Page 88 of Misconduct Zone

“You don’t know that. Elephants have huge dicks. You might be into that.” He bites my neck.

“If your hockey career does not work out, you can work at the zoo.” I tug his hair to bring his head up for a kiss.

We’re unprepared for the paparazzi and the constant click of the cameras as we leave the building. I wish we had ordered a car. We ignore them, walking shoulder to shoulder, and our hands brush against each other.

Our pace quickens, but a few follow us through the turnstiles. “I thought they would leave us alone once we got on the subway,” I fume.

“Same. The fresh air isn’t so fresh with the vultures.”

We find seats in a half-filled car, and with our size, we can sit touching from our shoulders to our legs without it seeming peculiar. From where they’re sitting, the paparazzi cannot see below our chests, so I link our fingers on his thigh.

Dylon sucks in a breath and hooks his ankle around mine. The ride is only one stop, but it was enough time to alert more photographers.

I feel his anxiety and place my palm on the small of his back. I do not give a fuck what pictures they get. He needs comfort, and the news segment with our kiss will air in two days. As I’m about to ask if he’s okay with my touch, he leans into it with a grateful smile.

Questions are hurled at us, but I block them out and focus on the warmth of Dylon’s back. We sprint the last few yards, and the doorman ushers us inside, pushing the elevator button for us.

“Thanks.” Dylon lets out a long exhale. “I don’t know how celebrities put up with that crap. Not a fan.”

“I am a huge fan of yours.” I back him up against the wall in full view of the lenses pressed to the glass.

“Yeah?” His dimple carves a delicious dent in his cheek.

“I want to kiss you.” I cannot take my eyes off his lips.

“Declare ownership with the vultures watching, knowing our picture will be everywhere? Goddamn yes.” He closes the distance between our lips as the elevator doors open and tugs me inside. “No turning back now. They got our picture.”

“I haven’t been able to turn back for over a year. You’re, what do you say? Late to the party.” I grin when his eyes widen, and he lets out a deep belly laugh.

Our lips meet again, and enthralled with the prospect of the claim on Dylon, a rush of possession lances my veins and a giddy bubble of happiness escapes in a chuckle.

The world will know Dylon is mine.

Only mine.

Forever mine.

We exit the elevator and wordlessly move through our apartment into the bathroom, and I turn on the shower.

Once we’re under the hot spray, I ask, “What are you most afraid of?”

“Letting you down. You put so much time and energy into getting me healthy, and I could waste it. How can you trust me after all the things I’ve done?” He sweeps his wet hair out of his broken eyes.

“The only thing you’ve done that upset me was disappear on me for a night. Even if the worst thing happens, I’m not leaving you.” One hand anchors his hip, and the other runs down his back.

“You should.”

“Then you don’t know me very well. Do I overthink and catastrophize? Yes. But I love you, and I won’t let you down by leaving you. Just like you won’t let me down by pretending we’re not in this together.” Dylon harrumphs and I continue. “If I had a career-ending injury, would you end our relationship?”

“No! Why would you ask that?”

“Why would you think I would leave you in your worst moment? I trust you. I believe you will not relapse, but I’m a realist and statistically it happens, and I will be by your side.” Tonight has been so heavy, I channel hishumor to lighten the mood. “Try to leave, and I’ll hunt you down, throw you over my shoulder, and drag you back home. Tie you up if necessary.”

His crooked smile lights up his face, highlighting my favorite dimple. “I think tying me up will be necessary.” He kisses me while the water runs down our faces. “But I need you to be honest with me about my addiction.”

I stiffen and Dylon’s fingertips dig into my skin.

“You were scared, realizing I had taken a drink. I was scared. It’s scary and it’s okay to admit that. Like you said, I crave stability and love. But so do you. You don’t see a situation where you leave, but you have no problem envisioning me walking away from you.” Dylon nuzzles my temple and presses his forehead to mine. “I. Will. Never. Leave. You. You are the best thing in my life.”

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