Page 51 of Pucking Bad Boys

And it’s a dealbreaker for me too.

I want to have the same opportunities my brother has. I crave the spotlight. When the name “Shayba” is mentioned, I want to be the first man associated with that name.

But I want to beat my brother fair and square. There is rivalry between us, but I don’t hate him.

I actually look up to him.

“Gen,” I tuck a strand of her long, dark hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry, but we can’t go there. It would create a rift that could never be repaired between me and Mack. If you want my help to see if he can give you a second chance, I’m happy to help you. But it can’t be to make Mack jealous.”

She looks away, trying to compose herself. “Is this because you like Talia?”

“Talia has nothing to do with that. Things between me and Mack have been strained lately. He’s still my brother, and you’re his ex. I can be your friend, but nothing more.”

“Fine.” Disappointment is written all over her face. “But if you change your mind, you know where to find me. Now, let’s go back to the party. I’m the president of this sorority; I can’t disappear like this.”

When we return to the party, people are still drinking, dancing, and having fun.

There’s a heated beer pong tournament happening outside and a group of Zetas and hockey players are playing “suck and blow.”

There is no sign of Talia and Mack.

I can’t help but wonder if there is something between them.

Go figure that out of all the women on campus, I had to like the one who’s into my brother.

The only silver lining in this disaster is that at least I didn’t try to kiss her the night we met. The embarrassment of being turned down because of my brother would have messed with my head.

Maybe I should just focus on hockey this year. Leave all the distractions and the woman drama to Mack and keep a clear head so I can be the best where it matters. On the ice.

Chapter 15

Sleepless In Star Cove

TALIA

There isn’t going to be enough concealer in the world to hide the dark shadows under my eyes. The thought hits me as I rub my fists over them in a futile attempt to wake myself up.

Turmoil kept me up most of the night. I fell asleep as the sun was rising and now I’m exhausted.

That kiss with Macklin was everything.

I haven’t had many kisses in my twenty-one years, but the second Macklin’s lips touched mine; I knew that wasn’t just a regular kiss.

It wasThe Kiss.

It felt like the earth shifted on its axis and nothing will ever be the same again after kissing Macklin Shayba.

His lips were so soft, and when his tongue slipped into my mouth, my body went into total overdrive.

I felt his kiss everywhere. Pleasure washed over me and my pulse migrated between my legs.

My nipples tightened against the fabric of my bra and my clit pulsed with need.

I can count the kisses I’ve had before on one hand, and they were nothing like the one with Macklin.

They were sloppy, all tongue and left me feeling cold and a little repulsed.

Kissing Macklin was better than I could have ever imagined in my wildest dreams.