Rinkmates: A steamy Hockey Romance (The Mates series Book 1)

That woman is going to be the death of me.

I snapped at Grace because she doesn’t understand just how much I crave that sweet ass of hers. It’s a fucking work of art. And Grace messed with it. My everything.

Anyone trying to keep her from flaunting it is my mortal enemy.

I swear, if she hadn’t apologized to Liora, I would have torn apart that office in a rage. I can’t help but get protective when it comes to her. I know it was a step too far, but I just can’t wrap my head around why she’s so easily talked down. Can’t she see how fucking beautiful she is? She’s indeed killing me with that dress today. It barely covers anything, leaving those holy cheeks just begging for my hands to grab onto them. And that blouse…the fabric outlines every curve of her chest. That neckline is practically daring me to dive in and suck on her pointy nipples. The way her tits bounce with every step she takes. She’s driving me wild.

Good thing I can fight, because I’m certain everyone will be drooling over her when they see her tonight. But she’s mine, and I’m not sharing.

I’m only taking her to this party tonight against all odds because she insisted and I can’t say no to her.

The party location changes each time to keep things exclusive. This time, we’re in Brooklyn, and when we sneak in through the back entrance, Liora has to sign a contract promising never to speak a word about what goes on here tonight.

I hoped this might scare her off, but she signs without hesitation.

Maybe she’s trying to prove how brave she is, or maybe she just wants to give me a thrill, and it works. Because damn, with all these hockey players eyeing her up and down like hungry wolves, I don’t trust myself around her. I doubt my frown will disappear anytime soon.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I have my hand on Liora’s back as we make our way into the main room. Liora’s eyes widen as she takes in the plush red couches, the glossy black walls, and the shimmering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. She throws me a questioning look, but I just shrug, trying to play it cool. I know it’s like a scene out of the movie Eyes Wide Shut. It’s an old secret tradition. A way to keep it interesting for us players. It was everything for me back then when I was a rookie. Now, it’s just a pain in the ass, knowing that I will hate every second of it soon.

“Still sure you want to stay?” I ask, leaning in close so she can hear me over the pulsing music. Please say no.

“Yep. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Of course.” This woman.

Across the room, I spot Colton and Jayce huddled around Shane, probably trying to keep the poor kid from having a nervous breakdown. Derek’s already chatting up some girl in a skintight dress, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction that Liora’s not talking to him. She nearly gave me a heart attack with that text earlier.

After a few more drinks and mingling with people, it’s clear that Liora is on a mission to make me pay for today. She’s all smiles with everyone else but icy with me. Every time I lean in for a kiss, she shuts me down. No matter how many times I remind her that we need to keep up the charade, she just says, “Couples fight. We’re having one.”

And just when I’m about to beg her to stop with the cold shoulder, the music cuts off, and Derek steps onto a raised platform, holding a glass bowl. Normally, the captain organizes this party, but Jayce despises it, so Derek took over. Maybe we’re just getting too old for this.

“Listen up, everyone!” he calls out, his voice echoing through the room. Everyone stops chatting and stares at him. All ears. “It’s time for a little game. All the guys who want to participate, drop your watches in this bowl. Ladies, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll draw a watch and head into the closet.” He points to two big black double doors behind him. “The guy whose watch you pick will join you for a little adult version of seven minutes in heaven.” He winks and the crowd claps and howls.

My heart hammers in my chest as I watch Liora’s reaction, trying to gauge her interest. She doesn’t even flinch. In fact, she looks…excited? What a little brat.

I lean in close to her, my lips brushing against her ear. “Lia, we can go home if you want. You don’t have to do this.”

“Oh, I want to do it.” With that she goes off and keeps on talking with others. As if showing me that I’m not the only one she’s interested in.

Jealousy surges through me, hot and bitter.

The thought of her in that closet with another guy, their hands all over her, their lips on her skin…it’s enough to make my blood boil. I watch her, clenching my jaw and trying to contain the rage bubbling up inside me. Before I can stop myself, I march over to the bowl and throw my watch in, the metal clinking against the glass. Liora’s eyes widen in surprise, but there’s something else there too—a flicker of heat, of challenge.

Two can play at this game, Lia.

I step back, crossing my arms over my chest as I lean against the wall and watch her flirting. My heart is pounding, my palms slick with sweat, and I’m happy as the waiter comes by and I grab another drink from his tray.

Liora takes another cocktail as well, saluting me from afar, all the while she grins at a man I don’t know. To heighten the thrill, we allowed the team to bring some close friends. The guy Liora’s talking to is one of them. She smiles at me. Oh, she thinks she’s got me all figured out, but she has no idea what she’s in for.