Page 78 of Her Puck Daddies

“This is amazing!” she squeals, voice raspy from all the screaming. The Avs just clinched another win, setting themselves up for a solid playoff push.

I can’t help but grin. This life, this moment, everything about it feels right. And Leighton couldn't be happier for me. She's relieved that Dean will never have the chance to hurt me or anyone again. But more than that, she loves that I've found three men who treat me with respect and loyalty that's beyond measure.

“I know,” I shout back, as we jump up and down with our arms wrapped around each other. This is the best day I’ve had in a while, simply spending time with the people I care most about.

Unfortunately, my post-game celebration takes a turn when I have to bolt to the restroom and hurl up what feels like my entire stomach. Too many nachos? Bad cheese? Who knows. The weird part? The second I’m done, I feel… hungry again.

With the guys still tied up for a bit, Leighton and I head toBay, an exclusive waterfront restaurant. Dropping the guys’ names gets us a VIP table, and their dinners arrive just as they stroll in, starved and ready to demolish a feast.

Thenight couldn’t be more perfect, the kind of effortless luxury I’m starting to get used to. But by the end of the meal, Leighton nudges me awake.

“You feeling all right?” she asks, worried. “You fell asleep on my shoulder.”

“I did?” I blink, disoriented. That’s weird. “I’m fine. Just tired, I think.”

She smirks. “Too many late, wild nights with your guys?”

I laugh, shaking my head. The funny thing is, last night was tame. We slept in separate beds so they’d be well-rested for the game. I even went to bed early. No tossing, no turning. Just solid, deep sleep. So why do I feel like I’m running on empty?

“Probably.”

“Missed having you in bed with me,” Sven murmurs, reaching across the table to take my hand. His touch is warm, grounding, and I love this quiet affection from him.

“Me too,” Eric chimes in, his voice just as soft. Across the table, Levi meets my gaze, his expression tender.

Leighton grins, ever the instigator. “Unless you’re pregnant,” she teases with a laugh. “You guys didn’t knock her up, did you?”

It’s a joke. I know it’s a joke. But my stomach does a slow, queasy flip at the thought.

I do the math in my head. I was on the pill when I was with Dean, but I ran out recently and… well, I haven’t exactly stressed about it. The guys are always responsible, always meticulous about protection.

I’m fine.Everything’s fine.

But when was my last period?

My gaze drops to my empty plate as I rack my brain, but no date immediately jumps out. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Silence stretches over the table, and when I finally glance back up, I find all three guys staring at me, eyes wide, bodies tense.

I force a small laugh. “You always wear protection,” I remind them, hoping to shake off the sudden weight in the air. “Even when it’s… you know… not necessary.”

The words barely settle before Levi shifts in his seat, rubbing a hand down his face, while Sven and Eric exchange a look that makes my pulse spike.

But then I freeze.

That night—the first time Eric came over after pulling away, after the mess with Dean. The desperation. The need. Eric took me from behind, so it didn’t matter. But Sven beneath me, Levi on top...

My heart plummets. Think, Ava.Think.

Then it clicks. I remember hearing Levi tear the condom wrapper. But Sven? Nothing. Not a single sound when he slid under me. But the vibrator could’ve drowned it out, right?

My stomach twists.No, no, no.Not now. Not when everything finally feels right.

Levi and Eric seem relaxed, convinced they’re in the clear. Likewe’rein the clear. But Sven? His grip on my hand turns to stone. His face goes pale, his usual easy confidence nowhere to be found. I squeeze his palm instinctively, the silent exchange between us speaking volumes.

“Well,” he starts, his voice oddly stiff. “I think I might’ve forgotten.” His Adam’s apple bobs. “That time you dealt with Dean. When Eric finally came around.” His brows pinch together as if he’s replaying the scene in his head. “I was caught up in the rawness of everything. I don’t really remember.”

My pulse thunders in my ears. “We did, though. Right? We had to have.” The words leave me on autopilot, but the longer the silence stretches, the more my stomach knots.