Page 56 of Pucked Together

Justin slides over my usual and gives me a wink.

"Your man had quite a game today," he smiles.

"Excuse me? My man?"

How could Justin, the bar owner, possibly know about Ryker and me? The team hadn't made any official statements.

Was it that obvious?

"I'm sorry, I guess I just assumed you and Balinger were—"

"Oh, we are," the husky voice comes from behind me, making every hair on my body stand on end. I turn to see Ryker's dangerous eyes staring down at me.

"I thought I told you not to poke the bear," he says in a low growl, turning me on the bar stool to face him.

"And I thought I told you, you can't tell me what to do."

He hums and leans into me, our faces inches from each other as he whispers into my ear, "You didn't seem to mind it so much earlier."

Touché.

I did like it when he told me what to do...in his bed. Things like "ride me" and "scream my name." He's not wrong about that.

And now, the thought of being alone with him again is overwhelming. I want nothing more than to feel those lips on mine—sweeping over my body tenderly. And him ravishing me in ways I could only imagine.

"Ryker 'The Bear' Balinger!" Fergie's voice comes from behind him.

I hear Ryker let out a growl, clearly annoyed by the interruption. But he straightens up and leans on the bar next to me as Fergie approaches.

"Or we can go back to Balsy. I actually prefer it," Fergie says, slapping Ryker's back. "So this is like the real deal?" He motions between Ryker and me.

"Yes, Michael. Why wouldn't it be?" I ask him, taking a sip from my mocktail and looking towards Ryker, who places a hand on my bare shoulder.

"It's just kind of fast, don't ya think?"

"Define fast, Fergie?" Ryker challenges. "From what I recall, you and your last tinder-rella didn't waste any time making things official just before she separated you from half your earnings last year."

I look at Fergie with brows furrowed. "Is that why you're at Keelan's halfway house for troubled hockey boys?"

Fergie sticks his tongue out at us and chooses to order a drink instead of engaging.

"Smart move," Ryker says under his breath.

"If this is how you treat your friends, I'd hate to see you around your enemies," I sip my drink playfully, eyeing him.

The rest of the team makes their way to the bar. Teagan is in the middle of the crowd. And the newest team member trails behind them. They all look like they're already a few shots in.

"Looks like you're about to find out, Wildfire," he motions toward the group, then whispers softly, "Wanna give him something to really be mad about?"

My eyes are facing forward. "You talking about Keelan or..."

"Not Keelan," Ryker clarifies. "Though he's not too happy about this either."

My dear brother. Always looking out for me. He probably has more to do with me being a virgin for so long than anything else. Since I was little, he was telling me that dudes are not worth it. That they were only after one thing. So I learned if they wanted me, they'd have to fight for me. Most couldn't hack it.

And Trevor definitely made it known to me that he wasn't happy about my decision to withhold from having sex. The ultimate way was, well, when he screwed my friend.

The thought sends a fire into my stomach, and I can't believe the visceral reaction I still get from it. Ryker notices my body tense and starts massaging my neck. Then he leans down and places a kiss right where the tension is building. It's soft and sensual and sends a bolt of electricity straight through my body.