Page 105 of Shots & Echoes

She had already stepped into the storm.

And part of me wanted her there.

The team moved around me, oblivious, bodies in motion while I stood still, caught in this war brewing between us. Every time she glanced at Chris across the ice, that tight, ugly thing in my chest twisted deeper. I still remembered how he spoke to her, and she bit her lip—fuck.

A sharp pulse of possession surged through me, dark and consuming. I clenched my fists inside my pockets, forcing myself to stay planted, to not drag her off the ice and remind her exactly who she belonged to.

Because shedidbelong to me. And she knew it.

But that truth terrified me as much as it thrilled me. Because this wasn’t just about claiming her. This wasn’t some game we were playing anymore. This wasreal, and real meant consequences—meant that at some point, this would come crashing down around us.

And when it did?

I wasn’t sure if she’d survive the wreckage.

Or if I would.

I told myself to stay away today. To cool down. To get my head on straight before this thing between us spiraled even further out of control.

But I couldn’t.

Instead, I sat there, eyes locked on her as she cut across the ice like she was carving her anger straight into it. Every stride, every sharp pivot, felt like a challenge—a dare she knew I couldn’t fucking ignore.

And damn her for it.

I clenched my jaw, fingers digging into my thigh as I forced myself to stand still. The sounds of practice blurred into nothing, drowned out by the steady drum of my pulse. All I saw washer—the way her muscles coiled with every push, the way her ponytail whipped behind her, snapping like a flag in the wind. Like a warning.

She was daring me to react.

And fuck if I didn’t want to.

Our eyes met for a split second, and it was like a live wire snapped between us. Electricity. Heat. A tension so sharp it cut straight through my ribs.

I should have looked away. Should have broken whatever the hell this was before it burned me alive.

But I didn’t.

What the hell is wrong with you?

I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to focus. On anything but her. On anything but the way her body moved. But it was impossible. She was under my skin, buried so deep I wasn’t sure I’d ever get her out.

And the worst part?

I didn’t want to.

Practice wrapped up, the sound of skates grinding against the ice fading into the background. I walked off, forcing every muscle in my body to stay rigid, controlled, when all I wanted to do was turn around and find her.

I needed to stay away.

Ishouldstay away.

But I didn’t.

Players trickled out, laughter and low murmurs filling the space as they slung bags over their shoulders, talking about plans for the night. I stayed put, waiting.

Because I knew.

She was still here.

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