Page 1 of Unmasking Love (D.C. Renegades #1)

If I were a betting man.

PROLOGUE

Let's play a game.

If I can predict everything my GM is about to say to me, I win and you have to keep reading this story.

If I lose, you can just go because what’s the point?

In this moment of predictable disappointment I try to keep my sigh of resignation quiet so I don’t ruffle any feathers in the room. No point in making this any awkwarder.

That’s not right.

More awkward.

Anyway, I'll set the scene so you're not at a disadvantage.

It's the end of another losing season for the New York Danger and before draft picks get locked up the team is lightening their roster.

Typically first on the list is the second string goalie who only played in a handful of games this season.

AKA, me.

Okay, he's folding his hands and my eyes zero in on his knuckle hair.

Jesus, I hope I avoid that genetic disadvantage.

He sighs, arranges his face so it looks like he's an empathetic man instead of the ruthless businessman and manager I know from any other moment we've spent together.

He's about to say, Aiden, this is never easy.

"Aiden, this never gets any easier."

Close enough.

Point me.

Next, he's going to say it's been a pleasure to have me on the team, he wishes me success, and I've been traded to another team.

"The Danger are going to have to restructure things.

" Oh yeah, there's always restructuring or rebuilding involved, I didn’t call it so you get that point. We’re tied.

"And in order to make other investments in the team, we've traded you to the D.C.

Renegades. It's been a pleasure to have you on the roster and I wish you all the best."

Pleasure?

Point me.

Wish me the best?

Point me.

And, traded.

Point me.

That’s game, set, match.

I win, yippee.

"Thanks," I mutter and then I stand, shake his hand, suppressing the shudder that climbs my spine when I realize how close his hand hair is to my skin, and walk out to ride home and get ready to move to a new city.

Again.

This is my 8th team in five years in the league.

For the better part of my adult life I’ve moved from one place to another for hockey.

And, while I don’t emotionally invest anymore, it is still draining to relocate.

My parents followed me out east to Boston for college but have settled back in Minnesota once I started bouncing around between teams. I better call and tell them the news. Get it over with .

I know you lost the last round but how much do you want to bet my mom will be glad I’m moving to another major city with multiple airports, cultural experiences, and reputable medical systems?

No dice? Fine, I respect that. It would be easy money for me and I would feel a little bad sandbagging you again today.