I'm still slightly dizzy.

Suddenly, I feel someone sit down next to me. My heart quickens a little when I see that it's Lucas. A self-confident smile spreads across his face and he leans back against the table to look at me intently.

“Hey!” he says, his voice deeper than before.

I swallow.

“I saw you sitting there, all alone, and thought you might need some company. It's a pity that such a beautiful woman should be without someone at her side,” he continues.

The memory of our previous conversation sends a chill down my spine.

“Lucas, I already told you I'm here to have fun with my friends.”

He smiles insolently.

“Come on, you and I would have lots of fun, think about it. I'm sure deep down you're not that shy... Besides, I've spotted a great place where we could enjoy a moment together...”

At these words, I start to get angry.

“I think I've made it clear: I'm not interested!” I exclaim more loudly than I expected.

He then slides a hand over my knee, up my thigh. I freeze at his touch, tetanized.

“You should take no for an answer when a woman says no,” suddenly growls a voice I know all too well from across the table.

Just as quickly, I feel myself lift off my seat and the next thing I know, Liam is between me and Lucas, like a shield.

“Oh, come on! Emily and I are having a friendly chat. Mind your own business, Captain Scott,” retorts Lucas, annoyed.

“Does losing the game make you think you can act like a big jerk?”

“And the fact that you've won makes you grow wings, or rather balls?”

I sigh and turn to leave. I don't have the nerves for an argument between two alpha males!

As I walk away, screams ring out behind me, startling me. I turn around to find Lucas on the ground, his nose bleeding.

Oh boy...

“You're completely insane! You bastard!” exclaims the latter, a hand pressed to his face as he stands up.

Two security guards come running and narrowly prevent Liam from giving Lucas another blow.

I step back, dumbfounded.

What's gotten into him? This has gone too far!

Liam and Lucas are battling with security and continue to shout at each other like two rabid dogs.

Lucas Stern! What an idiot! He's the captain of the opposing team! The one that lost the hockey game.

I sigh.

While Liam defended my honor, he also settled scores with his opponents. And for what? Because they only won by one point? Because he missed a crucial goal?

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