Page 22 of Overtime

What would it be like for Ishir to be able to do that out in the open with an Alpha he loved? Not Zee, obviously, that was too much of a fantasy. When he got over his best friend, would there ever be a time he’d be free to hold another Alpha’s hand without being scared of ruining his career?

Gabby managed to distract Ishir from his thoughts, showing him pictures of some dogs from his nearest rescue. “We’re planning on adopting one. We even found a good sitter for when we’re away,” Gabby explained.

Orion, apparently having overheard, raised his voice enough to capture the attention of the rest of the table. “Oi, guys. So I didn’t just randomly invite Gabby tonight. Wanted to tell you…we’re moving in together. Not a big deal, but thought you should know before the media got wind of it somehow.”

“Cap! You are going to be living in sin?” Petey gasped jokingly, Russian accent thickened by beer.

Amazingly, that made Orion flush. “Well…we’re actually planning on mating during the bye week. Not that it’s any of your damn business, all of you.”

Ishir gaped as there was a general uproar. Hadn’t Orion and Gabbyjustgotten together?

Not that he was judging, really. He knew he and Zee were never going to be more than friends, but if that ever happened, he wouldn’t say no to mating soon after.

That was how much of an idiot he was.

Corona slapped Orion heartily on the back. “Can’t believe you’re going to make an honest man out of that fool.”

“Hey,” Gabby protested, but he was grinning wide.

Zee took the opportunity to appear behind them, forcing his way into sitting beside Ishir.

From his other side, Bergy rolled his eyes. “We’re packed like sardines in here.”

Zee stuck his tongue out at him, and Bergy muttered something about them being attached at the hip.

Ishir wasn’t going to protest, though. For the night, everything was right in the world.

**********

Ishir read through the text, heart picking up pace.

It had been a while since he’d heard from Simon, what with the season only having started a month and a half ago, but it was a rush every time he did.

They’d met the year after Ishir had been drafted, when he was still playing in the Cats’ AHL team. It had been during a night Ishir was allowed to come, and Simon had made it well worth it, fucking him through the mattress and making him see stars.

That hadn’t been the best part, though—Simon was Ishir’s only regular fuckbuddy because he didn’t care if Ishir could come or not. He’d hit Ishir up the next time he was in New York on business and hadn’t batted an eye as Ishir had explained his predicament.

“I can work with that,” he’d promised.

Ishir had met him in his hotel room, and Simon had opened him up slowly, fucked his face, his ass, and then hadn’t let him come.

It was perfect. It had felt like a feat of will, and the way Simon had showered him with praise after…

It was almost better than actually coming…almost.

Ishir replied to Simon’s text with an enthusiasticYes!!!He only returned to earth when Simon told him they’d have to meet in Ishir’s apartment—Simon had a room right next to his boss, and they both knew Ishir couldn’t be trusted to stay quiet.

Fine, Ishir sent. He’d have to explain where he was spending the night to Zee anyway.

“So…” Ishir hedged the night before Simon was going to arrive. “I’m inviting a friend over tomorrow if that’s okay.”

“Bergy?” Zee guessed.

“No. It’s, uh…he’s from out of town.”

Zee swallowed loudly. “O-kay? Like, from another team?”

“No. He’s an Alpha.”

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