Page 45 of Power Pucking Play

When it closes behind him, I fall onto the bed, wanting to scream.

For once in my life, I seem to be following my heart instead of headlines.

So, what the hell am I going to do now?

Chapter 15

Gio

There's nothing quite like the smell of home ice. As I step into the Blades' practice rink, I'm hit with that familiar mix of sweat, rubber, and pure adrenaline. We're back in Chicago, and the playoffs are so close I can taste them.

"De Luca!" Coach's voice booms across the ice. "My office. Now."

I exchange a look with Jacob, who just shrugs. "What'd you do this time, Icebreaker?"

"Exist, apparently," I mutter, making my way to Coach's office.

As I step inside, I'm greeted by Coach's patented “I'm-not-mad-I'm-just-disappointed” face.

Fucking fantastic. This ought to be fun.

"Have a seat, Gio," he says, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.

I plop down, trying for my most charming smile. "What's up, Coach? If this is about the rubber chickens in the locker room, I swear that was all Evan's idea."

Coach doesn't crack a smile. Double fantastic.

"This isn't about pranks, De Luca. This is about your future with the Blades."

My stomach tightens. "My future? What are you talking about?"

He sighs, leaning back in his chair. "I just got off the phone with George Corso. The owner's not happy with your...extracurricular activities on the ice."

"Extracurricular activities? Still? What, is checking illegal now?"

"Cut the crap, Gio," Coach snaps. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. The fights, the penalties, the bad press. He wants to make sure you're really putting a stop to this shit."

I lean forward, my jaw clenching. "Coach, come on. You saw the Seattle game. I didn't even retaliate after that cheap shot."

"I know that, Gio. But you can't deny that your reputation precedes you. And with the playoffs coming up, we can't afford to have any distractions or suspensions." He shakes his head. "Not anymore, it's not. Corso's made it clear: one more aggressive move on the ice, and you're benched. I don't have to tell you..."

"That there's a lingering threat of me being off the team entirely?"

"Precisely." He frowns, his gray eyes troubled. "Look, I know you're a talented player, Gio. One of the damn best. But...you're also one of the most liability-prone." Coach counters. "No one in management is actually convinced that your 'brawling hiatus' is genuine. They're keeping a close eye on you."

I swallow tightly, feeling like I've been punched in the gut. This can't be happening.

"So, what do I have to do?" I ask quietly, my mind already racing with possible solutions.

"You need to prove that you're not just all brawn and no brains," Coach says firmly. "You gotta show them that you cancontrol your temper and play smart." He leans forward, his tone serious. "Otherwise, it's not just your future with the Blades at stake—it's your entire career."

I sit back, my mind going a million miles a minute.

Goddammit.

Hockey's my life, my everything. Without it, without the Blades, who the hell am I?

"There's something else," Coach says, his tone softening slightly. "ThisSports News Nowfeature they're doing on you. I think it's time to call it off."

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