Page 43 of Damsel in Defense
The buzzer sounds, and the buildingexplodes.I don’t even realize I’ve thrown my arms around Max until we’re slamming into each other, grinning like kids on Christmas.
Sid barrels out of the crease, helmet off, and we crash into a messy three-man hug.The whole team rushes the ice.
We won.
First game of the season.First win.
Even with the scoreboard flashing and my teammates hollering and thumping each other on the back, my eyes gostraightto her.
Victoria.
She’s standing at the glass of the family suite, hands waving in the air.I think I also see her hug another woman, but I can’t be sure.
My heart fucking lurches in joy.
I can’t keep this up.I don’t want to.Whatever fake rules we made at the beginning—they don’t fit anymore.Not when I feel like this.
She’s woven into every breath I take.
The future doesn’t look bright unless she’s standing next to me.
I skate off the ice, past reporters and flashing cameras, past fans reaching out to high-five.All I can think about is getting to her and telling her that playtime is over, and from here on out, she’s mine.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
VICTORIA
The building isthunder.
My hands are pressed to the glass of the family suite as the final buzzer sounds, and I swear the vibration of it echoes through my chest like a bass drum.The crowd erupts in deafening cheers around me, and below, the team rushes the ice.
I thought I knew how loud an arena could get, but this is next-level.
“They did it!”Sabrina cheers, pulling me forcefully into a hug.
I feel like crying I’m so happy for everyone.
And Mason.
God, he was spectacular tonight.I’m a hockey fan for life now.I totally get the appeal.There’s action, drama, and such a grace to their movements.It’s a fast game, but that doesn’t mean every move doesn’t have intention.
I can’t make out too many details from up here, but I can imagine him grinning like a devil as he skates into a pileup with Max and Sidney.He’s easy to spot with “Warren” stretched across his back.His arms are raised, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.
He’s never looked more alive.
And somehow, I know it’s not just the win.
When his head lifts, angling up in my direction in the family box, I just know he’s looking for me.I know the instant his gaze lands on me.He finds me like he always does.I wave, confirming it’s me.
I press my fingers to my lips, then to the glass, and henods—just once—but it makes my stomach tumble like I’m mid-free fall.
God, I’m in so much trouble.The rules flew out the window weeks ago; I’ve just been pretending they’re still in place.Because the truth is, I’m in deep.I’ve fallen for him and broken the one rule Mason put in place—to talk to him if things change.
Boy, have they changed.
I’m in love with him.There’s no getting around that, no pretending.
What started out fake turned into something so real that it’s staggering to think of.He’s my best friend and the person I want to spend my days with.
