Page 19 of Puck Me Harder

“Dakota, you can't be back here —” I startle her with my words as I approach and her green eyes flash open.

Angry it is, then.

“Kai, what the fuck were you thinking?!” Dakota hisses, pushing off from the wall to jab me in the chest.

“I was thinking Sergei is an asshole who had it coming,” I keep my tone light.

“Two fights with him in two days? Is this how it’ll always be? Patching you up every night?” She asks.

Her jewel-toned eyes spark with emotion.

“Of course not. I’m about to be suspended for two games,” I give her a cocky smile.

Dakota narrows her eyes and screams low in her throat— a strangled sound of frustration. She looks ready to knock a few of my teeth out herself. Instead, she turns on the spot and begins to stomp away.

“Hey,” I move fast, getting in front of her. “Dakota, wait— Don’t leave. Hear me out first.”

Dakota’s mouth is set in a firm line. Somehow, she’s even more beautiful when she’s furious at me.

“I’m trying, but you’re not making it easy,” she says softly.

I blow out a breath and drag my hand through my hair.

“We’re a new squad. Other teams were bound to see how far they could push us eventually,” I explain. “It just so happened we got matched up with the biggest assholes in the league first. But now everyone will know they can’t mess with us, not without consequence.”

My palms out as I explain, trying to be as peaceful as possible.

“So this had nothing to do with the bar last night? Or anything that happened after?” She asks, crossing her arms under her breasts.

“I mean, I had an eye on Sergei. Sure. I knew he was an asshole. No one who treats women like that isn’t.” I shrug. “But you saw that stick on Emerson. I kept my cool for fifty minutes. I was willing to let him skate on by for another ten.”

She studies me, her eyes boring into mine. I feel like a scolded schoolchild, called up in front of the class by the hardass teacher. In those eyes, I see my judge, jury, and executioner.

“Damn, Ace. If you ever turn that glare on anyone else, I might knock a few of their teeth out, too. I know you’re mad, but do you know how sexy you look right now?”

Dakota blinks, and all her fury shatters in an instant as she stammers.

“You— Kai, I — ugh!” She looks like she can’t decide if she wants to stab me or kiss me, so I make the choice for her.

I pull her close in one smooth motion and bend down, brushing my lips against hers.

She melts against me, her kiss as hungry and savage as mine. Oh, she’s still mad, but she’s clearly decided she’s going to take it out on me the fun way.

“I got told to hit the showers, but not where to hit them.” I pull away from Dakota’s sweet mouth. “Coach can bust my balls tomorrow. I know who I want busting them tonight.”

Dakota laughs against my lips, shaking her head.

“You are such an asshole,” she whispers, but there’s a smile twisting the corners of her mouth.

“That’s not a no,” I whisper back, before kissing her again.

“Yes, okay? Take me home, Kai. I don’t think we’ve got enough time left before the rest of the guys show up—”

“Oh, no. We absolutely don’t.” I sweep her into my arms, already striding toward the door. “I’m going to need a lot longer than a locker room shower to pluck this sweet cherry.”

7

Dakota

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