Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Or more like one.
Kane is my best bet. I don’t think he’s an idiot I can fool easily, but he’s at least a pacifist. Over the past few weeks, I watched many of his games online and in person—call the stalking police—and have never seen him indulge in violence.
Not once.
That’s kind of a miracle in a physical sport like hockey.
If anything, he’s an expert at breaking up fights. His cool is never ruffled and his authoritativeness can be felt through the screen. Probably why he effortlessly snatched the captain’s position.
I’d rather not get close to any of them, but I have to, so it has to be Kane.
“Anyone you’ll invite this time?” Kane asks Jude as he skates to the bench area.
“No,” the latter says without turning around.
“Sure about that?”
“Yes. Fuck off.” And with that, Jude leaves the ice and heads to the tunnel, disappearing out of view.
A faint mechanical hum from the ice machines overpowers the silence as Kane looks at Preston for a few heavy seconds. “You?”
“Contemplating it.”
“You’re expected to vet and bring someone to the initiation, Pres.”
“You didn’t tell Jude that.”
“It’s better he doesn’t. He’ll just force someone off the street to accompany him, and we don’t want to deal with that mess. You’re different. Use your conviction skills. I mean manipulation skills.”
“Last time I did that, she didn’t want to drink my blood. Nearly killed her before she was kicked out.” He frowns. “How could anyone refuse my blood?”
“Normal people?” Kane asks what I’m thinking. Seriously, maybe that guy is only in Vencor because he was born into a founding family.
He obviously doesn’t belong there.
“How about you?” Preston asks with a raised brow.
“I’m all set. Worry about yourself.”
All set? Does that mean he already has someone in mind?
I was supposed to worm my way into his life so that I’d be that someone.
Not too long ago, I applied to be an intern for the team’s physician, which is still on hold. My classmate said it was impossible that they’d accept a girl for the position while gloating that he’d be the best person for the job.
If he’s right, then my chances of getting closer to the team are slimmer than ever before. I could apply as an assistant to the administrative manager or even volunteer. However, those aren’t guaranteed with a popular team like the Vipers.
“All set, huh?” Preston repeats with a knowing tone.
“Go home, Armstrong.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.” Preston mock salutes, a sadistic smile painting his lips before he skates away. “Time to drown Callahan in the showers.”
As silence befalls the arena, Kane stands in the middle of the rink for a few seconds, then picks up the pucks they left lying around and stores them in the appropriate compartment.
My legs hurt from the strain, and I know if I don’t leave soon, I’ll fall over and give my position away.
I bite my lip and remain motionless.
I’ll leave after Kane does.
There’s no way I’d be able to sneak off while he’s there.
Stop being a Goody Two-shoes and go already.
The sound of skates blends with the ice machines and I get distracted with massaging my legs, so I don’t notice that Kane has skated to my side of the stands.
As I lift my gaze, he stops right opposite my hiding spot.
Cold seeps into my bones, and the air becomes so crisp that it hurts to breathe.
In the oppressive stillness, Kane’s calm voice carries through the empty arena. “You can come out now.”
I hide further, hoping—no, praying—that he’s speaking to someone else who was brave—or foolish—enough to sneak into Vipers Arena late at night.
“I know you’re there. I suggest you show yourself while it’s only me. I can’t promise the others will be as understanding.”
2
DAHLIA
My heart beats so hard, it nearly spills through my rib cage.
Sweat is now covering my hands as I tighten my grip on the chair. No amount of icy air could extinguish the fire that erupts at the bottom of my belly.
Kane’s words echo in my chest instead of my head, and I stop breathing altogether.
Yes, I intended to ‘meet’ him officially. But not like this. I was working on multiple plans to make it natural and believable.
Catching me in one of my snooping sessions is neither of the above.
Maybe if I make a run for it, I’ll be able to get out of here—
“Am I that scary? I promise I don’t bite.” The note of amusement in his tone breaks the flow of my thoughts.
God, why the hell does this man’s deep, gravelly voice sound like it’s out of my darkest, most delicious dreams?
He sounds relaxed. Inviting, even.
Maybe it’s because of that, or the fact that my legs are done carrying me, but I choose to seize the opportunity. The probability of having another one-on-one encounter with the Kane Davenport is slim to none. He’s always surrounded by people.