Page 88 of Major Penalty

The first thing I did when I walked in was to go to Irene.

Fuck, I was wrecked without her. Ten days without being on the ice was bad. But ten days without my girl? Without seeing her, without hearing her voice, feeling her touch? That shit was torture. Every minute felt like an eternity. It’s like my entire world’s been off-balance. But I knew I needed to give her enough space to see if she would miss me, too. That my being gone would matter to her in some way.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second as I walk toward the locker rooms.

Her shift’s ending soon, and I’m picking her up. And tonight, I’m laying all the cards on the table.

The locker room’s quiet when I walk in—fluorescent lights humming above, the sharp mix of sweat and disinfectant clinging to the air.

I drop my duffel onto the bench and peel off my hoodie, yanking it over my head and letting it fall. My thumbs hook into the waistband of my sweats just as I hear it.

“Ares.”

I turn. Coach Brown walks in, that no-bullshit look already carved into his face. I nod, forcing my expression blank. Neutral. Everything else? Buried.

“I was hoping I’d catch you before you leave. Mathews tell you anything?” he asks, eyes flicking to my hip.

“Hip pointer is healing nicely. I should be good to play the next game.” I nod once, easing out of my sweatpants and tossing them on the bench.

“Okay,” he breathes out in relief. “That’s good.” He lets out a laugh, shaking his head. “We could really use your stick for the next game.”

“I’ll be ready,” I say, but I already know that nothing’s going to keep me off the ice for an elimination game, first round of the playoffs.

“As long as Dr. Mathew clears it. I won’t have you re-injure yourself,” Brown says, lifting his brow. “Don’t fight me on this, Ares. I’m not letting you play unless you're cleared.”

“I know,” I grunt, pulling a fresh pair of pants from my duffel bag.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Brown glance down.

I follow his gaze—and freeze. My blood runs ice-cold, and everything inside me locks up. Pink lace panties.Her panties.

I watch Coach Brown’s eyes linger on them before looking up with a half-smile, completely unaware whose underwear they are.

“You know better than to mess around with puck bunnies in here,” he says, his voice light but edged. “Outsiders aren’t allowed past the public rink, you know that.”

His voice is casual, his warning firm. But his tone? Fatherly, advising, looking out for me like a son. But despite all of it, it doesn’t change the fact that I’d do it all over again—because no amount of guilt could ever make me stop wanting her.

I school my expression and let a slow, easy smile pull at my lips.

“Yeah,” I say, plucking the panties gently from the floor, tucking them back into my bag. “I’m well aware, Coach.”

“Just keep it outside my facility, alright?”

“Understood.” I nod, pretending like I’m not drowning in it.

“When did you grow up so fast, huh?” He chuckles, shaking his head.

My eyes snap to his. The warmth of them has my damn heart breaking. I hate what I’m doing to him. I hate what I’ve done to him. Will he accept me if I tell him? Will he…let me into his family?

“I don’t know,” I say. It’s the only thing I can do right now.

“Alright, I won’t hold you up any longer. Get some rest, we’ll talk to Mathews and Irene about clearance tomorrow.” He pats my shoulder before heading out, oblivious.

And I just stand there, frozen and burning at the same time. I close my eyes.

God fucking help me.

She’s still on my mind when I walk toward her office. Just earlier today, I had her on her knees in there. And fuck me, I love that onlyI’veseen that side of her. And if I have it my way, no one else ever will.

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