Page 79 of Fighting Chance

Chase Montgomery rises, along with his temper. “Are you fucking kidding me? He should be booted out of the game for that bullshit!”

The ref blows his whistle again, silencing him. “I make the calls in this game, Montgomery, not you.”

“That’s bullshit!” he roars. “I’m not the one with a temper problem!”

I quirk a brow. “Really? Then why are you the only one screaming like a fucking banshee?”

He snaps his head to me. “Don’t fucking goad me, Ashford, or I really will stick to my word and make something happen.”

Grayson slaps a hand on my chest, holding me back just as I’m about to lunge for the sick fuck.

“Did you just threaten another player’s daughter in front of a referee?” Grayson asks, deadly calm.

Chase shrugs. “No threat.” He turns to the ref, holding his chest in innocence. “Did you hear a threat come from my lips? I’m just talking about making the team lose.”

The tension between us all heightens to such a feat even the arena can feel it. They begin chanting—demandingmore violence.

“FIGHT!”

“FIGHT!”

“FIGHT!”

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” I growl.

Grayson shakes his head before turning to the ref. “You need to do something. He’s threatening one of my player’s family members.”

The ref eyes Chase before his shoulders slump in defeat. “Sorry Crawford, but I didn’t physically hear him say he would harm a family member.” His eyes narrow before he points at Montgomery. “But one more bad word out of your mouth and you’re out of the game. Got it?”

Un-fucking-believable.

This is why he’s known for being dirty in the league and yet never gets thrown out. He’s fucking smart with his words.

Fucking prick.

My nostrils flare as he smiles at me.

“Of course, I’ll show the best sportsmanship there is.” He holds out his hand. “Shake on it, Ashford?”

Shrugging off Grayson’s touch, I skate past Chase slowly, like a predator closing in on their prey. “I know your type, Montgomery.” Lowering my voice, I let him hear every drop of animosity I have for him. “And I wouldn’t shake your hand even if it was made of water and I was on fire.”

Chapter 15

Layla

MOMMA BEAR

how’s the game going sweetie?

LAYLA

good! IceHawks are up 3-1

MOMMA BEAR

and how are the girls?

LAYLA