Page 72 of Power Pucking Play

Like I've always promised on mySports News Nowcast, I'm making the tough call.

But I've never felt less like a winner in my life.

Chapter 23

Gio

The arena is quiet when I arrive, the calm before the storm of tonight's game. I'm early.

Earlier than I've been in years. The ice might be the only thing that can temper the heat coursing through my veins.

I navigate through the tunnel toward the locker room, staring out at the crowded stands. I should be mentally preparing for the game—to figuring out how to be a player that the Blades will want to keep, but all I can think about is Lexi.

Her smile. Her laugh. The way she looks at me like no one ever has.

But that's just it...no one ever has. Not in this way.

I've had plenty of flings and one-night stands, but never someone who makes me feel seen and understood like she does.

"Giovanni De Luca, don't you dare take another step."

I wince, turning to face the voice I know better than my own.

Gabi's standing there, arms crossed, looking every inch the formidable PR head she is. You'd never know my baby sis has two kids and a husband by how she runs this team.

In a designer wrap dress and heels, no less.

She steps forward, green gaze narrowed. But there's something else in her eyes.

Worry. Maybe even a hint of hurt.

"Uh hey, Gabs. What's up?"

She arches one dark eyebrow. "What's up? Really? That's what you're going with?"

"Look, if this is about the article…"

"Of course it's about the article!" Gabi explodes, her composure finally cracking. "Gio, what the hell were you thinking? Lexi? Really?"

And just like that, I'm done pretending. "Yeah, Lexi. Really."

Gabi's eyes widen, and I can see the moment it really hits her. "Oh my God. It's true, isn't it? You and Lexi..."

I nod, bracing myself for the explosion. But instead, Gabi just deflates, looking more tired than angry.

"How long?" she asks quietly.

"Not long," I admit. "It's new. We're still figuring it out."

Gabi shakes her head, a mix of disbelief and something that might be amusement on her face. "Unbelievable. My best friend and my brother. But you guys hate each other."

"Define 'hate’."

"You don't do relationships, Gio. And she's...well, she's Lexi. I don't believe this."

"Trust me, neither did we."

Gabi sighs, running a hand through her hair before looking back up at me. "You know this is going to cause a lot of drama, right? Lexi could very possibly lose her job."

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