West darted a quick glance at Penn, who stood near the button panel. She stared at the two women, confusion etching her features.

This was bad.

Really, really bad.

Elena and Maria were both hockey groupies—puck bunnies—and had slept their way through most of his team. Hell, they'd probably slept their way through most of the league. He wasn't judging, it was just fact. Lord knows he had no right to judge anyone's sex life. He was no saint.

Last season, he'd made the mistake of fucking Elena during a team party at Eli’s house. She was hot, with pouty-lips, long blonde hair and a bangin’ body. She dressed to impress with revealing clothes—like the tight, low-cut purple dress she had on now.

But she had a shitty personality. She was nasty to just about everyone—except hockey players.

From what he remembered, she’d also been less than impressive in bed, and complained about everything in a teeny, tiny baby voice. He'd regretted the experience almost instantly.

"How are you, gorgeous?" Elena wrapped her long, manicured fingers around his forearm. They reminded him of talons, and right now he definitely felt like prey.

"I didn't see you at Eli’s post-season party," she continued. "I've missed you so much."

Yep, there was the baby voice. West hoped she would shut up, but he knew she was only getting started.

He took her hand and removed it from his arm before stepping away from her.

"Elena."

She smiled and slid her hand down to the waistband of his cargo shorts. "Oh, do you want it lower, then?"

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. An elderly woman stepped in, took one look at where Elena’s hand was, and scurried back out.

As the doors closed, Elena’s hand inched even lower. Any second now and it would be on his dick.

"No, I don't," He shrugged her off and glared. "Christ, Elena."

West's gaze landed on Penn. She studied both women, but didn't look at him. Her expression was guarded. It didn’t take a genius to see she was avoiding eye contact with him.

He grimaced, sick to his stomach at this whole fucking scene. He always knew it would be a sticky situation when Penn found out. But this? This was an entirely new level of fucked up.

He couldn't deny his manwhore reputation, but he didn't want Penn seeing him like that. She didn’t know that side of him at all, and he wanted to keep it that way.

"West, I remember a time that you loved me putting my hands on you. All over you." Elena tossed her thick blonde hair over her shoulder. "Remember when you told me if I brought a friend along we could really have some fun? Well, I have a friend right here. You remember Maria, right? We have a room here on the twenty-fifth floor. We’re going to a bachelorette party for my cousin. It will get wild, I’m sure."

West glanced over at the brunette, who smiled at him.

His composure finally snapped. "For fuck's sake, Elena. Can't you take a goddamn hint? I'm not interested."

"Why not? Wait…you mean you're here with her?" She hooked her thumb in Penn's direction. "She's not even close to your type, West." Elena laughed. "Not at all."

Penn drew in a sharp breath and narrowed her eyes.

Elena held up a hand. "Sorry, honey." Her voice was smooth as silk. "I mean, you're adorable and all, but let's get real here. He’s a professional athlete. There’s standards to uphold."

West pushed his way past the two women and ushered Penn out as the elevator doors slid open. When the doors began to shut, he shoved them back roughly.

He leaned in close to Elena’s face. "You don't insult anyone I'm with. Ever. Do you understand me? And don’t even think about showing up at a Kingsnakes party next season. If you try, I promise I’ll have you thrown out on your ass. So hard it will bust your goddamn implants."

West let the doors go. "I mean it. Don’t ever let me see you anywhere near my team, because I keep my promises."

Elena took a step back, gaping at him as the doors slid closed.

He turned around to see Penn standing near the wall with her hands at her sides. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. Her lower lip trembled, and she swallowed. "Who are you?"

West ran a hand over his face. "Penn, can we go back to your room and talk? Obviously, I have some things I need to explain."

Penn took a step away from him and drew a shaky breath. "No. I'm going to ask you one more time. Who the hell are you?"