Page 154 of Unbound

He laughs, shaking his head. “Never.” We break apart and he squeezes my shoulder. “Now, tell me the whole story, Ben. I wanna know how you met Paloma. Tell me everything I missed.”

Chapter 67

NOW

Bennett

We win our regional semifinal—a hard-fought win, but I play nearly perfectly, only letting in one goal through the three periods. Thankfully, Rhys carries the team well—though the winning goal was scored by Toren, who was quiet and almost somber in his acceptance of the award from Coach Harris.

Paloma worked the game on the bench, eyes twinkling as Harris kept her close and spoke with her often, including her entirely in the real coaching experience. She was glowing by the end of the game, cheeks pink.

Now, she’s standing in the line of coaches as Harris finishes his speech, hands tucked into the pockets of her oversized navy blazer, hair slicked back tightly into an elegant ponytail I’m desperate to tug on.

Rhys takes over as soon as our coach is done, announcing the Final Bash at the Hockey Dorms this weekend but being very clear on the usual rules: party as hard as you want, but then zero tolerance policy into the Frozen Four stretch.

Cheers erupt and Paloma breaks away from the line, stepping carefully toward my spot on the bench where I’ve removed most of my pads and am wiping off my neck, only dressed in my compression pants.

“Hey,” she says, hesitant, picking at the sleeve of her jacket.

My smile is soft, eyes glimmering as I mumble, “Come here, P.”

She steps forward into my embrace, letting me kiss her mouth in front of them all. We aren’t usually the public-display-of-affection couple, but I feel possessive of her—always, but especially here in this locker room. I know how many of my teammates feel about Paloma, know the way some of them have fantasized vocally about her, have tried their hand at having her, so I want them to know.

She’s taken. Forever, if I can keep hold of her like this. And God, am I going to try.

There’s a few hoots and cheers, Rhys smirking next to me as he smacks my shoulder. Freddy catcalls us, shaking out his wet hair. Paloma pulls back from me and rolls her eyes, but her cheeks are pink, and her eyes are full up with love.

For me.

“You and Reiner now?” Holden smirks, shaking his head. “Come on, Paloma. Just give me a chance. When is it my turn?”

“Knock it off,” Rhys says, still lighthearted, but clearly a warning.

“You’re only saying that cause you already got a chance with her, Cap.” Holden laughs, seemingly not noticing the shift at his words. “Paloma, baby, let me try. I bet I can—”

Paloma leaps for him suddenly, like she might hit him. Before I can move, Toren’s arms wrap around her waist and yank her off Holden and back against him.

“Calm the fuck down, Blake,” he whispers to her.

Holden wrinkles his brow, sobering quickly. “What the hell—”

“Shut the fuck up,” Toren snaps, eyes darting toward his partner. “For one goddamn minute, Holden, shut up.”

I’m crossing to them, half-dressed and sweaty, but it only takes a second for Paloma to realize I’m there. Toren lets her go, eyes staying on Holden even as he looks thoroughly apologetic.

“You okay, P?” I ask, voice a whisper as I move my hands to bracket her face and turn it toward me. She nods but huffs a breath. Angry tears build in her eyes as she hides her face in my chest.

Paloma sinks into my embrace easily and I pet her hair, kissing her temple. I don’t say anything, but the way we move together seems to be enough.

“Why don’t you go get your stuff and meet me right outside.”

She agrees, her heels clicking loudly in the silence of the locker room.

My eyes scan over the entire room, where everyone is focused on me. I might not be the shimmering captain of gold or the terrifying defenseman who snaps at the drop of a hat, but I’ve made my place here. I have my own stoic, intense reputation.

My words aren’t a yell, but they don’t have to be. “Talk about her again like that, see what fucking happens.”

My voice is solid and plain, no growl, no fury—just a threatening calm.