Page 16 of The Break Out (Denver Dragons #3)

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I f I have to hear Dumont bitching about how he wants to get back to Chandler one more time I’m going to punch him in the fucking face.

I guess she had their kid the other day and now we are on a road trip for the next five days. The NHL doesn’t give a shit about babies being born during the season, we don’t get time off so he just has to suck it the fuck up. Collee isn’t talking about it, which isn’t surprising. He’s ignoring me a little more, which I enjoy. McQuaid even acts like he wants to get back which is weird for him.

I drown everyone out with my headphones on while we fly to our next destination, Toronto. I pull out my phone to change the song and find myself looking at my text chain with Brynn where my last few texts have gone unanswered. It annoys me, I like our interactions, getting her pissed off is one of the few things that brings me joy outside of hockey.

If she doesn’t respond the entire time I’m gone, then I’m stepping it up once we get back and I know exactly how I’m going to do it. She likes making bets, so I have one in mind. But that will have to wait.

Once we get to the hotel, I hear some of the guys talk about wanting to go out. Of course, none of them tell me directly and I’m not about to tag along where I’m not wanted. I think about going out alone, but I need to be on top of my game tomorrow and risking a hangover isn’t worth it.

Instead, once I get into my hotel room and strip down to just my boxers, I decide it’s time to fuck with the princess a bit more.

I take a picture of my bare chest down to the bulge in my boxers and send it to her along with a message.

Colton: This could be your view if you’d just give us both what we want.

Baby Collee: I now have to bleach my eyes and throw my phone out the window.

Colton: Quit lying to me, I know you saved it. Probably will make it your background. Now it’s your turn.

Baby Collee: NEVER HAPPENING.

Colton: I can’t wait to have you underneath me, Princess.

She doesn’t respond again, and I think about calling her, but decide to leave her alone. For now.

This team fucking sucks .

I’ve known this, obviously, but I feel like it’s gotten so much worse.

This game against Toronto started off strong but went downhill during the first power play they got when McQuaid got an interference call. I slammed my stick against the boards when that fucking buzzer went off signaling the goal. I’m shocked it didn’t break, part of me wanted it to.

“Keep your shit together, Wheeler, or we will end up with another fucking penalty thanks to you,” Coach’s stern tone comes from behind me.

I mumble a, “yes Coach.”

During the second period, Collee ends up getting a goal that ties us up and once the third period starts it’s a race to see who can get a goal first to win the game. My shifts go by in a blur as I do my best to ignore everything that isn’t the puck and my stick. I get close to scoring, but the damn puck hits the cross bar instead of going into the net.

This time I do break my stick when I slam it down.

With only thirty seconds left of the game, by some fucking miracle, Dumont ends up scoring. When the next play starts, Toronto pulls their goalie for the last few seconds and its high pressure six against five while we do our best to run out the clock.

The final buzzer never sounded so sweet, and we actually won a fucking game.

It’s about time .

After we all get on the bus, I hear some of the team talk about going out to celebrate, and while I don’t really want to join them, I do want to go out since it’s been too long.

“I’m in,” I say, which results in a few odd looks.

“Alright, guess Wheeler is joining us too,” Jones says, shaking his head like he can’t believe it.

I’m glad I won’t have to deal with Collee because he decides not to come out. Dumont says something about FaceTiming Chandler. McQuaid doesn’t say anything, but I doubt he’s coming out and Colver is already on the phone with who I can assume is Spencer while we’re on the bus so I’m sure he’s not joining.

Which is all for the best since those fuckers would be the reason anything about me would get back to Brynn and she doesn’t need any other reason not to like me. Even if I decide to hook up with someone it’s none of her business. It’s not like she will and it’s been too fucking long. My dick hates the lack of action he’s not getting and is sick of my hand.

I must be fucking broken. Defective. Sick. Something.

There isn’t a lack of beautiful women at the bar we are at, and a few of the other guys already have someone in their lap, or under their arm. Yet, for me, anyone who’s shown interest in me, which is a lot, I think of a reason to say no.

My eyes catch on a tall blonde, but when she turns around and isn’t Brynn my interest disappears. It’s fucking annoying. She doesn’t own me or my thoughts and yet, I can’t fake interest in anyone else because when I think of how they would look next to her it’s no competition. Plus, I know they won’t spar with me like she does. I need that back and forth because apparently that’s what fucking does it for me these days.

Which is why I pull out my phone to text her because I need that hit of a fight from her.

Colton: I heard you were thinking of me, so here I am.

Baby Collee: The hex I was putting on you must be working then if you could feel it.

Colton: Sounds kinky, can this hex involve some rope for me to tie you up?

Baby Collee: Nope. Not into that.

I smirk at the screen. Seems like she may be ready to play along. This is the first time she hasn’t immediately told me to stop or go away. Interesting.

Colton: What are you into then?

Baby Collee: Nice guys. Anyone who isn’t a hockey player.

Colton: And I’m into dirty little liars.

Baby Collee: Bet you have your pick of them at that bar you’re at. Have a good time. Wear protection.

How the fuck does she know where I am?

Colton: You stalking me, Princess? I could get into that. I’m glad you care about me wearing protection, but no need to be jealous. The only woman I’ll be fucking in the near future is you.

Baby Collee: Guess you’ll be celibate the rest of your life, then.

Colton: We’ll see about that.

I pay my tab and head back to the hotel, done with the bar scene for the night. I also have the desperate need to do something about my rock-hard cock. My hand will have to do for yet another night, but once I’m back in Denver that’s going to change.

After another game, I’m bored and not wanting to go out with the guys and be disappointed in my lack of interest for anyone else. Which is why on the bus I pull out my phone to mess with a certain little blonde.

Colton: What are you thinking about?

I’m impressed how quickly she responds.

Baby Collee: Top ten most painful ways to die. Want to let me try some out on you?

Colton: I’ll let you try a lot of things on me, Princess, just say the word.

Baby Collee: Pretty sure we could only get through one of these…

Colton: Make it count then, Princess.

Putting my phone down for the night, I climb into bed and fall asleep thinking about the woman who makes me hard even when she’s threatening my life.

The rest of the road trip was uneventful. Especially since we lost the other two games we played, and it feels like the win in Toronto was a fluke. I fucking hate losing, and I’m determined to win the first game of this home stand.

To make sure of it, I give myself some motivation, which comes in the form of a single text to Brynn. She hasn’t ignored me as much, because I know she likes fighting with me just as much as I do. But I’m done with the texting. I replay the kiss in my head more than I should and I need more. I need to touch her. I need to feel her. I need to see how she comes apart. I need to see what it is she comes apart for.

I bet the little princess is a dirty fucking slut in the bedroom and I’ll give her exactly what she needs.

It’s time for another bet, this one is my motivation to win the game tonight, and I’m going to make sure it happens.

Colton: If I get a hat trick tonight, I’m coming over.