Page 134 of Rinkmates

I love Riley, but I can’t force him into this life. He’s a hockey star and deserves to live like it.

I hear my phone buzzing from the kitchen counter. I make my way over to it, still limping from my injury, and see that Riley has already sent me a text.

Puckster: I forgot to tell you something. Be nice to Ivan.

Liora: Who is Ivan?

Forty-one

LIORA

Turns out Ivan is a towering six-foot-six behemoth.

That Hulk of a man barely fits through doors and apparently is my bodyguard.

A grumpy giant who speaks minimal English and follows me everywhere. He’s sleeping in his car outside Riley’s apartment and refuses to leave my side. I have no clue where Riley found this man, but it’s ridiculous. I tried to get rid of him, but he didn’t understand me. I even tried in Hungarian. Not a chance. He blinked and that’s it.

I just hope Riley didn’t spend too much on this, but knowing him, he probably did, and it makes my stomach clench every time I think of it. Or every time I hear Ivan breathe behind me.

And Grace has taken the training sessions to a whole new level of friendly, even making Aiden suspicious as well. Turns out Riley had threatened Grace with a lawsuit if they didn’t find out who was responsible. Great. So much to solving my problems alone.

But they soon uncovered that Stacey was the one sabotaging us all along.

They caught her on camera stealing Riley’s shirt, then breaking a small mirror she had in her purse and scattering the pieces in my shoes. And she was the one who took the photo of Aiden and Ethan and sent it to tabloid magazines. On top of that, she stole Priya’s makeup and ruined the dresses of other skaters. That bitch.

They dropped her from the show immediately, and the media uproar was intense, leading to another round of interviews where I had to talk about toxic TV environments. I wanted to point out that the judges aren’t much better, but I need the money, so I channeled all my frustration into railing against Stacey. But the drama caused a huge uproar on the show, too, leaving only Priya, myself, and one other couple for the finals. I feel sorry for Stacey’s skating partner, Russell. He was nice but unlucky to be paired with her, so it’s over for him too. I knew it was Stacey all along, but I never thought I could prove it. I don’t feel guilty at all about her facing the consequences. She deserves it for every bit of pain she caused me and Aiden. It turns out she also leaked his relationship with Ethan, but we’re so ready for it. Ethan booked a ton of shows where we can talk about what happened on set after the finals. It’s going to be huge.

Every morning, Riley texts me and calls just to hear my voice. It’s actually sweet. I never would have thought he’d be this cute, especially not when he’s all macho out on the ice. I’m so gone for him it’s actually not even funny anymore.

But damn, watching his final game before the Cup with Priya at his apartment was absolutely exhilarating. Of course Ivan was there, too, watching while standing, but we pretty much ignored him because he doesn’t speak a lick of English anyway. When they won, Priya and I did this ridiculous victory dance in front of Ivan, who didn’t even bat an eye. Seriously, that man has the poker face of a champ. I can never tell what he’s thinking or feeling, if he even has emotions.

There’s just one game left before the Stanley Cup.

I couldn’t be prouder—or louder. I’m also thrilled that the final will be in New York because I’ve been missing him like crazy.

That night, Riley texts me from the hotel.

Puckster: What are you doing? I can’t sleep.

I snap him a pic of me in nothing but panties in bed.

He’s offline soon after, and I can’t help but worry. Did I go too far with sending that sexual photo? Maybe he just wanted to talk and not engage in anything physical. Maybe something happened.

Liora: Ri? Are you still here? What are you doing?

Puckster: You really wanna know?

Liora: Yes.

Stupid question.

As soon as I see the voice note, my heart skips a beat. I tap on it and hit Play, a rush of tingles spreading through me.

The sound of wet noises fills my ears—he’s pleasuring himself.

A sigh escapes his lips and I feel my panties grow damp.

Fuck, that sound was sexy.

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