Page 14 of Penalty Zone

“Liska’s not going anywhere, and the kid has time.”

“Mark my words, Liska’s days are numbered, and Benz can’t be a kid or they’ll trade his ass faster than you slip on the ice.” The man cuffs his friend’s shoulder.

They’re wrong. Liska has years left in him. He’s playing incredible hockey—All-Star-level hockey. He’s not going anywhere, and I’m not…I’m not replacing him. Sure, I can jump in when needed, but I’m nottheguy. He’s the man, and I’m his backup.

Liska and I are a great duo. He’s the superhero, and I’m his sidekick.

Someday I’ll be the guy, but that’s not for years. I’ll continue learning, getting better, and I’ll be ready when Liska retires.

But life never works out how we plan.

If something happens to Liska, the team will need me to step up—permanently.

I can’t do that.

I’m not ready.

I’m not at Liska’s level.

I’ll let everyone down.

The team will be counting on me.

I could disappoint everyone.

Oh noooooooo.

The ringing in my ears is so loud I can’t make myself move.

“Benz, breathe,” Leo commands. We’re alone in the tunnel, the last ones off the ice.

I mimic him, but the air freezes on its way in and I can’t get it to my lungs.

He exhales, fanning his leather and cedarwood scent over me. I inhale again in an attempt to ingest it in my body. I hate how much I need it. But he’s the calm pond extinguishing the fire threatening me.

“You’re doing good.” He smiles, and it crinkles his eyes. He doesn’t smile enough. “Benz.” His voice turns demanding, and staring into his amber eyes, I’m ready to do whatever he asks. “You played a great game and did everything the team asked of you. Your reaction time was stellar, and your reflexes lightning fast.”

He’s in my brain, reading my fear of letting the team down and demolishing it.

“Good, inhale into your belly and exhale all the air in your lungs,” he says with authority.

My insides heat to a thousand degrees. All the clenched muscles unlock and, in their liquid state, do exactly as he asks. Every cell in my body is chanting,Yes, sir.

“Let’s get you in the locker room so no one else sees your stress.” I’m taller than him in my blades, but his hand steers me by the back of the neck, not an easy feat with my pads.

In the hallway, Finn, our PR director, stops us. “I hate to do this to you, honeybun, but you’re needed in the pressroom.”

“No,” Leo barks.

Finn manages to look down his nose at Leo, giving him a slow up and down with his eyes. “And who am I sending in there? Liska, Drake, and Lucky are all out. Your son is with the trainer, leaving me King and Benz. Don’t tell me how to do my job.”

“I can do it.” I inhale, standing tall even though my insides are jelly. The media will point out every mistake I made, and I’ll have to defend myself. I’m afraid they’ll ask if I deserve my position.

I’m a raw nerve already exposed from the fans’ comments, susceptible to self-doubt.

“Give us a minute?” Leo asks.

“I’ll give you two.” Finn flounces down the hall.

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