Page 107 of Twisted Collide

I could watch this all day. Seeing Dane interact with the kids is everything I didn’t know I needed.

It’s amazing.

He’s amazing.

Seeing him today . . .was everything.

“Thanks, Coach!” one of the kids screams as Dane walks off the ice and approaches Aiden. Despite my distance, I can hear them as they speak. I should excuse myself, but I’m curious, so I don’t.

“It reminds me why I originally fell in love with hockey. Thanks for inviting me, man.”

“No problem, Sin. You better come back.”

“Promise.” He continues to walk, and I catch up to him. Together, we leave the rink.

“You’re a natural, Dane. They loved you.”

Dane shrugs, but I don’t miss the smile that crawls up his face.

Like this, he looks beautiful.

A man at peace.

If I’m not careful, this man is exactly the type of man who can break my heart because this is the man I can fall in love with.

43

JOSIE

Another day,another city. The Saints play in Seattle today, and we’re already at the arena. Seeing as I work for the team, I’m just outside the locker room when I see Dane walking off. I have no clue where he’s going, but something about the way he’s stalking off has me concerned.

I follow him as he takes a back hallway, but I have no clue where it leads. How is this a good idea?

Something tells me that my father allows Dane extra wiggle room for the things he can do, and taking a moment before a game might just be one of those things. The game doesn’t start for another hour, so where he’s going is beyond me.

I watch as he opens a door, then follow him through it, but the door isn’t even closed when he spins around and takes a step to cage me in against the wall.

My eyes open wide as my back presses against the brick wall.

“Following me, Hellfire?”

“Yes.” There’s no reason to lie. I tip my chin up. I’m owning it.I’m friendless, parentless, and everything-less. He is the only source of entertainment in my life. He is also a willing victim.

“Why?” he asks.

“Because I’mAphrodite. That’s what I do. ” I shrug playfully before growing serious. “And because, to be honest, you looked upset.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “You’re very observant, aren’t you?”

“Only when something catches my attention.”

He leans in and is now so close that his lips hover above mine.

“Sure it’s a smart idea to be this close to me? Someone mightsee?” I mock.

“In the back stairwell? I think not.”

“What are you doing here?”

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