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Jade and Briar cackle.

Hudson dances away, grinning…

And ends up cornered by Atlas—and another man who I recognize as Banks.

Mostly because I’ve seen him on TV.

“You’re Banks Christianson,” I whisper, the awe evident in my voice.

He loops an arm around Hudson’s throat, yanks him back against his chest.

My eyes go wide.

But only for a second because then I’m relaxing, my mouth turning up.

“Ew!” Hudson cries as Royal gives him a wet willy…in both ears.

“You know that payback is twofold, Dash,” Banks says, releasing him and coming over to me. “I’m Banks and this is my fiancée, Aspen.”

“Nice to meet you both,” I whisper, feeling completely starstruck. “I watched your game the other night. Your goal was incredible.”

He grins.

Probably because Hudson has looped an arm around my waist and drawn me against his side.

It’s a lot of touching, and I’m unsure about the possessive nature of it, but I push that aside for now.

Because…it feels good.

“Thanks,” he says as Aspen shakes my hand. “But it was a team effort.”

A hand that’s then filled with a wine glass.

Aspen grins, smoothing her palm over her pregnant belly. “Don’t let him fool you,” she teases. “He’s on his best behavior the first time he meets you?—”

Banks snorts.

“And by the time his ego slips out, you’re in too deep.”

“Rude,” Banks mock grumbles.

“Deserved,” Hudson mutters.

“Stop being grumpy, Dash,” Briar orders, “and come over here and pull out this roast.”

“Why do you guys call Hudson, Dash?”

Banks claps a hand on his shoulder as Dash releases me. “Because the man is as fast as lightning—or was.”

I see a ripple of emotion slide across his—worry, frustration, fear, some combination of those three—but he turns away before I get more than a glimpse of it, going over to the oven and pulling out the pan.

I start to ask Banks more about the Vipers, but my question is interrupted by a tug on my hand.

“Princess Cinderella?” Frankie asks.

“Here it comes,” Banks murmurs.

My brows drag together, wondering what those questions mean. I turn to face her, crouching down so we’re at eye level. “Yeah, Frankie?”