Page 100 of The Pucking Arrangement

My jaw locks. “She won’t.”

“You sound awfully sure.”

“I am.”

He studies me, eyes narrowing. Then, suddenly, his eyebrows lift. “Holy shit.”

I stay silent.

“Oh my God,” he breathes, leaning back like I just rocked his entire worldview. “You’re in love with her.”

I don’t answer. Don’t need to deny this. It’s her brother I’m talking to here.

“Dima…” His voice softens, but he doesn’t finish.

“I know.”

“She might not be ready.”

“I know that too.”

A long pause. Then: “You’re going to pursue her anyway, aren’t you?”

I think about Erin in my kitchen. In my bed. In my life. Playing with Ris. Making our house feel like a home again.

“Yeah,” I say quietly. “I am.”

Liam sighs, but there’s something like reluctant admiration behind it. “Well, fuck. Guess I better start calling you brother-in-law.”

“Don’t jinx it.”

He smirks, clapping my shoulder as he stands. “For what it’s worth? I’ve never seen her smile like she does with you and Ris.”

The hope in my chest flares to life. Bright. Dangerous. Unstoppable.

But then, another notification lights up my screen.

Luka, commenting on Erin’s latest post:Can’t wait for tomorrow’s session, draga. You’re pure magic.

My blood goes ice-cold.

Two more days in Tampa.

Two days of watching this smug fuck circle what’s mine.

Game on, pretty boy.

Chapter20

Promises Worth Breaking

Dmitri

Hotel rooms blur together after a decade in the league—generic art, bland carpets, forgettable city views.

But tonight, Tampa’s lights glitter through floor-to-ceiling windows like they’re taunting me. The team’s heading to dinner soon—some trendy place Coach swears has life-changing salmon—but I don’t give a fuck.

Because all I can think about is her.

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