Page 5

Evan

Walking into the conference room for the team meeting, I feel like a fool. I never thought of myself as gullible, but that’s exactly what I was last night. I bought what Luca was selling, hook, line, and sinker. I didn’t question his motives for one second. I had dinner with the head of the Barone Syndicate, then took him back to my place and let him fuck me six ways to Sunday.

Jesus, I’ll never live this down.

Luca is at the front of the room, shaking people’s hands and smiling like the Cheshire cat. It’s annoying how my pulse spikes as our eyes meet across the large room. He noticed me enter the room as if he sensed my presence. Now, his dark gaze tracks me like a laser. I hate that I’m as aware of him as he is me. I pull my gaze from his, but not before shooting him a scathing look. His smile just widens.

Arrogant jerk.

I still can’t believe the man I had dinner with is the same cold-eyed, calculating bastard who unveiled his plan to me this morning. I’d have bet my left nut he was a good guy. A gentleman. I actually thought he’d be good for our organization.

Shame and embarrassment once more wash over me. Remembering how I gave myself to him. How vulnerable I was with him. My face is on fire at the memories. I felt such a connection to him, it’s still hard to believe Luca, the Luca I thought I knew, isn’t real. He was a figment of my imagination. I’m humiliated that I trusted him and last night will go to the grave with me. I’m never telling another living soul about it.

Coach Baker is at the meeting along with our General Manager Derek Calloway. Coach is bouncing off the walls happy. The Ice Hawks are his life, and he thinks the team has been saved from the brink of disaster. Little does he know the team is now in the hands of a mobster who only wants us so he can use us to make millions in illegal gambling.

Derek is in a jovial mood too. Derek is in his late forties with premature white hair and sharp blue eyes. He’s polished and smart, with a business-first approach to hockey. He’s always had a strong desire to rebuild the franchise, but as hungry as he is to get our team a championship, it’s hard to imagine he’d go along with Luca’s scheme of us throwing games. I have to assume he doesn’t know.

Noah comes over, and we bullshit for a bit, waiting for everyone to take their seats. I decide not to sit, just in case my hatred for Luca gets too difficult to hide and I need to step out for some air. Once the others are seated, Luca gracefully makes his way to the stage. There’s a row of folding chairs at the back where Coach sits, and Luca joins him. He’s changed out of his formal suit into a more causal blazer, jeans, a fitted light blue shirt, and a red tie. I guess he’s dressing for the part he’s playing, trying to look less intimidating and more down-to-earth. No doubt it was a calculated choice, like everything else about him. He’s a fucking fake.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, afternoon sunlight streams across the polished table where the team shift in their seats, all eyes fixed on our GM as he taps the mic at the podium, clearing his throat loudly. There’s some feedback from the mic that has us all wincing and covering our ears.

“Sorry about that.” Derek laughs, his voice reverberating through the tinny microphone. “First, I want to thank everyone for being here,” Derek begins, his voice carrying that smooth confidence that probably served him well climbing from scout to GM. “As you all know, the past few seasons have presented some challenges for our organization. Issues that have impacted every person in this room.”

A few players shift in their seats. Noah exchanges a look with me that speaks volumes about those “challenges.” We recently found out that the former owner of the team had been embezzling money. That tracks, considering they clearly weren’t reinvesting it into the team. But even before that, morale had been at an all-time low. We’d made three unsuccessful runs at the playoffs, and last season’s exit meetings had been brutal. Management had threatened to gut the entire roster and start fresh. The only reason any of us are still here is because Coach Baker went to bat for us.

After coming that close to losing it all, that just makes Luca’s plan for us to throw games even more terrifying. Going along with his greedy scheme could cost me and my teammates everything. If we start losing again, because that’s what Luca tells us to do, the league is never going to take us seriously. This might be about money for Luca, but for the rest of us, it’s our entire careers on the line. You don’t get endless chances in professional sports. If we fail again this season, we’re damaged goods.

“Today marks a turning point for the Seabrooke Ice Hawks.” Derek gestures to where Luca sits. “Mr. Barone’s acquisition of the team brings with it a commitment to excellence that will transform this organization. Not only will that transformation be cosmetic, but we’re looking to put some real effort into getting you boys what you need to be the best damn hockey team around.”

A murmur moves through the team, with some of the guys nodding.

“These changes proposed by Mr. Barone demonstrate his commitment to building a winning philosophy for the Ice Hawks,” Derek says, his voice tinged with genuine excitement. “His vision is to create a culture rooted in supporting our players, our staff, and our fans.”

I have to bite my tongue to stop a burst of hysterical laughter from exploding out of me. I’ve seen the real Luca and the only “culture” Luca Barone is trying to create is one that lines his pockets. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the players, staff, or our fans. He only cares about himself and his syndicate. We’re simply a means to an end for him.

“I think Mr. Barone would love to outline the specifics of what he has planned himself, so I’ll turn things over to him now.” Derek smiles and turns toward Luca. “Ice Hawks, meet your new owner, Luca Barone.”

Everyone claps, and Luca stands, looking annoyingly confident as he approaches the lectern. From my position near the door, I watch the team react to Luca. Most of them seem open to him, their expressions optimistic. A few of the older players appear a bit more wary. They’ve been through ownership change over enough times to know you can’t believe everything you’re promised.

As he reaches the podium, Luca gives a charming smile. As much as I loathe the man, I can’t help the warmth that shifts through me at the sight of it. That smile seduced me last night. It unpeeled me effortlessly until I gave Luca everything he wanted. I’m humiliated that I was suckered so easily. But I had no idea what malevolence slithered beneath that fake, appealing grin. He’s a monster, but he disguises it so perfectly, no one would know unless he decides to reveal himself.

“First off, thank you for such a warm reception,” Luca says, his voice carrying effortlessly through the room. He sounds relaxed and self-assured, as if buying and extorting a hockey team is as normal for him as putting on socks.

“Mafia scum,” I say under my breath.

“My first priority will be upgrading the training facilities,” Luca says. “We’re going to completely redo the weight room and the recovery center. You also deserve dedicated medical staff, and no more sharing one trainer between twenty-plus players. The team’s health and well-being are the most important thing about this operation. I’m sorry the previous owner didn’t seem to recognize that. But I do.”

“About time we were appreciated,” Deck Murphy rumbles from his corner seat. Our veteran enforcer leans forward, scarred knuckles resting on the table. “The training room’s held together with duct tape and sweat.”

Luca’s smile is perfect, concerned, slightly apologetic. “I’ve seen the facilities. They’re a disgrace. I’ve already contracted renovations starting next week. It’ll be inconvenient while they work, but I’m confident the results will make it well worth it. Coach Baker has already committed to setting up a temporary weight room while the contractors do their thing.”

Torres bobs his head like one of those little dog statues in the back of a car. “You bet, sir. It will be well worth it.”

“Good,” Luca says. “This next improvement, I’m sure you’re really going to like. We’re upgrading team travel. New bus, charter flights for anything over four hours. Proper hotels, not whatever’s cheapest.”

Somewhere in the room, someone lets out an enthusiastic whoop, and Noah visibly brightens. “Wait. Are you saying no more seven-hour bus rides to overnight games?” Our starting goalie has been vocal about how the brutal travel schedule affects performance. “That would be a game-changer for recovery time.”

“That’s what I’m hoping.” Luca meets each player’s eyes as he speaks, building connections. Making them feel heard. I dig my nails into my palms, fighting the urge to expose him right here. But I’m afraid of what he might do. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because I say or do the wrong thing. “I want you focused on winning, not worrying about basic necessities.”

He’s filling my teammates with false hope, and it makes me want to puke. How can he stand there and pretend he wants us to win when his entire plan is to have us lose whenever he says so? I can’t help glaring at him, wishing I knew how to stop him from executing his illegal schemes. I’m not going to give up without a fight, but I can only do so much on my own. However, I don’t dare enlighten anyone on the team. I believe Luca when he says he won’t tolerate anyone getting in his way.

He continues outlining improvements; new practice equipment, upgraded arena facilities, expanded support staff. With each promise, I watch my teammates’ skepticism melt away. They’ve been running on fumes for so long, making do with less than every other team in the league. Now this man appears offering everything they’ve dreamed of.

“Marketing push starts next week,” Luca adds. “Build the brand, fill the seats. You’ll see new uniforms next month – something that represents the team’s future, not just its past.”

That catches Jerry’s attention. Our equipment manager has been patching the same jerseys for three seasons. “Custom fitted?” he asks, looking hopeful.

“Top of the line. Everything professionally maintained.” Luca nods to him. “I understand you’ve been doing the work of three people, Jerry. We’re hiring you some staff.”

The room buzzes with growing excitement. These are all the things we’ve needed, the support that could push us from struggling to competitive. I see hope building on my teammates’ faces, and it makes me sick and angry. How dare he dangle a carrot in front of them when he plans to do nothing but milk our team dry?

“Questions?” Luca opens the floor, perfectly at ease.

“Timeline on the new medical staff?” Torres asks, unconsciously touching his split lip.

“Interviews next week. I want a full team in place before we hit the heavy part of the season.”

Deck raises a hand. “Do you have any plans to upgrade the family lounge area?” He’s one of the team members who’s married with kids. The current family area is a converted storage room with mismatched furniture and not much else. Not a particularly inviting space to entertain his kids.

“Complete renovation,” Luca promises. “Proper space for families, including childcare during games. This team’s support system matters, and we should be more family-friendly, right?”

I can’t listen to his bullshit one second more without saying something. “You’re making a lot of promises,” I grate out. “Those are all big changes. You probably know better than any of us that our organization isn’t exactly flush right now. How exactly do you plan to fund all of the promises you’ve made here today?”

Luca meets my challenging gaze unflinchingly. “I plan on spending my own money to start with.” A murmur runs through the room. “This is my personal investment in this team’s success, but I know I’ll get it back. I believe in you guys. I believe in the Ice Hawk’s future. I’m going to do all I can to help you realize your potential.” His answer is smooth as butter. He sounds sincere and like he wants nothing more in life than to make our lives better.

I wanna ram a hockey stick through his lying-ass skull.

When everyone starts clapping, I taste bile at the back of my throat. Every promise is a hook, every improvement a chain. They can’t see the trap being laid, can’t know that each upgrade comes with invisible strings.

“Captain?” Luca turns his smug gaze to me, his grey-black eyes unreadable. “Any other thoughts?”

Oh, boy, do I have thoughts, Luca.

Twenty-two pairs of eyes turn my way. They trust me to speak for them, to look out for their interests. I can’t believe to keep them safe I have to sit here, smile, and pretend I don’t know what’s coming. That I don’t know they’re all going to be used in illegal schemes designed to line Luca’s pockets.

“Sounds promising,” I manage, the words ashy in my mouth. “I’m just hoping you’re not blowing smoke up our ass.”

There’s nervous laughter from the team.

“Now, come on, Evan,” Derek says in a chiding tone. “As captain of the team, I’d hope you could spread a little more positivity.”

My face warms, but I hold Luca’s gaze. “We’ve been burned before by owners who didn’t really value us. I’m reserving judgment, that’s all.”

“That’s fair.” Luca’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I should have to earn your trust. Words are just words, right?”

“Exactly,” I spit out.

“Evan,” Luca says, his expression pleasant, “I think you’ll see that when I say something, I mean it.”

I hear the veiled threat in his voice, but my teammates are clueless. They nod their approval, looking excited for what’s to come. They’re like lambs to the slaughter, and I don’t have a clue how to save them.

Luca says a few more things and then takes his seat again to thunderous applause. The meeting continues with logistics and timelines. Sofia outlines the media strategy while I struggle with how to save my team from Luca’s spell. It’s like he’s a wizard and he’s got them all under his control.

Noah comes over to me, his brown eyes curious. “You don’t seem to like our new owner very much.” Noah is my best friend, and he knows me better than anyone else. He searches my face, a line between his brows. “Is there a reason for that?”

Uneasiness fills me because Noah isn’t an idiot. Everyone but me seems thrilled with Luca and his plans. I have to give my friend some reason why I’m the only one not jazzed about Luca swooping in to save the day. But I can’t be honest. Luca’s threats against Noah are still very fresh in my mind.

I meet his gaze. “It’s not that I don’t like him. I just want him to come through with his promises, that’s all. The old owner made a lot of promises too, but didn’t follow through.”

“True,” he murmurs. “You just seem kind of antagonistic toward him.”

“Nah. I have nothing personal against him,” I lie, glancing at the stage. I find Luca watching me, and his dark gaze makes my stomach churn.

Noah follows my gaze. “Did something happen last night when you met Barone in the owner’s box?”

My face warms, and I pray my cheeks aren’t turning pink. “No. What could have happened?” Nothing happened in the owner’s box, but afterward things were definitely not professional. It’s the memory of Luca in my bed that has my cheeks on fire.

Noah shrugs. “I’m not sure. I only know that you’re usually more optimistic about things. I can tell you don’t trust Barone.”

“I simply think we should wait and see, that’s all.” I push my hands in my pockets, hoping Noah will drop the subject of Luca. The more questions he asks, the easier it is for me to slip up and say something I shouldn’t.

“How come you didn’t meet up with us last night?” Noah’s gaze seems to burn into my soul. “I tried texting you, but you never responded.”

Noah and I don’t tend to have secrets from each other. Before I found out Luca was a horrible scumbag, I’d probably have told Noah about my hookup with our new owner. But knowing who Luca is, there’s no way it’s safe for Noah to know any more than is necessary.

“I planned on joining you guys, but I was beat after the game. That and the champagne really kicked my ass. I was going to take a nap to take the edge off, but I absolutely crashed. I slept all night without even waking up once.” I give a sheepish smile as my lame lie hangs in the air.

“I called and texted like six times.” His expression is dubious. “It was our first win in a while. You should have been with us celebrating.”

“I know.” I wince inwardly. “Sorry, man. I was dead to the world. The building could have burned down, and I wouldn’t have noticed.” I give a cajoling smile, but Noah doesn’t return it. I can feel he doesn’t believe my story and wants to push more.

He sighs. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

I’d have agreed with him before I met Luca. Now I realize there are things you really can’t tell other people for their own protection. But my best friend is looking at me expectantly, and I have to say something about why I’m acting out of character.

I glance at the stage and find Luca still watching me. His black stare sends a shiver through me. Even from a distance his raw aggression tugs at me. I turn my back on him and meet Noah’s worried gaze. “Look, it’s no big deal. I’ll tell you more when I can.”

“So there is something wrong?” Noah leans forward, obvious concern on his face.

“No.” I shake my head. “Nothing is wrong.”

“You sure about that? You’re not acting like yourself.” He touches my arm. “Evan, if you need anything, you know I’ve got your back, right?”

Noah’s loyalty to me makes my heart squeeze, but it’s going to get him killed. I can feel Luca’s gaze burning into my shoulder blades. Luca is already a paranoid, suspicious bastard. If I can’t get Noah to stop asking questions, that won’t be good for either of us.

“It’s just some stuff going on with Dad,” I lie. “He… he’s been drinking again.” Guilt shifts through me as I falsely smear my poor dad’s reputation. He’s a recovering alcoholic who hasn’t touched a drop of liquor in years. He got in a car accident and that sobered him up immediately. I feel like a dick lying about his sobriety, but it’s better than getting my best friend murdered.

“He started drinking again?” he wrinkles his brow. “God, he seemed so solid the last few years.”

“I know. He just… fell off the wagon.” I give a nervous laugh. “Sobriety is a day to day struggle for him.”

I’m going to hell.

“I’m so sorry. I definitely see why you didn’t feel like going out drinking. Are you taking time off to go be with him?”

“Uh, no. He’s back on track now.” I rub the back of my neck, praying Noah just drops it.

“Still, it might be good to keep an eye on him.”

“He’ll be fine. I have my hands full with Mom, and Dad is fine.” I cringe inwardly at the confused look Noah gives me. He probably thinks I’m a uncaring bastard. “He wouldn’t want me to take time off. He knows were in the middle of our season.”

“Right.” His gaze flickers. “Well, I guess you know best. But if things get worse, tell me.”

“Of course,” I say. “You’re the first person I’ll tell.”

“Captain Riley, can I talk to you for a moment?” Luca’s deep voice comes from right behind my left shoulder.

I jump at the sound of his husky voice and turn to meet Luca’s cold, suspicious gaze. Does he time travel? How the hell did he get off the stage and over to me so quickly?

“Why?” I ask scowling and Noah looks surprised at my surly response. “I mean, I… I have to get to practice.” I suppose I shouldn’t be too overtly rude to Luca in front of Noah and the others. I need to try and keep a professional facade, or they might catch on something is wrong.

Luca narrows his eyes. “I have something important to discuss with you, Captain. It’ll only take a minute. Surely you have time to spare for the new owner of your team?”

Short of throwing a tantrum or flat-out refusing, I’m stuck. “I guess I can spare a few minutes.” I address a very puzzled-looking Noah. “I’ll see you at practice.”

“You bet.” Noah flicks his uneasy gaze to Luca. “Thanks for all your doing for our team, sir.”

“My pleasure,” purrs Luca.

Disgusted at his good-guy act, I walk out of the conference room into the hallway. Luca’s hand is immediately on my elbow and he all but drags me down the narrow corridor. When he reaches the stairs that lead to the upper level, he opens the small janitor’s closet nearby and shoves me inside.

It’s dark and the cramped space reeks of bleach and damp mop heads, the smell sharp and almost metallic in the back of my throat. The light flickers on with a dull hum as Luca flips the switch, illuminating the space with dim, yellowed glow. Shadows cling to the corners, and the single bulb overhead casts harsh shadows over Luca’s angry features.

His hard body presses me against the wall, and the air is stifling. “What the hell are you playing at?” Luca hisses, his mouth only inches from mine.

I’m embarrassed when my body responds to his close proximity. Blood flows from my brain straight to my cock as his warm breath wafts over my lips. I remember clearly how good he tastes, and my mouth waters. My brain may hate Luca, but my traitorous body doesn’t. “I’m… I’m not playing at anything.”

“Are you trying to get Noah killed?” he rasps, his dark brows pulled tight in a scowl.

“I didn’t tell him anything,” I mumble, still painfully aware of how well his warm body fits into mine. How can I loathe him but still want him? That makes no logical sense. He played me. Used me. He wants to destroy my team’s reputation just so he can make money.

What he deserves is a knee to the groin .

He must see something in my eyes because he presses his knees tight to my legs, holding them in place. “Don’t even think about it,” he growls.

I swallow hard. “You’re overreacting. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t tell Noah anything.”

“I don’t believe you.” He leans into me harder, and I can feel that he’s aroused.

Apparently, we’re both nuts.

The knowledge that he wants me as much as I want him only makes it worse. My pathetically thin sliver of control begins to unravel. Desperate, I try to inch away, but my shoulder bumps the nearest shelf, sending a couple of bottles clattering to the floor. Luca doesn’t flinch. He steps in closer, with a faint scrape of his leather shoes against the chipped linoleum. The harsh sound of his breathing seems to echo, amplifying the tension in the cramped space.

“You’re a distraction I don’t need,” he says through clenched teeth.

“I’m n… not trying to distract you.” My anxiety spikes as I feel the hard bump of a gun beneath his sports jacket. He’s looking at me with a mix of suspicion and lust, and neither one of them is a good thing.

I’m surprised when he lifts one hand, swiping his thumb over my bottom lip. His gaze is so intense it’s unsettling. “If you’ll just behave, things will go much smoother for all of us. Keep this crap up, and the people around you will pay the price.”

“Luca, I didn’t do anything wrong. I swear I didn’t tell Noah a damn thing.” He still doesn’t look like he believes me, which terrifies me for Noah’s sake. “Please, don’t hurt Noah. He doesn’t know anything . There’s no reason to go after him.”

He holds my gaze, his eyes dark and dangerous. “You could be lying. Setting me up.”

“I’m not. I’m the only one who knows what you have planned,” I say. “The team loves you. They don’t understand why I don’t. Noah knows me really well, so I had to give him a reason why I’m so on edge.”

“What reason did you give?” His voice is dark and menacing.

I grimace. “I lied about my dad falling off the wagon.”

He studies me with a dubious expression for a few moments, but then some of the tension leaves his body. “You’d better be telling the truth.”

“I am,” I snap. “Trust me, Noah has no idea why I don’t like you, okay?”

His nostrils flair as a smirk touches his lips. “But you do like me a little, don’t you, Evan?” He rocks his hips against mine.

I shiver but say tersely, “Not much.”

He laughs softly. “Enough.”

“Sure, if hardly at all is enough.”

He laughs again, and most of his suspicion and anger seem to fade. He inches his mouth closer to mine. “It’s okay to want me.”

I scowl, desperately trying to ignore how tempting his mouth is. “God, you’re an egomaniac.”

He lifts one shoulder. “Of course. I have every right to be. I’m Luca fucking Barone.”

“Every time you open your mouth, I hate you just a little bit more,” I mutter, giving him the stink eye.

His smile is cocky. “You don’t hate me, Evan.”

“You’re wrong.”

He licks his lips, eyes glittering salaciously. “Maybe I should come by your apartment tonight.”

“What?” I squeak in a very unmanly way.

“We had a lot of fun, Evan,” he purrs. “You know we did.”

“No.” I push against his chest. “Don’t you dare come to my place. I’ll call the cops.”

“You loved our night together,” he rumbles. “Stop pretending you didn’t.”

“That’s because I thought you were a good person. I didn’t know who you really are, Luca. Now that I know, it’s a turn off. I don’t sleep with thugs.”

He curls his lip in a sneer. “You playing hard to get now, Evan? Isn’t it a little late for that?”

“I’m not playing. I don’t want you.”

“Liar.” He slips his hand down, cupping my erection.

I wheeze a little, but manage to push his hand away. “I can’t help what my body does, but my brain doesn’t want you.”

Irritation flutters through his eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

I let out a shaky breath. “I’m sure you’re used to getting whatever you want, but I don’t sleep with entitled assholes.”

He raises his dark brows. “Ouch.”

“Did I hurt your little feelings?”

His lips thin. “No. Of course not. You’re nobody to me. I just want your body.”

“I’m afraid that isn’t going to happen, Luca. My body is off limits.”

He pushes his tongue into his cheek, looking annoyed. “We’ll just have to agree to disagree.”

Jesus, the ego on this guy.

I need to get out of this cramped closet. He’s not completely wrong about me wanting him, and I’d rather he didn’t know how weak I am. But he’s not making any move to let me leave, so it’s up to me to figure a way out. I decide that with an ego the size of his, he’s probably only too willing to believe I’ve capitulated to his “charm.” With that in mind, I lean closer to him, brushing his full lips with mine. I feel his surprise, but also his excitement.

“That’s more like it,” he murmurs, his eyes pinned on my lips.

I inch closer and whisper, “You like that?”

He smiles. “Obviously.”

I nibble his ear lobe. “The thing is, Luca, you’re not a very good listener.”

He just makes a little rumble of pleasure.

I kiss a trail from beneath his ear to the corner of his mouth. “Despite what you think,” I whisper, “I don’t want you coming by my place. I don’t want you in my life. If I had my way, Luca, I’d never. See you. Again.”

As the last word leaves my mouth, I shove him as hard as I can. He’s completely caught off guard, and he loses his balance. I lunge for the door and yank it open, tumbling out into the hallway. Thankfully, it’s empty, so I don’t have to explain why I was in the janitor’s closet.

With my heart slamming my ribs, I jump to my feet and bolt down the corridor toward the doors that lead to the parking lot.