Page 8 of Triple Power Play 3
My gaze returns to the most stunning woman. In the middle of the crowd, Aurora charms those around her and doesn’t even know it.
A low growl rumbles in my throat. She’s terribly underdressed for the snow, wearing a peacoat undone to reveal a sweater dress that hugs her curves, a stretch of thigh exposed above her high-heeled boots. How will she walk in those things? It’s winter and slippery.
My mind journeys to a time of loincloths and chest-thumping, my inner caveman urging me to knock her up with twins next so she can’t easily hide the evidence of my claiming. Perhaps Jackson was onto something with the hockey team of kids.
She stands beside my captain, players sneaking peeks at her while they joke around with him. Her long, dark hair is loose and wavy, and as she chats with Grant, she runs her fingers through it seductively. Jealousy curls tight in my gut. Why does Jax have her out here? Grant is the biggest playboy.
Before I can stop myself, I’m stalking over. “What are you two doing here?” The words come out as hard as intended, catching everyone’s attention.
Jackson gives me a knowing, taunting grin. “Chill, Coach. We’re just leaving.”
My little brat extends her hand. “Hi. I’m Aurora, Jackson’s fiancée.”
My star player snorts, and Grant coughs, but her polite smile never wavers.
She’s letting me define our relationship in front of the team. Whatever I choose, she’ll follow to a tee, and it’ll drive me fucking mad. If I pretend not to know her, she’ll do the same, icing me out.
A pang ofsomethingstrikes me in the chest. Regret? Dread? Whatever it is, I don’t enjoy it.
I take her hand and pull her to me. Releasing her, I zip her jacket and thread the buckles through the leather loops. “Stop showing off what’s mine,” I grumble, my tone low.
“Just making sure you don’t forget.” Her voice is flirtatious, barely above a whisper.
“Never. I’ll be thinking about you all night. Now, behave. Go play with my money, not my emotions.”
Her pouty red lips curve into a pleased smile. “Yes, sir.”
“Jackson—hat and gloves, a full meal.”
He gives me a sarcastic salute and laces his fingers through hers.
Later, after that buzzing energy carried us to victory, I lie in bed, craving my girl. I consider going downstairs to have a drink with the team, but a sharp feeling of betrayal has me dismissing the thought.
I only want Aurora and Jackson’s company. I want to know about their day, what she bought, what she ate. I want to watch Jax braid her hair while she chatters about her newest infatuation.
I climb out of bed. Yeah, I’m fucked.
Jackson opens the door, a smug grin plastered on his face. “Couldn’t stay away, could you?”
“What can I say? You’re just too pretty.”
His smile fades, his eyes harden, and he spins on his heel, jaw clenched.
I step inside the entryway, kick the door shut behind me, and fist his shirt.
“Hey.” Risking it all, I yank him to me. His back collides with my chest, and I wrap my arms around his front. “I’m sorry.”
He grips my forearms but doesn’t throw me off him. “I’m fine.”
“You sound like Aurora.” I inhale deeply. “Smell like her too.”
A shudder racks his body, his shoulders bunching up to his ears. “Don’t sniff me, you creep!” He elbows me in the ribs and shoves me away, his voice laced with laughter. “God, I hate you.”
My shit-eating grin is impossible to hide. “Is that why you have goosebumps?”
“Fuck off.”
He strides into the bedroom, and I follow.
