Page 13 of The Final Faceoff
I exhale, biting my lip before typing.
Hailey: Someone who doesn’t just follow my lead. I want him to control, to . . . dominate at times. Someone who isn’t afraid to push back. To thrust hard—very hard when I need it, and knows in fact that it is what I need. A guy who takes what he wants.
The response is instantaneous.
Leif: I had no idea you were . . . this is interesting. So, you like cuddles but also a little force, huh? So probably an asshole you can push around.
My stomach flips.
Hailey: I hate you.
Leif: Nah. You just don’t know what to do with someone who can handle you.
I stare at the screen, heart hammering, because the first person that comes to mind is . . . him.
He knows how to handle me. Always pushing back when I get reckless, cutting through my bullshit like no one else. But would he know how to fuck me? Would he take me apart with the same precision, the same unrelenting control?
I bet he would. And I bet he wouldn’t be gentle about it if that’s exactly what I needed.
He wouldn’t waste time with sweet words or careful touches. He’d shove me against the wall, grip my wrists, and hold me right where he wants me—fierce, demanding, making sure I feel every bit of his strength. I want him reckless with me, to leave marks I’ll feel for days, to take me until I’m wrecked and raw, pleasure curling into pain in the best way.
He’ll be ruthless. Fingers digging in, mouth biting down, voice dark with something that sends shivers down my spine.You can take it, can’t you?He’d push me past my limits just to hear me gasp, just to watch me tremble and break apart beneath him.
I’d run my mouth—because I always do—and he’d make me regret it. Not with words, but with his hands, his teeth, his cock, fucking me so hard I forget how to think. No teasing, no games, just raw, desperate need. A hunger so deep it leaves me shaking, aching, ruined.
I press my thighs together, exhaling slow, but it doesn’t help. Not when I’m all worked up and wanting. Not from Leif, of course. I wouldn’t ruin our friendship that way—never.
After a few deep breaths and calming down from a fantasy that I should never have texted him,Whatever. Anyway, what’s up with you? Please tell me you have better life news than I do.
Leif: I do, actually. It’s official.
I hold my breath as I type,Wait. Official, official? Weren’t we just discussing this yesterday or was it the day before yesterday? I lost track of time.
Leif: Actually, I took my sweet time. The New York Vipers wanted the response that same day we spoke—two days ago.
I let out a squeal so loud I’m pretty sure the entire hallway hears me. Then type,Fuck yes, Leif! NEW YORK! YOU’RE A VIPER!
Leif: Weird, that’s what they put on the contract, too. Kaden isn’t too happy—maybe Papa isn’t either. But the Barracudas didn’t offer me what I wanted. I wasn’t going to move to Boston with a pay cut and the need to show that I’m my father’s son.
Hailey: This is HUGE. Why didn’t you call me?!
Leif: Because you were out making bad choices.
Hailey: I don’t like you right now.
Leif: You like me. You’re just mad I couldn’t break the news between rounds of tequila.
Hailey: That would have been epic. You really missed an opportunity.
Leif: Next time I change teams, I’ll plan accordingly.
Hailey: Seriously, though, I’m so damn proud of you. I know you wanted out of Arizona, and back on the East Coast with a winning team.
Leif: Yeah. Feels weird, though.
Hailey: Because you have to leave Arizona?
Leif: Because I have to live close to my family. Plus, I might get to witness all of your terrible dating choices in real time now.
