Page 9 of Break The Ice

We stand up, and, with Callan beside me, we walk downstairs to where she’s sitting on the couch with her arms folded over her chest. I feel like I’ve run a marathon.

Our lounge has a big, cream, leather U-shaped couch with a chaise. There’s a plush, dark cream rug in the middle of the lounge with a rectangle coffee table made out of oak. An open arch allows access to the stairs and leads to the kitchen and laundry. And a second wider arch leads to the dining room. On the far side is a corridor leading outside, the entranceway to the house and front door and Callan’s office, which is locked. There’s a big TV on the wall where we sit and watch hockey or movies.

Ryann Smith lifts those violet eyes and hits me with a glare that has a physical effect on me. I feel like I’ve been struck again. Her hair is a deep auburn colour, and her skin is tanned and seems to glow with health. I know from last night that her body is toned and athletic, not too curvy but in all the right places. It’s not just her appearance, though, it’s the way she doesn’t seem to care what people think. It’s the desperation in her eyes, it’s the aura of strength that surrounds her like a titanium wall. She is fascinating and more beautiful than I remember. She takes my breath from my lungs with just her presence.

“I’m sorry.”

She lifts her chin.

“I’m really sorry. I don’t know why I did it. I just panicked.”

Callan sits down beside her and explains in very simple language.

She listens intently, and then shakes her head.

“So, you want to let this go?” Kit asks hopefully.

Ryann stares at him and turns to me. “You want me to agree never to speak of it, to say it was just a game?”

I tentatively dip my head in a nod.

She chuckles, throws her head back, and really laughs. It continues on for several moments. When she stops, I don’t feel well.

“Not a chance. As soon as you release me, I’m going to go find my uncle. Tell him I came for a surprise visit, and I’m going to tell him what you did. You’ll be kicked off the team and arrested, and you’ll deserve it.”

I panic.

I can’t explain it. This year is my last year, I just need this one. I can’t lose it yet.

“Then you’re going to have to stay our prisoner!” I growl.

“Raider!” Kit shouts in dismay.

Callan groans.

Wren pauses, watching us with a coffee in one hand and a burrito in the other.

He shakes his head and walks by as if he can’t be bothered with us.

I want to strangle him as hard as I want to throttle her.

“Fine. Keep me as your prisoner. See if I care.” Ryann tosses her hair and sits back, almost daring me to do something.

But I think, staring at my new prisoner, I might have done enough.

Chapter three

Ryann

My mother always saidwhen the universe gives you lemons, make cheesecake. This is one delicious cake I cannot walk away from. What an opportunity. My stomach growls, and I cast a look to my left, peeking at the gorgeous alpha beside me.

Who knew there were not two gorgeous alphas in this house, but four drop dead stunner's living here?

I can just detect a hint of something fruity, but his eyes are that striking pale green that seems unnatural, framed with long lashes, unblemished skin that’s painted in lickable freckles. He’s got this streaky brown hair that seems to have a hundred hues to it, including, to my fascination, a bit of red. He’s gorgeous, stunningly pretty in a way that’s both masculine and feminine, and he wears it with confidence.

He also, to my dismay, noticed that my stomach growled.

Kit, his name is Kit.

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