Page 42 of Blood on Ice

“Don’t be too hard on him, Pops,” Val said.

He frowned at Val. “Now you’ve really got me worried. Spit it out.”

“I’ve been…pursuing him. I’ve taken him on as a challenge.”

Pops nearly came up out of his chair. “You’re fucking stalking some hockey player, and that led to you punching a security guard and getting arrested? You better be damn glad it wasn’t worse. What if we hadn’t had the connections to get the charges dropped?”

“I guess I would’ve been stuck in jail.”

“Yeah, we really need that.”

“I’m sorry for letting my temper get out of control.”

“But not for deciding to stalk an NHL player as a game?”

I wanted to tell him he didn’t understand, that the instant connection I had felt was as real as what Val felt for Liam, but I didn’t think he’d listen. “He needs the money because he’s in debt to some assholes out in Vegas. He just transferred onto the team from there.”

“You’re stalking Zeke Balogh.”

“Yes, sir.”

Pops whistled. “No wonder you’re obsessed.”

“I saw him first, and you’re supposed to be straight.”

Pops chuckled. “He’s not my type, but anyone can see how gorgeous he is, and if I wanted to take him….”

“Don’t.”

“I see how you got so easily riled up.”

I shook my head. “It’s more than that. These men are threatening him, and?—”

“He should be able to pay off a debt. He got an excellent contract with Boston.”

“Not as good as he might have. The end of last season wasn’t great for him. He was under pressure, and he…he had a gambling problem.”

“Hehasa gambling problem,” Pops said. “You don’t get over addiction like that.”

I knew that too well. “He hasn’t placed any bets since he got here.”

“That’s good for him, but the family doesn’t need to be mixed up in this.”

“Zeke’s in danger. He can’t pay the entire debt right now, and they are going to come for him. I will not let that happen.”

“You will do exactly what I say.”

“He signed the contract, so we have to give him the money. We can’t go back on our word.”

Pops gave me a look so cold I shivered. “If I tell you to tear up the contract, that’s exactly what you will do.”

“Then I’ll find another way to help him.”

Pops looked up toward the ceiling. “What the fuck did I do to get such stubborn sons?”

“Would you really want us to be weak and easily molded?” Valentino asked as he poured Pops another measure of whiskey.

Pops took a sip and settled back into his seat. “Earlier you said he didn’t sign.”

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