Page 70 of War

Hall grins from my other side. “Just a little foreplay, Cap. She’s teasing you. Thought you liked it.”

Teeth gritted, I shake my head. “She’s pushed too far.” With a whistle, I drop my stick. “Mrs. Warren!”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Gavin yells from our box.

My gloves get tossed to the ice next. Then I rip off my helmet and shove it into Aiden’s chest. “Remember when I kept your stupid fucking stalking to myself?”

He nods.

“You can’t say shit.”

“Fuck, you’re really crazy about this girl,” he mutters.

There’s no denying it.

“Homicidal.”

“What do you need?”

“Just hold that.” Without waiting for him to agree, I skate to the gate and launch myself over the boards.

Skates still on, I march in front of the stands, headed straight for my wife. The adrenaline fueling me now is because of this game she and I are once again playing. When I reach the girls, I stop and yank my jersey off. Ava’s green eyes flare as she stands stock-still.

People in the row in front of her look up at me with their mouths hanging open.

“Could you give me a moment alone with my wife?” I ask as politely as I can.

They skitter over to empty seats down the row, mumbling unintelligibly.

In front of me, my wife’s eyes are blazing and her jaw is locked tight. She’s furious, but I don’t give a fuck.

Welcome to my perpetual state, wife. Play stupid games, win unhinged prizes.

I hold up my left hand and point to my fourth ring finger. Her eyes widen as she takes in the wedding date inked onto my skin in a green that matches her eyes.

“My wife. My jersey.” Angling in close, I force the oversized garment over her head.

“Tyler Warren,” Sara hisses. “I’ll be cleaning up this mess for the next week.”

I ignore her. I ignore everyone but Ava. “Remember the contract, Ava.I own you. Now lift your arms and show everyone what a good wife you are.”

“Fuck you,” she whisper-hisses.

I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve ever heard my girl curse. That fact shouldn’t have me smirking like this. “Yeah, Vicious. You can do that too. But right now, I have a game to play.”

I don’t push my luck by stealing a kiss. I simply spin and head down the steps.

There’s already a jersey waiting for me. One of the coaches probably sent a minion to the locker room for it. I throw it on as Gavin yells at me. He’s pissed, and rightfully so. Keeping my mouth shut, I lower my chin in acknowledgment. Because yeah, I am a fucking idiot, and I’m sure I’ll pay for it by doing suicides all week.

As I get back on the ice, Hall skates up next to me, wearing another fucking cocky grin. “Guess the glitter wasn’t enough to keep your wife satisfied, huh?”

I can put up with a lot of shit, but tonight, I’ve reached my limit. So I let my fist do the talking.

TWENTY-SIX

AVA

It all happens so quickly,and it knocks the air from my lungs. One moment, I’m teasing Tyler and laughing with the girls, showing off theHalljersey Hannah brought for me to wear. The next, I’m being swallowed up by my husband’s legit hockey jersey—not a replica like fans purchase—still stupidly stunned by his tattoo.

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