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The player in orange and white throws the first punch which Zach skillfully dodges, leaning to the side. In return, Zach lays an uppercut that connects with the defenseman’s jaw, and a spray of blood hits the ice. The home crowd goes wild. But Zach’s not done; in fact, it looks like he’s just getting started.

“Those two have a history.” Felicity nods toward them going at it.

“I wouldn’t know,” I say, twisting my hands around nervously in my lap. “I’ve watched his games but never his fights.”

Her eyes soften. “Are you sure you want to watch this?”

No.

Right at that moment there’s an “oooh” from the crowd. I have no idea how he got there since I was only looking at my friend for a split second, but the next thing I see is the defenseman beating down on Zach, pummeling him into the ice. I watch as he brings his hands over his face, clearly protecting himself.

I leap from my seat, panic setting in. “Stop! Stop hitting him!”

Felicity quickly leaps from hers, Kate closely after, and they both shout with me.

The Dallas captain is clearly aiming for his head as eventually the ref intervenes, deciding enough is enough.

When Zach finally comes back into view, I don’t need to be ice level to see how beaten up his face is as blood pours from him.

“Why didn’t they stop it sooner?” I scream at anyone who’ll listen.

“It’s what they do; it’s part of the game,” Kate says softly as she and Felicity retake their seats.

I don’t retake mine though. Ripping my jacket from the back, I grab my purse.

“Where are you going?” they both ask in unison.

“Something’s not right. I can feel it.” I point over to where Zach’s skating off the ice to get treatment, his shoulders slumped. “I haven’t watched his fights, but did that look normal to you? Does he normally just go down like that?”

“Well, no. He’s normally the one handing it out,” Kate replies.

I think back to the conversations I’ve had with him. His admission over being hesitant this season. “I need to go check on him.”

Felicity grabs my hand. “I’ll come show you where to go.”

With the help of Felicity,I make it past security and into the vast locker room. Pads, clothes, shoes, and bags are thrown across the floor, and I screw up my nose at the smell.

Men.

“Where is he?” I say turning to her.

She points to the left. “Most likely in the medical area, through there.”

I make my way over and push the door open which leads to a sterile white hallway.

“I’ll wait for you outside, babe.”

“Okay, thanks,” I say, turning back to her with an appreciative smile.

Behind a glass door, I find Zach. He’s laid back on a bed while the team doctor finishes taping and cleaning up his eye.

When he notices me, he sits up and motions for me to enter. As I do, I know the doctor is not impressed with my presence.

“Family and girlfriends only,” he snipes.

“She is my girlfriend,” Zach counters.

The way that label sounds leaving his mouth…even if it isn’t real.