Blood On Ice
Who knew a hockey game could change your life?
The first time I saw Zeke on the ice, I knew he was mine.
My brother said I was stalking Zeke, but I like to think of it as showing my appreciation. I pretended it was just a game, something to keep me occupied since my family didn't really need me.
The way Zeke searched the stands for me when he thought I wasn’t watching let me know he wanted me too, even if he wasn’t ready to admit it. One day he'd give in. That was inevitable.
He comes to me, needing a loan. The year he spent in Vegas wasn't kind to him, and he's in deep debt. He doesn't like the terms I offer and tries to walk away.
I'll never let that happen. He's in danger, and no one is going to hurt him. Not on my watch.
I knew I could make him surrender to me, but the more time I spend with him, the more I find myself revealing things I've never told anyone. Money problems I can easily fix, and I make a damn good bodyguard, but is it possible we might heal each other? Is it possible for two wounded men to fall in love?
Excerpt
The bar was packed but it didn’t take me long to find Balogh. I hung back watching him talk to his teammates and a group of men and women who were clustered around them. I hung back, waiting for a chance to talk to him alone. I didn’t mind since it the extra time gave me a chance to look him over. His dark brown hair was loose now. I imagined myself taking hold of it and pulling his head back, exposing his throat for me to bite. He was wearing a tight black henley that showed off the defined muscles in his chest and arms. His jeans were also tight, clinging to his plump ass. I wanted to squeeze those cheeks and hear him moan.
Eventually he headed toward the bar, and I followed him. I gave a look to the guy standing next to him the same look I gave to men who owed me family and hadn’t paid up. He took off, and I moved in beside Balogh.
“You looked good out there on the ice today,” I said after he’d placed his order.
“Thanks.” He accepted his drink and finally turned to face me.
His eyes widened when they met mine.
“I saw you watching me from the ice.”
His tongue darted out to wet his lips. “I…”
“Don’t deny it.”
He took a step back from the bar. I loved that I’d unnerved him. He was so sure of himself when he played. I liked seeing him off balance now. Was he afraid of me? I was damn good at scaring people. That was my job.
As he moved back, I moved toward him until we were standing so close it was all I could do not to reach for him.
“I should get back to the team,” he said.
I shook my head. “Not yet. I’m curious about something.”
He glanced toward his friends then back to me. “What?”
“How real is your reputation?”
Anger flashed in his eyes. “I enjoy men. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“No, there’s nothing wrong with it, but I wonder. Do you get bored giving with all those little twinks who pursue you? Would you like to enjoy someone older, someone who could match the aggression you show on the ice, a man who could make you do whatever he says?”
He bit his lip and moved back again. “I’m just here to hang out.”
Even if that was true, I was sure I could change his mind. “Don’t tell me you’ve taken a vow of celibacy.”
He shook his head. “I’m trying to be more discreet.”
“I excel at discretion.” That was the first lie I’d told him, but I could do whatever was necessary to have him. The longer I stood there watching him, the more I wanted him, and the surer I became that he was someone special. This wouldn’t be just another fling.
“Hey Balogh, we’re heading out.” The team’s goalie waved at him. “Are you with us?”
“Yeah, just a second.”
“You’ll have more fun if you leave with me.” I laid my hand on his arm, and he didn’t try to pull away. He was considering it.
“Possibly, but I don’t need that kind of fun right now.”
I shook my head. “You’re wrong about that. I bet you’ve never even had fun like I can show you.”
“I need to leave.” He turned and walked away.
I watched him go, then paid my tab and headed out. I had every intention of tracking him and his friends down, but as I left the bar, my phone buzzed with a message from Lucien, the head of the family.
Emergency here. Get on a plane home ASAP.
Fuck. I’d have to let Balogh go. For now.
