Page 30 of Icebreaker

Coach Fraser kept closer tabs on his players than I ever imagined. He was aware of my relationship with Quinn despite our efforts to keep it on a low simmer. "Could you excuse me? I should go talk to him right about now."

"Go," Coach nodded, "and remember that you've got back up if you need it."

My heart was pounding by the time I found Quinn quietly rewrapping his stick in the far corner of the locker room. He was alone, but when he looked up, I saw the wariness of a cornered animal in his gaze. "Can we talk?" I asked in a voice steadier than I expected.

"About what? Aren't you a little late for that?"

"About everything. I'm ready. I want to tell you about Dante, what he's done, and what he's capable of doing. First, though, we should find somewhere away from listening ears."

Quinn stared at me silently for at least two full minutes. "You and your secrecy. Okay, I know a corner not far from the ticket booths. We can talk there, and, Axel, we're on very thin ice. You should know that."

"Yeah, definitely. Got it."

I followed Quinn. While he listened, arms folded over his chest, I let the entire story roll out. I told him the truth aboutDante's past manipulations, his newer, more recent threats, and how he stuck his wicked thumbs into other people's pies.

"Damn, Axel, I had no clue it was this bad. I'm sorry."

Seeing the worry in his eyes relieved me. He hadn't wholly cast me aside…yet. I continued to speak.

"There's more I want to say. These past few weeks, I've…I've been trying to figure things out. I want to come up with a plan to handle Dante once and for all. I don't want to drag you into my life only to have you go through the same hell I've experienced. I've spent hours walking the trails at Mt. Tabor Park, trying to sort this out."

Quinn nodded and silently encouraged me to continue talking.

"It's a great place to be alone with your thoughts. I'd walk, and then, I'd feel like I was close to having it sorted. A plan was starting to come together, and then I'd hear something new or see him, and it all crumbled back into ashes. I'd have to start over from there."

I paused, trying to assess Quinn's reaction. "I don't know how many times it's slipped through my fingers, but that's why I've been so distant. I wanted to protect us, particularly you, from this mess, but I finally realized all I succeeded in doing was isolating myself and making you miserable. I should have been pulling you closer instead of pushing you away."

Quinn unfolded his arms and reached out to take my hand. "I wish you'd told me sooner, but I think I get it. This is a lot to deal with, but from here on out, we face things together, okay? No more days of hiding without at least telling me what you're trying to figure out."

I nodded as the weight began to lift off my shoulders. "Together," I agreed. For the first time, the idea of having Quinn at my side while I dealt with Dante felt like it would strengthen me in my fight.

As we stood there, the weight of the moment settled around us. I knew that I could count on Quinn's unwavering support. The realization touched off a surge of emotion deep inside. I stepped closer, drawn to his strength.

"Thank you for understanding and for being here."

Quinn stared into my eyes. "I told you I'd always be here for you, and I meant it. No matter what.

The sincerity of his words and the intensity of his gaze touched off sparks inside me. The air felt charged, like before a storm. My heart raced as I realized how much I missed our connection.

Without thinking, I leaned in and placed a hand on his chest. The warmth of his body seeped through his jersey, and I felt his heart pounding beneath my palm. He gasped slightly and lowered his gaze to my lips.

Quinn's hands roamed over my back and my shoulders, leaving trails of heat in their wake. I nipped at his lower lip, savoring the sound of his gasp.

His body arched into mine. We were lost in each other, drowning in powerful sensations.

A distant part of my mind knew we should stop because we were in a public place, but I couldn't bring myself to care. All that mattered was Quinn, his magnificent body, succulent lips, and the way he made me feel alive.

Just as his hands slipped beneath the hem of my jersey, we heard a pointed cough from somewhere nearby. We froze, reality crashing in like a bucket of ice water. Reluctantly, I pulled away and turned to see Max standing a few feet away, a knowing smirk on his face.

His voice was neutral, but I detected a slight sparkle of amusement in his eyes. "Coach wants the two of you on the ice."

Flustered, I straightened my jersey, and Quinn reached up to rake his fingers through his hair. A faint blush rose in his cheeks as I sensed heat in my own.

"Uh, thanks, Max." My voice was husky and raw from the rush of emotions and the interrupted kiss.

Max nodded, and he smirked as he turned away. "No problem. Don't be long."

When he disappeared around a corner, Quinn and I looked at each other. Laughter bubbled up between us, easing the tension.

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