Kane

One more win under our belts and we’ve guaranteed a playoff position. It feels good. But not as good as going home and knowing Brynne is waiting there for me.

She’s at the door when I walk in the apartment.

Tossing my stuff on the floor, I pull her against me and kiss her hard. “I could get used to this.”

“What?” She asks breathlessly, her body melting against mine.

“You waiting up for me.” I kiss her again, then nip at her bottom lip. “But it’s late. You should be in bed. Naked.” I nuzzle my nose against her ear and inhale her scent. “Very, very, naked.”

She laughs, but her palms come up to my chest and she pushes back. “I have to tell you something.”

I groan, because the last thing I want to do right now is talk.

“Can it wait?” I kiss her jaw, her neck. “Because I’m really enjoying this, and I have a feeling whatever you’re about to say is going to put a damper on what I want to do to you.”

“Kane.”

“All right.” I sigh, straightening, but not releasing her. “What is it?”

“Don’t be mad, okay?”

I grunt. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“I just wanted you to know before you go into-”

A harsh knock on the door makes Brynne jump.

I frown and look down at her. “Expecting someone?”

She shakes her head.

More banging.

Shit.

I go to the door, frowning when I open it and see Blake there, the look on his face tortured and frantic.

“What’s wrong?”

“She’s gone.” He leans against the doorframe, breathing hard. “Kiley. She’s not at my apartment. Her things are still there. But she’s-”

“She’s here,” Brynne says, coming up behind me and placing her hand on my arm. “She came up looking for Kane, and I asked her to stay for dinner. She fell asleep while we were watching the game and I didn’t want to disturb her.”

Blake’s shoulders sag and he lets out a low breath.

All the tension that I released on the ice tonight returns. “She’s here?”

Brynne nods, chewing on her bottom lip like she’s been caught doing something she knew I’d be upset about. And she’s right. I’m furious she’d let the girl in without talking to me. God only knows what could have happened.

“She’s sleeping on the couch. That’s what I wanted to tell you.”

I hold her gaze, my jaw tightening. “Brynne-”

“We talked for a long time. It was nice-”

“Brynne,” I say again, but she keeps chattering on like the words will somehow stop the frustration building within me.

Blake looks between us, his brows drawn down.

“…and she spent some time with Noah.”

“You let her around Noah?” I drag my fingers through my hair, ignoring the glare Blake sends me. “You should have talked to me before bringing her in here.”

Brynne frowns. “She’s your sister.”

“She’s a-”

“Kane.” The word is a warning from Blake, and when I follow his gaze, I meet Kiley’s waif-like eyes.

“I knew this was a bad idea,” she mumbles, keeping her head down as she walks to the door. “I’ll go.” She gives Brynne a weak smile. “Thank you for dinner.”

Blake is glaring daggers at me, and Brynne pinches my arm hard, but I let the girl leave, shutting the door hard behind them.

Brynne’s arms are crossed when I turn back to her.

“What was that?”

I shake my head at her. “You shouldn’t have let her in.”

“Why, because she’s struggling? She’s not dangerous, she just needs help.”

“And I’ll help her. But…” My neck is tense, the muscles cramping, and I rub my palm over them.

Brynne says softly, “She’s not Sam.”

I frown at her. It’s the same thing Blake said. “I know that.”

“I talked to her. And I don’t think drugs are the problem.”

“Bullshit. You saw her. She’s an addict.”

“She’s scared. I don’t know what of. But I don’t think she’s an-”

“Maybe she’s a better liar than I gave her credit for.”

“What’s your problem with her?”

“My problem is she came here looking for a handout because she’s too stoned to work in order to support her habit.” Irrational anger mixed with fear rises up in my throat.

Fear of Brynne getting attached, of her getting hurt again. Of what the girl could bring into our lives. But more specifically, fear of losing another person I care about to drugs.

Brynne steps towards me and places her palms on my chest. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I spit out.

“For not seeing how much pain you were in. For thinking Sam’s death only affected me. I was selfish. But you can’t turn your back on her because you’re afraid she’ll end up like him.”

I rest my forehead against hers and sigh. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I usually am,” she smiles up at me.

I grunt, wrapping my arms around her. “You’re also sexy as hell.”

Her lips quirk up. “Now that we’re alone, I can think of some things I’d rather do than argue.”

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow. “Like what?”

Her fingers move to my belt, unfastening it, and I groan when I hear the snap of my jeans button, the zip of the zipper.

“Like tasting you.” She licks her lips, and I lose all fucking control.

I don’t care that we’re in the middle of the hallway. I tug at her shirt, as her own hands desperately attack my clothes.

“God, Brynne,” I groan, when she drops to her knees and takes my cock into her warm, wet mouth.

Her tongue lashes out at the head of my cock. I twist my fingers in her hair and watch as she takes me deep, then pulls back, glancing up at me with a wicked little smile.

My cell rings somewhere in the pile of discarded clothes. I ignore it, but when it rings for the third time, Brynne releases me and stands, raking her nails down my chest.

“Should you get it?”

“No fucking way,” I growl, crashing my lips against hers, wanting to find the damn phone and toss it off the balcony.

It rings again.

Brynne mumbles against my lips, “Maybe you should-”

“Shit,” I mutter. The universe is not on my side tonight. I rummage through the clothes and find my phone, answering gruffly, “Yeah?”

“Mr. Madden?”

“Speaking.”

“I’m calling from University Hospital. I have you listed as a contact for Steven Jacobs.”

I glance over at Brynne, who’s watching me with raised eyebrows, and my throat sinks into my chest. She must see it, because concern flashes in her eyes.

“Is he all right?” I ask, already knowing the answer. They wouldn’t have called if he was.

“He was brought in by ambulance. He has had a heart attack. I suggest that you get here as soon as you can.”