Page 21 of Dario

Wayne: I don’t think so. The detective is with you! Tut tut tut, Gemma.

Giving up on Wayne for now, Dodge switches to the unknown:

Me: What do you want?

Unknown: You!

Me: Why?

Unknown: You’ll find out soon!

“I don’t know if both messages are from Wayne.”

“It’s okay. You’re safe in here. Once the team arrives, we’ll take you back to Dario’s place, okay?”

I nod.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

DARIO

I finally havefull control of my body which is saying something. I've gone from pining for Gemma from afar to not being able to keep my hands to myself. The girl has no idea what she is doing to me. The way her body fits against mine makes it seem like she was made for me.

Stop thinking about her, Dario! You have a game to play.

Coach told us that the arena is full for tonight's game. The music is loud and thumps with every beat of my heart. The energy in the air is palpable and I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I step onto the ice.

Madden, the left winger, gives me the thumbs up. I skate past Bradford, who is in goal. Rhodes and Nikoli are on defense, and then there is Lake on right wing. My team and my friends. I look around the family section for a familiar face and frown when I don't see one. Juniper is sitting with Willow, but not Gemma. I move closer. Juniper steps into the glass. "She's in the suite with Wyatt." She winces. "Rosie and Dodge are back from Gemma's place, so they're with her too."

"What else?"

She hesitates, then admits, "Davy's up there. I think he's pissed that his name was given to the cops, but I promise she's safe with Rosie and Dodge. You need to focus on the game."

I swallow and nod. "Thanks, Juniper."

This bit of information doesn't sit well with me, but as I get into position, I know I must let it go for now. She's safe. That's all I want.

Breathing in and out, I center myself, ready for the game that is seconds away. We need this win against Detroit.

The puck drops and the game begins. The familiar rush of competition takes over, pushing thoughts of Gemma out of my head. I concentrate on the game in front of me, knowing that my team is counting on me not to screw up. The crowd roars, but all I can hear is the sound of my skates cutting through the ice. Every move is deliberate, every pass calculated. I block out everything else.

The third period is tied with only a few minutes left. I gain control of the puck and slide it to Madden, who breaks free and sends the puck toward Lake for the goal. The tension is thick as the puck flies toward the net, and in that moment, I feel a surge of adrenaline knowing that this shot will determine the outcome of the game. As Lake's shot sails past the goalie and into the net, the crowd erupts in cheers as we secure the win in the final moments of the game.

I take off my headgear and grin as I accept backslaps and hugs from my teammates. I shake hands with Detroit and take a few slow laps around the rink, waving to the fans. The puck bunnies press up against the glass, which I ignore. The only girl I want to see is in the suite upstairs.

Madden throws his arm around my neck, taking advantage of the crowd. His grin is contagious, as usual. I shake my head and push him away. I head for the tunnel, knowing I'll see Gemma soon.

As soon asI step into the suite, I sense something is wrong. Gemma subtly shakes her head, her beautiful eyes shining with unshed tears. For once, I don't know what to do. What does she want to tell me? Dodge appears. "Follow me."

I glance at Gemma, but she doesn't meet my gaze. As soon as I'm next to Dodge, I demand, "What's going on?"

"Wyatt's partner, Dallas, talked to Gemma. He made sure she knew she had their full support, but he also reminded her of the no-fraternization policy." Dodge winces.

Anger boils in my blood. How dare he say anything to Gemma, especially when she's being chased by a deranged scumbag. If anyone is going to say anything, it should come from Wyatt.

My eyes search for Wyatt. When I spot him, I take a step toward the boss. But Dodge has other ideas. "Talk to Gemma before you jeopardize her job."

I open my mouth to snap, but close it just as quickly. I run a hand through my hair and curse.