Page 106 of Hold Me Tight

The moment stretches until I watch his gaze drop, landing on the jersey I’m wearing.

The one he gave me.

Something in his face changes. That hard, focused expression eases just enough for a flicker of emotion to break through.

I have to swallow against the sudden tightness in my throat.

This quiet moment of connection is more intimate than anything I ever experienced with Zane. My ex used to flash those camera-ready grins and reach for my hand when he knew someone was watching.

But with River, everything feels different.

Real.

Honest.

The atmosphere in the suite shifts as Hugh enters. He murmurs something to Evelyn, who stands with her back partially turned to us. She doesn’t respond right away, but when she finally glances over her shoulder, her eyes are sharp and full of irritation. The tension between them is subtle, but it cuts deep. Like a wound neither of them ever let fully heal.

There’s history there.

And clearly, it’s not over.

The announcer’s voice booms over the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s game!”

Nora gasps and claps her hands, bouncing on her toes like she’s about to take flight. And when River’s name is called, her voice carries above the noise.

“Rivvy!”

She’s so proud and innocent in her joy. The grin stretching across her face might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

As soon as the puck drops, the energy on the ice changes.

Zane is out there, his movements erratic. He’s playing like he’s out for blood. I’m afraid of who’s blood he’s trying to spill. My gaze sharpens just in time to catch the way he slashes his stick a little too close to River’s skates.

“Is he seriously starting this shit now?” Rina mutters from beside me, her gaze glued to the action below.

Willow leans forward as her eyes narrow. “What’s that guy’s problem?”

My stomach knots. It’s like a traffic accident I can’t rip my attention away from. I’m hyperaware of every second Zane and River share the ice. The way River manages the pressure but never retaliates. He’s holding it in and, somehow, keeping his cool.

But I can see it in the set of his jaw and tension in his shoulders.

The restraint is costing him.

“That’s Nora’s father,” I say quietly.

Willow stills, and her brows rise as realization flickers across her face. “Oh.”

Her expression turns to one of understanding.

Or maybe it’s sympathy.

We can all see what River is up against and how he’s choosing to respond instead.

I can’t believe what Zane is doing, and I hate even more that River has to put up with it.

They’re supposed to be teammates.

Zane shouldn’t be behaving like this.