Page 60 of Puck'N Enemy
I turn toward the pair, spatula in hand. “Are you two ganging up on me already?”
“Yup,” they say in unison.
Dylan chuckles, and Maddie beams like she’s just won something big.
“Alright, you two,” I say, plating up the food. “Eat up. We’ve got a big day ahead.”
Maddie’s expression is gleeful, while Dylan has a soft smile on his face as he cuts into his eggs.
Standing in the kitchen, surrounded by our old pots and pans, I just soak it all in and tell myself I’m not dreaming, that Dylan is right here and making Maddie laugh.
This is the small, quiet slice of life I’ve always wanted.
And I’m not going to let anyone take it away from me again, I silently vow.
Mitchikov is waiting for me at the back corner of the locker room. Leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, he looks unusually grim.
His expression doesn’t change as I approach him.
“No good news, huh?” I say, pretending like his serious face isn’t freaking me out.
“Pete Volkov’s a real piece of work,” Mitchikov says with a humorless smirk. “He’s been trying to muscle into territory he’s got no right to touch. He’s overly ambitious, reckless, and way too loud for his own good. The higher-ups? They’re not exactly impressed with his power plays.”
My hands clench at my sides. “He’s after Dylan,” I say in a low voice. “He’s been stalking him ever since he got out of jail. If I hadn’t been around a couple of nights ago, he’d have kidnapped him.”
“I’m not surprised.” Mitchikov’s tone darkens. “Pete’s an egotistical asshole. He won’t accept a kid rejecting his offer.” He gazes at me, and I sense something dark lurking under the surface.
“What else did you find out about him?” I ask.
“Pete has a taste for pretty, athletic boys,” Mitchikov says through clenched teeth. “Your Dylan fits his type. I doubt he’s ever seen a prettier motherfucker than that Bear forward.”
“You think Dylan’s pretty?” I ask with a humorless chuckle.
Mitchikov rolls his eyes. “Even the girls think he’s pretty,” he scoffs. “Didn’t you see them screaming and cheering for him like mad banshees at our last game with the Bears?”
I shake my head, thinking of my beautiful boyfriend and how easily he attracts people’s attention even when he tries to keep his head down and blend with the crowd.
“Pete’s known to break his boy toys,” Mitchikov says, his voice growing serious again. “If he has his eyes set on Dylan, he’d have to watch out.”
My expression falters at the sound of that threat.
“Hey, man,” Mitchikov says, grabbing my shoulder and squeezing hard. “It’s not all bad. Pete’s a small-time hustler compared to the real players. Guys like him burn hot and fast, and when they overstep? They get put down. Hard.”
I clench my fists harder. “So, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying…” Mitchikov leans in slightly, his voice low. “Pete’s trying to claim turf that belongs to people a hell of a lot scarier than him. He’s making enemies above his weight class. His little empire? It’s gonna go up in flames soon. All it takes is one wrong move. And trust me, he’s overdue.”
I nod, processing what he’s telling me. “So, he’s on borrowed time?”
“Yep.” Mitchikov crosses his arms. “And until then? Keep a close watch on your boyfriend. Pete might try something desperate before he’s taken out. The guy’s ego is bigger than his brain. If he thinks he’s losing control, he’ll lash out at whoever he can still hurt. That means Dylan.
My teeth grind together at the thought. “So I just… wait?”
“No,” he says firmly. “You protect him. Keep him close and don’t let him out of your sight over the coming days. I’ll let you know when Pete’s dead and buried somewhere.”
I let out a frustrated noise. There’s nothing I hate more than waiting for someone else to do my job.
“Logan, don’t make the mistake of going after Pete yourself,” Mitchikov says, guessing my feelings. “Guys like him—if you push, he’ll drag you down with him. You can’t let him destroy both you and your boyfriend. Let the sharks eat him. It’s only a matter of time anyway.”
