Page 44 of Make Me Yours

Every time he scores, his gaze flicks up toward our suite, and when it finds me, it’s like being struck by lightning.

It’s direct.

Searing.

And impossible to ignore.

A chill dances down my spine, even though the room is comfortably warm. I tighten my grip on the armrest, trying to steady myself against the thudding beat of my heart.

It feels like Steele isn’t playing for the crowd.

Or even for the team.

He’s playing forme.

Evelyn murmurs from beside me, “That boy is really on fire tonight. It’s almost as if something’s gotten into him.” She tilts her head slightly, cutting me a sideways glance. “Any idea what that could be?”

My throat goes dry. I swallow hard and shake my head, the motion small and helpless.

Rina doesn’t bother to hide her smirk. She turns toward me with a raised brow, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh, I think I have a very good idea.”

When I fail to respond, the three of us fall into silence, each lost in our own thoughts, as the game continues to unfold below. Even as I force my attention back to the ice, I can feel the weight of Steele’s gaze and the way it lingers.

Heavy.

Unshakable.

And something inside me understands this moment, this shift between us, is just the beginning.

14

STEELE

Iskate onto the ice and roll my shoulders in an attempt to shake off the agitation crawling under my skin as the arena roars around me. Lights are flashing, music is pulsing, and the fans are on their feet.

But none of it penetrates.

Not really.

The second my gaze scans the crowd, it finds her. She’s in the owner’s suite, seated next to Rina, a drink in her hand, wearing the new jersey I bought her. The sight of her wrapped in my name and number sets something primal loose deep inside me.

It’s the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.

All I can think is that the woman is mine.

Lilah might not know it yet, but she belongs to me.

She’s always belonged to me.

River skates up beside me before following my line of sight.

“Looks like your woman made it this time,” he mutters with a smirk. “Hopefully that means your head will be in the game.”

“Shut up,” I grumble, gripping my stick tighter.

He just grins. “Admit it, you’re gone for that woman.”

There’s no point in denying it.