Page 96 of Defend Her Heart

“I talked to Jerry earlier and he was just as livid about the article as everyone else.” I grind my teeth remembering the words that were printed about her and she must notice because she chuckles. “Relax. Both Jerry and the PR team thought it would be a good idea for me to be down here for the game tonight to show the world that I won’t back down and I’m here to stay.”

I mean, I can see where they’re coming from, but considering who we’re playing tonight, I’m not sure it’s the best idea.

“Are you sure tonight’s game is the best time to do that?” I don’t have to elaborate because she knows what I’m referring to.

“Well, isn’t this the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” a voice chimes from behind me.

Speak of the literal devil.

I turn to see Bryan, a cocky smile on his face, staring directly at Avery. I move to block his view and inch closer to him. “Don’t look at her. You look at me.”

He laughs and it only infuriates me more.

“Oh. I see. You still haven’t figured out how crazy this one is.” He nods to where Avery is standing and I stride toward him so we’re chest to chest.

“Watch your fucking mouth, Murphy.”

I hear the sound of blades crunching into the ice before they come to a stop right behind me.

“We got a problem here?” Niko asks.

I don’t say a word, but the loud mouth I’m ready to decapitate doesn’t miss a beat.

“No problem, Captain Bobcat. Just congratulating Smith here on knocking up my sloppy seconds.”

I raise my arm to pummel him in the face but Niko grabs me before I can deliver. He moves closer and whispers in my ear. “He’s not worth it.”

I’m seething now, trying to reign in my anger but it’s consuming me. “He seems pretty worth it to me,” I spit out.

“They’ll kick you out before the game has even started. Wait.”

He’s right. I would probably only get one punch in before they broke it up. Fighting in warm-ups is asking to be suspended.

“Yeah, listen to your captain, Smith. You wouldn’t want to risk a suspension defending the girl who cried wolf. Has she tried to milk you for all your money yet on bogus medical shit? Run while you can, man. That one is a leech.”

I’m ready to say fuck it and risk the suspension, but Niko throws his arm in front of me, pushing me behind him.

“Enough! I’ll give you five seconds to skate away before I let him loose. Save it for the game.”

Bryan throws his head back and laughs but moves to join his team to finish up warm-ups. My eyes don’t leave him even as he skates in circles around the zone.

“Yo, Connor. Fucking focus.”

Tearing my gaze away from Bryan, I look at my captain. “Niko, I love you. But I’m going to fuck that guy up tonight.”

He nods and punches me in the shoulder lightly with his glove. As he skates away, he leans in close to my ear. “Fine, but maybe check in on the woman you’re about to go to war for. You know, the one standing right behind you who just saw all that bullshit go down.”

Pivoting, I see Avery with her hands on her hips.

“Are you done marking your territory now?”

I lean my elbows on the boards. “Not yet.”

She shakes her head, and I’m convinced she’s pissed bythe way her eyes are narrowed at me, but then she huffs out a quiet laugh. “Just don’t do anything to get suspended. He’s really not worth it.”

I push off the boards to my full height and lean over them, planting a quick kiss on her lips.

“Connor, people can see.” She looks around nervously.