Page 64 of Ice-Cold Obsession

I didn’t see it at first because I was too busy blaming Gabriel instead of looking at who was really responsible, but I managed to track down some people who knew her and knew exactly what she was struggling with. And they only agreed to talk to me when they were finally free of the mafia’s clutches.

Gabriel never bullied Carla. He barely knew her. But I needed someone to blame, so I made him the villain in my story.

Then I got close to him and realized he was different.

Now we’re safe, free, and together.

Niccolò kept his word. Once Gabriel got drafted, he sent us a message with congratulations and a bonus that was enough to set us up in a new city and help Gabriel’s parents when they got out of prison.

Gabriel’s mom and dad are out now and living in a small town an hour away. Gabriel visits them every few weeks. They’re starting over, just like we are.

The puck drops, and the game begins.

Gabriel moves across the ice with speed and precision. He steals the puck from an opposing player and passes it to his winger. The crowd cheers louder.

I snap a photo, and then keep taking more and more.

Halfway through the first period, Gabriel gets the puck. He skates toward the goal, weaving through defenders like they’re not even there. He winds up and shoots.

The puck flies into the net.

Goal!

People jump to their feet and scream. I’m up too, my camera forgotten as I yell Gabriel’s name.

His teammates swarm him, slapping his helmet and hugging him while he grins.

The game continues. Gabriel gets another assist in the second period, and his team is winning. By the time the final buzzer sounds, the score is four to two.

Gabriel’s team won, and he played like a star.

After the game, I head down to the tunnel where family members are allowed to wait. It takes a while for the players to come out. They’re doing interviews and cool-down exercises and all the other things professional athletes have to do.

But eventually, Gabriel appears. When he sees me, his face lights up.

“Hey,” he says.

I cross the distance between us and kiss him. I don’t care that there are people around or that cameras might be watching. When we finally pull apart, I’m breathless.

“You were amazing,” I say.

“You think?”

“Yep. You scored in your first game. Do you know how incredible that is?”

He laughs. “Yeah. I guess it is pretty incredible.”

“Come on,” I say. “Let’s get out of here.”

We head to a restaurant a few blocks away from the arena. It’s nothing fancy, just a small place with good food.

“I’m so proud of you,” I say.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Yes, you could have.”

“No. I couldn’t. You saved me. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. You stayed when anyone else would’ve run. You’re the reason I’m here.”