Page 22 of Pucking the Team

I shake my head, trying to clear the image.

I can’t afford these distractions, not with the mess I still need to clean up. But even as I turn back to my computer, I can’t escape the feeling of Lukas’s eyes on me, his hands on my skin.

And the ache blooming between my legs.

Hours later, I finally emerge from my office, my eyes bleary and my head pounding. The facility is quiet, most of the staff having long since gone home for the night.

As I make my way down the hallway, I’m startled by a figure stepping out of the shadows. I jump, but then I recognize the broad shoulders and tousled blond hair.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t our resident social media savior,” Lukas drawls, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Burning the midnight oil, I see.”

Heat creeps up my neck at his sudden appearance, and the teasing lilt in his tone.

“Just trying to clean up the mess you boys made,” I retort, trying to keep my voice light. “You certainly know how to keep a girl busy.”

His grin widens, eyes glinting with mischief. “You have no idea.”

I clench my thighs together against the heat caused by his words.

Lukas steps closer, invading my personal space. I can’t help but notice the bruise blooming along his jawline, a stark reminder of the fight that started this whole media circus.

“That looks like it hurts,” I murmur, my fingers itching to reach out and touch the mottled skin.

Lukas shrugs, his hand coming up to rub at the injury. “Probably doesn’t hurt as much as getting raked over the coals by angry fans, like Thompson.”

He chuckles, a low, rich sound that sends a thrill through me.

“Speaking of,” he says, “have you seen the memes floating around online? Turns out, people really don’t like it when you sucker punch their favorite player.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I’m well aware. It’s been a PR nightmare trying to spin the whole thing.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for causing you more work.” His tone shifts to something a little more sincere. “But I can’t say that I’m sorry I shoved Thompson. And maybe instigated the hit.” Lukas smirks. “He had it coming, Emma.”

My pulse jumps as Lukas drawls my name, the sound sliding over my skin like hot silk. I cross my arms, leveling my most unimpressed look at him.

“You could stand to show a little more remorse, you know. This isn’t just about you and Ryan. It’s about the team, the fans, the whole organization.”

Lukas’s eyes narrow, his jaw clenching. For a moment, I think he’s going to argue, but then he seems to think better of it.

“You’re right,” he says, gaze sliding away from mine. “I apologize. I know you’re just trying to do your job.”

His words are dutiful but the heat in his eyes when they meet mine again tells me he doesn’t regret his actions. Not really.

I swallow against the sudden dryness in my throat, acutely aware of how close we’re standing in the deserted hallway. The scent of his cologne mingles with the musk of his sweat, sending a delicious thrill through me.

“This can’t happen again,” I say, fighting to keep my voice steady. “The team needs you. We all do.”

“I know.” He reaches out, fingers grazing my wrist. I gasp at the contact, skin tingling. “I’ll be a good boy from now on, Emma. Just for you.”

My breath catches as he leans in closer, eyes burning into mine. I know I should pull away, put distance between us before I do something I regret.

But I can’t seem to move.

“Lukas…” It comes out a breathy whisper. He’s so close now I can see the flecks of gold in his eyes, feel the heat radiating off his body.

“Tell me you don’t want this,” he murmurs, “and I’ll stop.”

I open my mouth, but no words come out.

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