Page 114 of Beautiful Venom

The only reason the hostile ones don’t give me a piece of their mind is due to Kane’s presence. It’s evident that no one on the team talks back to him. The players respect him immensely—which is easily seen from the focused and reverent way they look at him. Even the coach speaks to him like an equal.

Despite my motives, I’m serious about my job.

So I spend most of the open skate talking to the team doctor about ways to improve the players’ agility and minimize injury. I also speak to the head physical therapist about the areas of potential muscle strain of each player.

He and the rest of the team check them regularly and often give them sports massages to help loosen their tense muscles. I’m fascinated by the amazing equipment and machines they have access to. But then again, the team is almost on a pro level and is the reigning champion of the college league, so the program makes sure they reach their full potential.

Doesn’t hurt that many players are sickeningly rich, so their families pour endless amounts of money into the team.

Who would’ve thought that the field I chose, medicine with a focus on physical therapy to help with Violet’s constant back pain and bad shoulder, would now be used to benefit the entitled assholes?

One of whom could have attempted to kill her.

By the end of open skate, I’ve got the gist of areas with potential improvement chances. So I head back to the bench area after the managing team leaves.

The players head to the showers, smacking each other, and talking loudly. It’s a chaos of overwhelming testosterone.

There are a few female staff, the most important being the team administrative manager, but they’re mostly in their offices.

As most of the team filters out, Kane skates toward me and stops at the barrier, then removes his helmet and runs a hand through his damp hair. It randomly falls to his forehead, partly camouflaging the iciness in his eyes. Though they’re clearer now, less frozen and more…familiar.

He looks absolutely stunning in his hockey gear with his hair wet, fresh out of open skate. I’m sure I’m not supposed to find him hot or beautiful, but he’s both of those and more.

I blame his depraved sexual tastes.

Because whenever I see him, my mind keeps replaying images from that maze.

Hot, electrifying, and erotic scenes that drive me insane.

Kane leans both his arms on the railing so they’re hanging right in front of me.

“That looked fun.” I clear my husky voice. “The team’s spirit is back, right?”

“Partially.”

“Why only partially?”

He pauses and stares at the gloves in his hand. “Preston ditched open skate.”

“He’s probably ashamed about his poor performance from last night. He’ll come back.”

“He never ditches open skate. Besides, he lacks the ability to feel shame.”

I frown.

Honestly, Preston can choke, but I don’t like that his absence causes strain on the team and Kane. That slimy bastard is one of the Vipers’ indispensable pillars and has constantly been in impressive form.

Except for yesterday.

But, also, I seemed to have underestimated the bond between Kane and Preston.

Possibly Jude as well.

“Have you checked in on him?” I ask.

“I will.” He watches me, his gaze heavy and imploring. “Enough about the team. Tell me, how was your first day?”

“It was fine. I have a lot to work on.”

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