Page 17 of On Ice

Somewhere in the room, someone lets out an enthusiastic whoop, and Noah visibly brightens. “Wait. Are you saying no more seven-hour bus rides to overnight games?” Our starting goalie has been vocal about how the brutal travel schedule affects performance. “That would be a game-changer for recovery time.”

“That’s what I’m hoping.” Luca meets each player’s eyes as he speaks, building connections. Making them feel heard. I dig my nails into my palms, fighting the urge to expose him right here. But I’m afraid of what he might do. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because I say or do the wrong thing. “I want you focused on winning, not worrying about basic necessities.”

He’s filling my teammates with false hope, and it makes me want to puke. How can he stand there and pretend he wants us to win when his entire plan is to have us lose whenever he says so? I can’t help glaring at him, wishing I knew how to stop him from executing his illegal schemes. I’m not going to give up without a fight, but I can only do so much on my own. However, I don’t dare enlighten anyone on the team. I believe Luca when he says he won’t tolerate anyone getting in his way.

He continues outlining improvements; new practice equipment, upgraded arena facilities, expanded support staff. With each promise, I watch my teammates’ skepticism melt away. They’ve been running on fumes for so long, making do with less than every other team in the league. Now this man appears offering everything they’ve dreamed of.

“Marketing push starts next week,” Luca adds. “Build the brand, fill the seats. You’ll see new uniforms next month – something that represents the team’s future, not just its past.”

That catches Jerry’s attention. Our equipment manager has been patching the same jerseys for three seasons. “Custom fitted?” he asks, looking hopeful.

“Top of the line. Everything professionally maintained.” Luca nods to him. “I understand you’ve been doing the work of three people, Jerry. We’re hiring you some staff.”

The room buzzes with growing excitement. These are all the things we’ve needed, the support that could push us from struggling to competitive. I see hope building on my teammates’ faces, and it makes me sick and angry. How dare he dangle a carrot in front of them when he plans to do nothing but milk our team dry?

“Questions?” Luca opens the floor, perfectly at ease.

“Timeline on the new medical staff?” Torres asks, unconsciously touching his split lip.

“Interviews next week. I want a full team in place before we hit the heavy part of the season.”

Deck raises a hand. “Do you have any plans to upgrade the family lounge area?” He’s one of the team members who’s married with kids. The current family area is a converted storage room with mismatched furniture and not much else. Not a particularly inviting space to entertain his kids.

“Complete renovation,” Luca promises. “Proper space for families, including childcare during games. This team’s support system matters, and we should be more family-friendly, right?”

I can’t listen to his bullshit one second more without saying something. “You’re making a lot of promises,” I grate out. “Those are all big changes. You probably know better than any of us that our organization isn’t exactly flush right now. Howexactly do you plan to fund all of the promises you’ve made here today?”

Luca meets my challenging gaze unflinchingly. “I plan on spending my own money to start with.” A murmur runs through the room. “This is my personal investment in this team’s success, but I know I’ll get it back. I believe in you guys. I believe in the Ice Hawk’s future. I’m going to do all I can to help you realize your potential.” His answer is smooth as butter. He sounds sincere and like he wants nothing more in life than to make our lives better.

I wanna ram a hockey stick through his lying-ass skull.

When everyone starts clapping, I taste bile at the back of my throat. Every promise is a hook, every improvement a chain. They can’t see the trap being laid, can’t know that each upgrade comes with invisible strings.

“Captain?” Luca turns his smug gaze to me, his grey-black eyes unreadable. “Any other thoughts?”

Oh, boy, do I have thoughts, Luca.

Twenty-two pairs of eyes turn my way. They trust me to speak for them, to look out for their interests. I can’t believe to keep them safe I have to sit here, smile, and pretend I don’t know what’s coming. That I don’t know they’re all going to be used in illegal schemes designed to line Luca’s pockets.

“Sounds promising,” I manage, the words ashy in my mouth. “I’m just hoping you’re not blowing smoke up our ass.”

There’s nervous laughter from the team.

“Now, come on, Evan,” Derek says in a chiding tone. “As captain of the team, I’d hope you could spread a little more positivity.”

My face warms, but I hold Luca’s gaze. “We’ve been burned before by owners who didn’t really value us. I’m reserving judgment, that’s all.”

“That’s fair.” Luca’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I should have to earn your trust. Words are just words, right?”

“Exactly,” I spit out.

“Evan,” Luca says, his expression pleasant, “I think you’ll see that when I say something, I mean it.”

I hear the veiled threat in his voice, but my teammates are clueless. They nod their approval, looking excited for what’s to come. They’re like lambs to the slaughter, and I don’t have a clue how to save them.

Luca says a few more things and then takes his seat again to thunderous applause. The meeting continues with logistics and timelines. Sofia outlines the media strategy while I struggle with how to save my team from Luca’s spell. It’s like he’s a wizard and he’s got them all under his control.

Noah comes over to me, his brown eyes curious. “You don’t seem to like our new owner very much.” Noah is my best friend, and he knows me better than anyone else. He searches my face, a line between his brows. “Is there a reason for that?”

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