We were breaking the rules, but if Myla wanted to stay with Brayden and me, she sure as shit was not going to leave our sides for the rest of the night. Hearing that douchenozzle slap her had been more aggravating than any other moment in my entire life.

I peeked into the locker room. “Anyone in here?” I called in.

Without thinking, I grabbed Myla’s hand to lead her into the locker room. “Everyone must have just left.”

I took my cell out of my gym bag and saw dozens of missed calls and texts from the players. Scrolling through, I saw that they had made their way to a bar just down the street from the arena.

Brayden showed Myla around. “A lot has changed since Dad was a player.” She gazed around, turning up her nose a bit. “Smells about the same though. Boy does hockey gear fucking reek to high heaven.”

“We play hard. It’s the smell of men and victory.” I flashed her a quick smile, clutching my change of clothes and a towel.

Brayden was right behind me, giving his sister a reassuring tap on the shoulder. “We’ll be quick. You can use the mirror over there to fix your makeup if you want.”

She rolled her eyes. “That means I need to fix my face, doesn’t it?”

I laughed as Brayden ate his words, turning on the water to as hot as it could go. Usually after an intense game, I iced down my sore muscles and then relaxed with a nice hot shower, but I could already feel my aches and bruises attacking my body; I was going to pay for it later for sure.

We all made quick work of getting in and out. We were going to get the third degree at the bar, but I didn’t give a shit.

Walking into the packed joint, everyone started to cheer.

“Finally!” Crosby handed Brayden and me longnecks. “We were starting to think you two ditched us.”

Brayden clinked his bottle with Crosby’s. “Nah man. Just had to take care of something really quick.”

“We’re here now and that’s what matters.” I chugged half the bottle on the spot.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Myla take a seat in a corner booth by herself. Bringing her a water, I took a seat next to her.

“You don’t have to worry about me. Go party with your guys.”

I waved my hand at the rowdy crowd. “They’re all about three sheets to the wind by now. Us just being here is enough. How’re you holding up?”

She started to pull apart a tiny bar napkin. “I think I am in shock. It all feels like a movie I watched, not something I lived.”

The red mark on her cheek was starting to fade a little. “Does it hurt? Should I get you some ice?”

She cocked her head to one side. “Hayes, aren’t you supposed to be some asshat that treats women like pieces of meat?”

I feigned a smile. “Rumors get started with a kernel of truth, I guess.” Taking a sip from my Bud Light to fill a little of the awkward silence, I tried to think of something clever to follow up with. “I mean, I was engaged. It’s not like I am a total dick to all women.”

Myla shrugged. “You seem pretty all right in my book, Hayes.”

“Did you enjoy the gong show at least?”

It was the first time all night she actually smiled. “It was an incredible game. I’m really glad I got to see it.”

“As am I.” I worked my jaw, trying to keep the conversation flowing. “So, where do you live exactly?”

She swallowed the ice cube she had been rolling around in her mouth. “East Flushing, close to Kissena Park.”

“Oh well la di da,” I teased.

“Shut up.” She playfully shoved my arm. “You probably live in some fancy rent-controlled apartment in one of the buildings your family owns.”

“Actually, I am moving into my own place, out from under my dad’s thumb, this weekend. You should come by and check it out.” A few girls walked in through the door, half of whom I had banged at one time or another over the last few years. “Shit,” I muttered as two of them started to waggle their way over to me.

“Hey, Hayes, you were awesome tonight.” Rita was one of the sluttiest puck bunnies I had ever seen; she followed our players around like a junkie in search of her next fix.

I put my arm around Myla’s shoulders. “Please, just go with this,” I whispered to her before diverting my glare to Rita and Jinny. “Thanks. Have you met Myla?” I pulled Myla into my side a little and she followed my lead perfectly.

“Sweetie, who are your friends?” She leaned her elbow on the table, giving them the evil eye.

“Didn’t think you were wifed up, Hayes,” Jinny hissed before sucking on her front teeth. She was fucking gross—I couldn’t believe my dick ever got up for that slut.

I leaned in, grabbing Myla by the back of the head and kissed her hard. That should do the trick.

Is Gavin Hayes really kissing me right now?

I grabbed his rock hard bicep and gave the best show I could. It wasn’t rocket science to figure out he was trying to get the two women off of his dick for the night.

In a huff the two wandered up to the bar, fawning over a few of the other players.

“Thanks,” Gavin said breathily, pulling his lips away from mine.

I batted my eyelashes dramatically. “Oh, sweetheart, you know you can kiss me whenever you want to.” I elbowed him in the ribs and he winced. “You okay?”

He nodded. “Yeah, just got checked pretty good tonight.”

I bit my lip; I knew the moment he was talking about, and it had been a thrilling part of the game for me. “I was ready to rip Belsky’s throat out at that point. Messing with my boys like that—what fucking nerve!”

“Your boys, huh?” He downed the rest of his beer.

“Well, I have been pretty invested in the Otters for as long as I can remember, so yes, you guys are mine. I have claimed you.”

He got up from the booth, reaching out his hand to me. “Come on, let’s celebrate this awesome win.”

I took Gavin’s hand, glancing over to see my brother’s face fill with rage. “Give me a second.” Gavin nodded and went to hang out with a cluster of players at the far end of the bar.

“How’s it going, bro?”

He sucked in through his front teeth. “He’s charming, but he’ll end up showing his true colors eventually, My.”

Brayden was already a few beers deep; I could tell it was getting to the point where I needed to get him home. “He’s just being friendly.”

Brayden slammed his empty beer bottle down onto the bar top. “Scotch neat,” he yelled before turning back to me. “I saw him kiss you. I wasn’t born fucking yesterday.”

“Bray, he was trying to get those chicks to leave him alone, and I was just helping. It’s not like I am in the bathroom blowing him right now.”

Brayden looked like he was about to blow chunks at the thought. “Fuck, Myla. Where the hell did you learn to talk like that?”

I flipped my hair, giving my brother a coy smile. “I read a lot. I’m not as naïve as you think I am.”

He grabbed my hand. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, and he’s my captain for Christ’s sake. I don’t want to have to hate him for any other reason than him being a pompous twat from time to time.”

I signaled to the bartender right before she was about to pour Brayden’s drink. “Hold off on that one. We’re going to head home.”

Brayden sighed, pulling out his wallet. “Won’t even let me have a good time with my friends, making out with my damn captain—now I know why I don’t bring you around.” He gave me a quick wink, leaning in to whisper, “Kidding, sis. You’re right, it’s definitely time for me to ice down my knee and call it a night.”

Gavin came up behind us. “Leaving so soon?” He hooked his arm around my brother’s neck. “You’re taking my beard away.”

Brayden laughed. “She’s making me. It’s all her fault.”

Gavin snuck a napkin into my hand. “Get home safely, you two. Cox, I’ll see you in the barn tomorrow.”