Page 79 of Mine

“We talked about this. We need to be honest, even if you think it’s something you don’t want to talk about,” Hunter said, rubbing her back.

“Come on, let’s watch something funny before we go to bed,” I said, hoping to lighten the mood. “Find something to watch and I’ll be back with snacks.”

I went into the kitchen, grabbed a tray, loaded it up with her favorite candy, popcorn and some nuts. I grabbed sparkling waters and more beers, so we didn’t have to get up. Valencia was coming out of my room with a blanket and some pillows, pushing my ottoman to my sofa. She just made a spot for all of us to fit comfortably and I loved that she did it without asking.

I set the tray next to me as I sat in the corner. Hunter finished picking a movie, settling in between my legs and Valencia in between his. She threw a blanket over herself, pulling Hunter’s arm over her and squeezing the bottom of my leg close to them.

“Thank you,” Valencia whispered, as the movie started, and while we didn’t do anything to that fucker, I was glad we could ease her worry.

I knew without a doubt, Hunter and I would do whatever we had to keep her safe.

The way we were laying didn’t seem like a comfortable position, but once we all relaxed enough, it felt amazing. I ran my hand through Hunter’s hair who was now laying on mychest and my hand rested on Valencia’s shoulder. We didn’t get through half the move before Valencia passed out and so did Hunter.

As tired as I was, I couldn’t go to sleep enjoying them close and relaxed. What we had was nothing like the contract I had before. I might not be experienced in relationships, but this felt like what one might be like. This didn't feel like a contract anymore, it felt like more. I didn’t know if I could stop what was happening. I didn’t think I wanted to.

26

Valencia

The crowd was going wild as Ro had just scored his first hat trick. I was screaming my head off, capturing pictures, trying to get a perfect one for our social media. I was lucky enough to get a great video of the shot and his reaction afterwards.

He skated to his teammates on the bench, and they all gave him high fives. Everyone was still cheering as he skated past me. We shared a lingering look, but it wasn’t long enough. I just wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss the crap out of him.

Hunter looked equally frustrated. While they had gotten better on the ice, they kept the enemy's facade. I knew he was so fucking excited for him, and the scowl he gave him fit perfect into the hating each other bit.

The rest of the third period went by in a blur, but the guys dominated the ice and the crowd was insane. As the boys started to win more games, the arena had started to fill up more and we had new fans showing up. It helped that our puppy calendar was getting some interest too.

As the guys head-tapped each other at the end of the game, I snapped a shot of Hunter and Ro. The look was brief, but theywere so hot for each other, and I loved getting to see it. Since my attack at The Atelier, we had gotten closer. On their days off we managed to find ourselves in each other's beds, but that also included mornings, afternoons and nights where we just hung out. Out-of-town games consisted of us sneaking into each other's rooms that didn’t always end with us having sex.

They had grown protective and insisted on being there if I ever went back to The Atelier. I had several calls from management telling me they were sorry, and they would keep an eye out for Maxwell even though they didn’t have any members under that name. That made me nervous as hell, but I had been good at hiding my worry. If not, these men would go all caveman and while it was ok—maybe more than ok— I was afraid they would do something irrational.

My cavemen were held back for interviews and Ro even signed a few hockey sticks and pucks for a few fans. I nabbed some pictures of that too, swooning as I saw Ro acting a little shy when people gushed over him. Once they walked back to the locker room, we were alone for a minute.

“Celebrate?” I raised my brows. “I’m so fucking proud of you, Ro.”

I itched to throw myself at him and kiss him even if he was stinky and sweaty.

“Yes, we need to celebrate your first hat trick,” Hunter said, bumping into Ro.

“I want to go somewhere we can just be together, maybe get a few drinks and dance?” Ro looked at Hunter hopefully.

“I think I have somewhere we can go, but we might have to wear a cap just in case,” Hunter said excitedly.

“I’m in,” I said, stopping myself from touching Ro.

“Son.” A deep voice said, making us all turn to the left.

Two men stood together, who looked a lot like Ro. They were broad shouldered, tall and had the same skin color as him.

“Father? Uncle?” Ro looked surprised, but he also looked a little worried. “How did you get down here?”

“Your dad knows people everywhere,” the man, who I assumed was his uncle, spoke.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” Ro said, sounding uncomfortable.

“Perfect game to come to,” I said smiling. “I’m Valencia, the social media manager.”

I held my hand out as they sized me up before Ro’s dad shook my hand.

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