Page 10 of Cold Carnage

I nodded and followed him out of the room. The corridor outside was quieter but still buzzing with the day's energy.

"How can I help you, Mr. Kane?" I asked as soon as we were out of earshot.

He glanced back at the closed door before turning to me fully. "Let's cut the shit. I don't want you here. But you should know, Leo’s family has interests that go beyond just playing hockey," he began. "His father... let’s just say there are business deals that aren’t exactly above board."

I frowned. "And you think that affects us how?"

"It affects everything," Ryker replied grimly. "Sponsorships, team decisions—it all gets tangled up when people like Leo get involved."

The complexity of it all began to sink in. This wasn’t just about hockey; it was about power plays off the ice too.

"Leo's a decent player. I’ve watched him at practice over the summer." Ryker's eyes narrowed as he spoke, each word measured and deliberate. "But I wouldn’t be surprised if his father sent him here to spy on the team."

"Why would he do that?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.

"He wants to buy the team," he said, his tone carrying an edge of impatience. "It's the perfect way to launder money."

"Does Leo know?" I asked, trying to piece it all together.

Ryker’s gaze turned icy, like he was looking at an ignorant child. Frustration flared inside me, but I kept my expression neutral. "Of course he does. He's his father's right hand. And here I thought you did your research."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Don't see it as me helping you," he replied. "My focus, my priority, is what's best for the team. And you aren't it. Since you're too damn stubborn to see that, I'll do what I need to do to show the others what I see."

"Are you threatening me?"

"I'm telling you to watch your back, Adams. Run away if you have to. You're good at that." He paused. "Alexander Wolfe wants what's best for the team, as do I. And I'm going to expose any dirty secret you might have. Unless you want to walk away now and save everyone the time?"

My face burned with a mix of anger and humiliation. But I pushed it aside, careful not to let my emotions show. "It's commendable how much you care about your team, Mr. Kane," I said evenly. "Especially considering how you aren't close to anyone in your family."

His jaw tightened, a subtle tic betraying his otherwise controlled demeanor.

"I do do my research," I continued. "I'm sure you remember the strain between you and Brendan because you left as soon as you could to get away from —"

"Don't," he warned.

I clenched my teeth. Maybe it wasn't right, bringing that up. "You view this team as your family, correct? I hope to prove to you that I'm here to do what's best for the team too, regardless of our past."

Ryker’s eyes widened, just a fraction, but it was enough to know I’d struck a chord. He clearly hadn’t expected my response.

For a split second, his facade cracked. "I didn’t realize you’d be this stubborn," he muttered, the bite in his words losing some of its edge. "I should have known."

"Persistent and committed," I shot back. "To the team." A beat. "Like you."

"I am nothing like you," he snapped.

"You don't run when things get hard?" I arched a brow.

He stood there, assessing me, a storm of emotions flickering behind his eyes. Then he turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. My heart pounded against my ribs as I watched him go. The reality of his threat hung in the air like a storm cloud, heavy and foreboding. If Ryker truly dug into my past, what would he find? Could he unravel everything I’d worked so hard to keep together?

But I couldn’t let fear paralyze me now.

"Paige."

Leo’s voice pulled me back to the present. I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his presence filling the space with an easy confidence.

"Glad I caught you," he said, stepping closer until he towered over me.

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