Page 58 of Defensive Desire

No, this is different. Heavier. Like we’re all waiting for something to explode.

I sit on the bench, lacing up my skates after the morning practice, trying to keep my focus. It’s been three days since Emma and I first slept together.

And fuck… I still can’t get the taste of her out of my mouth.

The sex with her is insane. But it's more than that.

Yeah, it’s wild, and hot, and messy as hell. But it’s also the way she looks at me afterward. The way we just lay there, talking about her business ideas, talking about whatever shit Coach has put me through that day. We talk about our childhoods, our families, and everything else that's brought us together.

I've never talked so damn much in my life, but somehow, I still can't get enough of her.

“Yo! Kane, you deaf?”

I look up to see Connor standing over me, towel slung around his neck.

“Practice is over. You plan on hanging out here all day?”

I grunt, yanking my laces tighter. “Just taking a breather.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “You’ve been in a good mood lately. Almost like you’ve got a secret.”

I shrug, keeping my face neutral. I’ve already taken enough shit from the guys after they spotted me leaving Emma’s the morning after our first night together. I don’t need Connor grilling me on top of it.

The chatter around the room shifts, the tone getting darker like it has been for days. Ryder’s at the other end of the bench, nudging Blake with his elbow.

“You think it’s true?” Ryder says, voice low. “That someone’s getting moved?”

Blake just shrugs. “Could be anyone. Coach won’t say shit, and management’s all tight-lipped. But the way Big Mike’s been acting... something’s definitely up.”

I try not to let my brain go there.

But Connor nudges me and gives his head a jerk in my direction. “You worried, man?”

I shake my head. “Nah. Not until there’s something to worry about.”

He grunts in agreement, but I can tell he’s thinking the same thing.

A few of the younger guys are looking over, trying to gauge our reactions. I keep my face blank, focused on tying the perfect knot in my laces.

Coach Brody steps into the room, his voice cutting through the noise. “Alright, ladies. Listen up! I don’t give a shit what the rumors are saying. You’re all Icehawks until I hear otherwise.Now stop acting like scared little punks and focus on the season ahead.”

There’s a round of muttered agreement, but the tension doesn’t dissipate.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out, hoping for a distraction, but what I get is a damn near heart attack.

It’s a text from my brother, Nate. I haven't heard from him for almost a year.

I read the text:Fishing trip this weekend? All three of us at the old cabin. You in?

I huff out a breath, rubbing a hand over my face.

It’s tradition, well, at least, it'susedto be.

The Kane brothers would always head up to the old forest cabin before hockey season kicks off. Just us, some cheap beer, and whatever fish we’re lucky enough to snag.

But the idea of being away from Iron Ridge right now... away from Emma...

I glance down at the text again.