“This doesn’t concern you, Sterling.”
Maddox’s fists clenched by his side, and the tendons stood out along his neck. “It does when you have one of my team’s reporters pinned against a wall, and she has very clearly expressed she’s not interested.”
A condescending laugh fell from Nix’s lips. “Why don’t you go home and figure out how you’re going to have your players stop me on the ice tomorrow night? That would be a better use of your time instead of cockblocking me.”
“Nix, stop!” My voice was slowly regaining strength.
Green eyes widened in the dimly lit hallway. Maddox huffed out in disbelief, “Thisis Nix?”
Cockiness seeped into Nix’s tone. “I see my reputation precedes me.”
“Maddox . . .” I didn’t know how to explain. This was so, so bad.
Maniacal laughter sounded, and Nix looked between the pair of us, gesturing with his hand. “Seriously? You two?” He slapped his thigh, the sharp crack deafening in the small space. “Oh God, this is too good. A bunny for the bench boss. I bet you thought those days were long gone when you trashed your knee, didn’t you, Sterling?”
“It’s time to walk away,” Maddox gritted out.
Nix approached the raging bull of a man opposite him with a swagger in his step. “Don’t let her pull the bait and switch on you, though. She’ll convince you she’s in it for the fun, but the second you let your guard down, she asks for more than you’re willing to give.” He peeked at me over his shoulder. “Hot little piece of ass, I’ll give her that. You could do worse for my sloppy seconds.”
Before I knew it, Nix was flat on his back as Maddox straddled his prone form, wailing on him, fists flying.
Shocked for a split second, I sprang into action, screaming, “Maddox, stop!”
When he didn’t listen, I rushed forward to try and tug him off Nix. Maddox was a man possessed, unrelenting as he beat the shit out of the man beneath him. One of his backswings caught me in the hip, and I stumbled backward, landing on my ass.
“You’re going to kill him!”
Steps sounded from behind me, and I was hauled off the ground and hugged tight to a muscular chest. Muffled voices and grunts were coming from the area where Maddox had Nix pinned, and a sob bubbled up from my chest. Whoever held me stroked my hair softly, murmuring, “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”
There was a final scuffle, and eventually, silence descended on the hallway. Almost afraid to look, I peeked to the side to find Levi propped against the wall, his face a bloody mess.
His lips pulled back in a sneer as he declared, “Your lover boy is gonna pay for this, Coop. Mark my words.”
Guilt washed over me, hot and heavy. Maddox could lose everything because of me.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here.” The voice of the man who held me sounded all too familiar. Daring to peer up, I found myself in the arms of Jaxon Slate. Oh, if only my pre-teen self could see me now. She would have died.
I let Jaxon lead me back to the table, which was mostly empty now.
The moment Dakota saw me, she rushed forward, pulling me into a tight hug. “Oh, Bristol.”
Hot tears tracked down my cheeks; I couldn’t hold them back. My past and present colliding—literally—was too much. I was stupid to think I could avoid running into Nix when I decided to work for another hockey team.
It didn’t matter that I’d put nearly a thousand miles of space between us. Nix’s shadow followed me wherever I went. My past would always haunt me.
Over her shoulder, my watery vision found Braxton. I mouthed,I’m sorry, knowing I’d ruined his planned proposal.
Instead of frustration or anger, all I found in his eyes was compassion as he mouthed back,It’s okay.
Stepping out of our embrace, Dakota kept her hands on my shoulders. “Did you drive here?” I nodded, and she offered, “Let me take you home.”
I tried to brush her off, telling her I was fine, but she wouldn’t hear of it.
She threw her arm around my waist, and we walked side by side out of Pipes and into the chilly fall air. “What a night.” She sighed, taking my keys and sliding into the driver’s seat.
I was having a pity party for one as I collapsed onto the passenger seat but decided that I would rather laugh with my bestie than cry any more tears. I joked, “It wasn’t all bad. I got to live out my teenage fantasy of being held in Jaxon’s arms.”
She snorted, putting the car in drive. “That’s my girl. Finding the silver lining.”
