Page 109 of Shiver

“What are you saying, Luca?” she asks, always so blunt. Yet another thing I love about her.

“I’m saying that I recognize that I’ll never truly understand the intricacies of the struggles you face on a daily basis, but I want to learn. I want to bear some of that weight with you, and learn whatyouneed from me as a friend and as a partner.”

She peers up at me with her big, soulful eyes. “Luca, as a woman, I have to work twice as hard, and as a Black woman, three times as hard to be afforded the same respect as my colleagues. That extends outside of the workplace. My Blackness is a part of who I am, and Ilovemy culture and am honored by the strength of the people who’ve laid the groundwork for all that I’ve accomplished, but make no mistake that there will be things you’ll have to endure too. Interracial couples experience racism every day, and the fact that you’re a white hockey player doesn’t change that.”

My heart clenches tightly, thumping painfully against my ribcage. “I’m not worried about me, Samara. I’d walk through fire to get to you, sweetheart. I just need to know that I’m what you want, and thatyouare willing to deal with even more societal pressure and stigma by being with me. I’ll understand if you’re not.”It would break my heart, but I would understand and respect her decision.“Anything you need to feel comfortable and safe, I’m willing to do or learn how to.”

She reaches her hand up to cup my cheek, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. “For you, Luca, I’m willing to try.”

That’s all the confirmation I need.

I take her hand, turning my cheek to press a kiss to her palm. “Thank you,” I whisper, folding my body around hers, tugging the covers up under her chin.

She lets me hold her the entire night, and it’s easily the most restful sleep I’ve ever gotten in my life.

When I wake up with this stunning, capable, strong, and fearless woman in my arms, I know without a shadow of a doubt…

She’s the one.

Epilogue Part One: Samara

Tuesday, December 22, 2026

I’m in the stands, surrounded by Luca’s family and an arena filled with thousands of his fan base. We’re all jumping, shouting at the top of our lungs, and it’s all formy man.

I’ve got Gia latched onto my hip, and luckily, she’s in her element when it’s chaotic like this. I guess that comes along with having such a loud-ass family.

A loud-ass family that I adore, but loud, no less.

I point to the center of the ice where Luca is doing his celly. “Look, baby girl, there’s your daddy! He won the game!”

She babbles excitedly but, obviously, has no idea what’s going on.

Despite that, my eyes still widen in shock each time I see him reach this part of his signature celly. I clamp my hand over her eyes. “Youdefinitelydon’t need to see that,” I tell her.

“She better pray that man is retired before she starts school, or she’s going to have a lot of embarrassment to combat,” Arielle says.

“That’s one way to grow a thick skin,” Charlie adds with a snicker.

When the game is officially over, we meet the guys in the tunnel, ready to head home for dinner.

Luca makes it out into the hall, and his eyes lock on mine. The reporters trying to get his attention are no match for his long strides.

He beelines over to me, blowing a kiss at Gia, who’s now latched onto Arielle’s hip, giving my back a much-needed break. Luca’s arms wrap around me, and he lifts me off the ground, spinning me in circles with reckless abandon. I giggle as he does this but shout playfully at him, “One of these days, you’re going to knock me right into someone.”

He smashes his lips to mine for a chaste kiss and smiles widely, that damned dimple shining back at me. “Well then, they better stay the hell out of our way.” He places me gently back on the ground and reaches for Gia. “Isn’t that right, Gia,mia bambina? They better stay out of our way,” he reiterates, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

A few female fans try to interject as we head out of the building. I’ve gotten over my jealousy. Luca has proven himself loyal, time and time again, sometimes even to a fault.

Like right now as these women shout for him, one of them gripping his bicep to get his attention. His eyes widen with annoyance, and his gaze swings to hers. He gently plucks her hand off him and drops it as if it were a piece of trash. “Ew,” is all he says, and Arielle, Kat, and I have to cover our mouths to contain our laughter.

“Ruthless,” Ale says, chuckling as he joins our group, heading toward the parking lot.

“What?” Luca asks, not the least bit apologetic for his actions. “Firstly, you don’t put your hands on other people without their permission.” He looks down at Gia. “Take notes, kid. You don’t do a great job of that, considering I keep waking up with your slobbery fist in my mouth when I try to take a nap.” He goes on, addressing the rest of us again. “Second, how fucking—” His eyes widen as he clamps a hand down on Gia’s ear. “Oops, sorry.” He snickers. “As I was saying, how stupid can you be? My woman is right beside me, wearingmyjersey withmynumber on her back. Freaking rude,” he finishes.

“And what a stupid number it is.” I nearly cackle.

He wags his dark brows at me. “That’s not what you were saying last night.” His smirk tells me just how proud of himself he is, and I can’t bring myself to crush it.

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