Page 13 of Dirty Play

“A toddler?” I arch a brow, crossing my arms.

“A very grumpy, very big toddler,” she huffs out.

“My job is to play hockey, not entertain useless leeches.” I lift my chin, expecting to see those blue eyes ablaze with anger. But instead of that, what I see catches me off guard. I see her lips close, her chest expanding as she takes in a breath, and her blue eyes flicking down before returning to mine.

I watch her, my brows twitching toward each other in confusion. Where’s my hellcat?

“Is that what you think of me?” she asks, her tone steady and low. “I’m a useless leech?”

The words sound ugly coming out of her, and for the first time in a while, I take a mental step back.

“No,” I finally say with a slight shake of my head.That’s definitely not what you are, little hellcat.“Is there a purpose to this conversation, Ms. Moody?” I add, a bit louder to distract myself from my rapid heartbeat.

She narrows her eyes at me, a spark finally igniting.

“If you would just let me do my job, we might actually get somewhere.”

“I told you, I’m not interested in interviews,” I insist with a slow blink.

“Look, the way I see it.” She takes a step closer, determination in her stride, but she miscalculates on the slick ice, and I watch, half in horror.

“Shit!” Instinct kicks in, and I dart forward, closing the distance in a heartbeat. My hands catch her just before she hits the ice, one gripping her elbow, the other settling against her waist.

For a second, everything freezes.

Her body is warm against the cold of the rink, and I can feel her breath catch as she looks up at me. Those striking blue eyes are wide and searching. My heart races, and the unexpected rush of her scent floods my senses.

Her full lips part as she tries to say something, her hand gripping my arm through my gear. It sends a jolt straight to my dick, and I curse silently, trying to push it away. What is this woman doing to me?

“Maybe stick to the stands next time,” I say, keeping my voice low. I can see the depth of color in her eyes, the darker shades of blue swirling within.

A strand of her caramel-blonde hair has fallen across her lips, and without thinking, I reach out to tuck it behind her ear. Her eyes dart left to where my hand is before returning to my face. She swallows, her chest rising and falling with each breath.

I straighten us both, making sure she’s stable before I do something reckless.

“Rowan,” she starts, but I cut her off.

“I’m not doing the interview,” I say, my voice low as I let go of her waist, stepping back before I lose my damn mind.

As I glide away, I can feel her eyes on my back, silently thanking the gear for hiding my unexpected arousal.

“DiMarco, wait!” The sound of her voice follows me, persistent and frustrated, but I can’t focus on anything but the need to get away from her. I can still feel the warmth and weight of her body, her sweet scent clinging to me, even as I skate away.

Chapter five

~LIVIA~

The heels are the first thing I notice. Sharp clicks echoing down the polished hallway, getting louder with each step. I look up from my phone and spot her, tall, poised, and elegant, like she just stepped off the cover ofPerfectly Intimidating Magazinewith strawberry-blonde hair swept into a sleek bun, a tailored designer dress, and a gaze that could probably cut glass.

And she’s walking straight toward me. Great.

“Livia Moody, I presume?” Her voice is smooth and controlled, but there’s a hint of command behind it like she’s used to people snapping to attention when she speaks. “I wanted to meet our new public relations agent myself.”

I straighten up, shoving my phone into my bag and holding out my hand. “That’s me. And you are?”

“Alegra Harrison.” She shakes my hand, firm but not crushing.

Oh.Oh.The team owner’s wife. No pressure or anything.

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