Page 157 of Puck My Life

“I am not doing drills.”

Mal kisses my forehead. “But you want to be a pro-hockey player.”

I snarl at him, then let out a squeak when Raynor picks me up and carries me down to the ice.

I grip the barrier and glare at him as he glides out into the middle, not quite as elegant on the ice as Mal and Deacon, but still with some skill.

“Come on, Vae.”

“Bastards,” I mutter.

I take a deep breath and then push off, gliding out onto the ice. I don’t remember the last time I was on the ice. It was forever ago, but time clearly warped my memory of my skills. I am far worse than I remembered.

Mal skates in a circle around me, moving easily and smiling so wide I can’t help but laugh back at him.

Deacon arrives in a streak of colour. He skids to a stop in front of me, showering me with ice.

I let out a shriek.

He drops five pucks on the ice and hands out three sticks. One to Mal and Raynor and one to me.

He circles around behind me and shows me how to hold it. Coffee surrounds me, and I peer at him through my lashes.

“You and me against them, right, Hook?”

I shiver as he nips my earlobe. “Sure, Pan.”

Raynor comes and stands opposite me. He slaps his stick on the ice.

“Prepare to lose, Vae, baby.”

“You’re going to be the one eating our dust.”

“Want to bet on it?”

“Sure, bring it.”

Raynor shifts closer until I’m sandwiched between him and Deacon, staring up at him, trying to remember what we’re arguing about.

“If you lose, I want to fuck you anywhere I want.”

My mouth goes dry. “And where’s that?”

He bites his bottom lip. “It’s going to be a surprise.”

“And if I win?” I challenge.

“You can fuck me anywhere you want?”

I pause, staring at him. “No deal. I want you to send your song to those people who requested the rights to it. You don’t have to sell it, but I want you to listen to them.”

“Vae, I’m happy with this and us.”

“Yes, but your music is too beautiful not tobe heard.”

He leans down and kisses me. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Back off, Hadthrop, she’s mine now,” Deacon barks. “Come on, Vae. Let’s kick his ass.”