Page 15 of Pucking the Team

She’d look so good tied to my bed, unable to do anything but receive the merciless pleasure I’d inflict on her writhing body for hours. I’d make her scream my name until she went hoarse. Mark her porcelain skin with bites and bruises so she’d remember who owns her, who makes her come so hard she sees stars.

I palm my hardening erection through my jeans, letting out a low groan. Fuck, what this girl does to me already.

There’s just something about her I can’t shake, like we’ve met before. I know I’d remember a body like that. Where do I know her from?

I force myself to rewind the tape again, trying to focus on the plays and not Emma’s enticing assets. This team needs my full attention now more than ever. I refuse to let them down again. This is my shot to prove myself, to show everyone I have what it takes to craft champions.

No distractions.

The screen of my phone lights up, Lukas’s name flashing insistently. My mind is already drifting back to thoughts of Emma’s bright blue eyes and the adorable way she jumped when I entered the video room earlier.

Focus, Ivanov. There’s no time for fantasies about some new girl, especially not with all the work still left to do tonight. I’ve got tapes to review and coaching strategies to plan out before our next practice.

Lukas can wait.

I ignore the buzzing and turn back to my laptop, but a niggling thought tugs at the corner of my mind. It’s Friday night—our usual time for grabbing burgers and drinks with Slade. The weekly tradition has been a staple ever since our college hockey days.

I feel a flicker of guilt but push it aside. The guys will understand. They know how driven I am, how much I pour into this team. Hockey always comes first.

A few minutes later, Lukas’s name flashes on my screen again. I clench my jaw, annoyance rising in my chest. Lukas is like the brother I never had, but fuck, sometimes the guy can’t take a hint.

I’m tempted to power off my phone completely, but then Slade’s name appears.

I hesitate, thumb hovering over the screen. Blowing off Lukas is one thing, but Slade… He’s not only my best friend but also our team captain. When Slade reaches out, it usually means business.

With a sigh, I accept the call. “Hey man, what’s up? I’m kind of swamped here with?—”

“Alex.” Slade’s voice is firm but tinged with an undercurrent of concern that sets me on edge. “It’s almost 10 p.m. You planning on coming out to meet us or what?”

“Shit, is it that late already?” I pinch the bridge of my nose, squeezing my eyes shut. As much as I hate to admit it, Slade has a point. I’ve been losing all sense of time lately, too caught up in plays and stats and a pair of stunning blue eyes…

Slade clears his throat pointedly. “You can’t keep working yourself to the bone like this, Alex. We’ve been down this road before.”

The ghost of old memories makes the hair raise on my arms—running on fumes, popping Adderall just to stay upright on the ice, collapsing from sheer exhaustion. I know I’m toeing a dangerous line, but this team needs me to push myself to the limits if we’re going to win this year.

Still, I can’t ignore the genuine worry lacing Slade’s words. If even my unflappable captain is concerned…

“You’re right,” I concede with a heavy exhale. “Give me twenty minutes. I’ll meet you guys at the usual spot.”

After ending the call, I reluctantly shut my laptop and grab my keys. As much as I hate leaving projects unfinished, I have to remind myself that I’m no good to anyone if I run myself into the ground again.

And truthfully, I could use the distraction of good food and better company right about now. Anything to get my mind off the captivating new hire with the dazzling smile that I absolutely cannot pursue.

No matter how tempted I might be.

The restaurant is one of our go-to spots, an upscale burger joint with exposed brick walls, dim Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and plush leather booths that seem to absorb sound.

Lukas, Slade and I slide into our usual corner table, the hostess bringing over a bottle of expensive scotch without us even having to ask. I pour three fingers of the amber liquid into my glass, savoring the smoky burn as it slides down my throat.

“How’s Ryan settling in?” I ask Slade. Lukas’s expression darkens at the mention of Thompson’s name. Guess that wound still hasn’t healed.

Slade shrugs. “About as well as can be expected. He’s still adjusting to the new team dynamic, but his skills are undeniable, as you know.”

“Undeniable?” Lukas scoffs. “Asshole thinks he can waltz in and act like he owns the place, just because he was an important trade.”

I take a slow sip of scotch, exchanging a loaded glance with Slade.

We both know this animosity between Lukas and Ryan runs deeper than on-the-ice rivalry. Those two have a messy history. Slade was excited for his old friend to join the team, but it was never going to be an easy ride.

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