Page 16 of Pucking Knox
Chapter 7
I've watched hockey games my whole life, but never like this.
"That's his aggressive stance," Maddie explains from beside me in the WAGs section. "See how he's tracking number twenty-seven? He's been targeting Grey all night."
I lean forward, watching Knox glide across the ice with deadly grace. Even with all the padding, I can read the tension in his shoulders. The way he positions himself between Greyson Cress and the opposing player.
"He's protecting him," I realize aloud.
"That's his job." Maddie winces as Knox slams someone into the boards. "He's the enforcer. Makes sure no one takes liberties with our guys, especially the center."
The game moves fast – faster than on TV. Bodies collide, sticks clash, the puck barely visible as it flies between players. But Knox is easy to track. He's always moving, always watching, a predator waiting to strike.
Then it happens.
An opposing player catches Ace with a high stick. Blood spatters the ice. Before the whistle even blows, Knox is there.
The fight is brutal and beautiful. Knox moves with the same fluid precision he brings to everything else, but with an edge of violence that makes my breath catch. One punch, two, three – the other player goes down hard.
"Jesus," Sawyer mutters. "Your boyfriend's scary."
But I can't tear my eyes away. Can't ignore the heat pooling low in my stomach as Knox skates to the penalty box, somehow looking regal even with blood on his knuckles.
He catches my eye from the box and winks. My whole body flushes.
"You okay?" Maddie nudges me. "You look a little–"
"Good!" My voice comes out too high. "Just… intense game."
She smirks knowingly. "Just wait for the post-win celebration. Kappa Pi gets wild after home games."
Two hours later, I understand what she means. The place is packed with players and fans, riding the high of a 4-2 victory. Knox hasn't left my side since we arrived, one possessive hand always somewhere on my body – my waist, my hip, the back of my neck.
"Another round!" someone calls, and shot glasses appear like magic.
"Having fun, Princess?" Knox's lips brush my ear, making me shiver.
Before I can answer, a guy in a hockey jersey appears beside us.
"Great game," he says, but he's looking at me instead of Knox. "You must be new. I haven't seen you here before."
I feel Knox tense behind me. "She's not."
The guy ignores him. "Need something to drink?"
"She has a drink." Knox's hand tightens on my hip. "And a boyfriend."
"I was asking her."
Something dangerous flashes in Knox's eyes. I put my hand on his chest, feeling his heart race.
"Sorry," I tell the guy sweetly. "I only drink what my boyfriend gives me."
To prove it, I turn in Knox's arms and pull him down for a kiss. He responds immediately, turning it filthy in a way that leaves no doubt who I belong to.
When we break apart, the guy is gone.
"Possessive much?" I mean it to sound teasing, but my voice is too breathless.
