Love on Ice (Manhattan Mavericks #1)

17. Felix

17

FELIX

“ Y ou’re home,” Issy greets me with a hug as I walk into her apartment.

“Yeah.”

“Everything okay?” she asks.

“No, I …” I’m unsure if I should say something or not. No, she needs to know to make sure that this Josh dude never comes around Harper ever again. “When Harper got home, Josh ambushed her on her top step, threatening her and saying a heap of creepy shit.”

“What did he say?” Issy gasps.

“He accused her of cheating on him with me. Then he threatened her and said he has something on her. He told her to have her fun because, in the end, she is his. The man has lost it.”

Issy looks worried. “Is she okay?”

“Shaken. Is there something we can do to make sure he never comes back?” I ask her.

Issy shakes her head. “Other than being creepy, I don’t think he’s committed a crime.”

“Not yet. He’s deranged. I think he is going to try to blackmail her.”

“I’ll check in on her. Glad you were there to protect her. Thanks.”

“I’m glad I was, too.” But I hate that worry is gnawing away at me.

“Felix,” Issy calls my name pulling me from my thoughts, “I promise nothing is going to happen to her. She has a tight circle around her, as well as good security. Josh won’t get near her.” She tries to reassure me.

I don’t know, she didn’t see the crazed look in his eyes. I don’t trust that man for one moment. “I’m exhausted. I might head to my room,” I tell her.

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow. It’s good to have you home.”

I head into my room, pull out my phone, and send Harper a quick message. I just need to know she is okay.

Felix: I’m home now. Told Issy what happened, expect a call. Hope you’re okay.

Harper: Just had a missed call from her.

Harper: Please don’t worry about me, Felix. I’m not your problem.

Felix: You were never a problem.

Felix: You’re a friend.

Harper: I’m fine. Just had a shot of tequila. It made everything feel better.

Felix: I’m worried about him threatening you. What does he have on you?

There’s a long pause. Then the bubbles start bouncing on my screen.

Harper: Nudes.

Fuck!

Felix: You think he’s going to use that against you?

Harper: Maybe. I don’t know. But I have a friend working on getting them back.

Felix: They can do that?

Harper: Yeah.

Felix: Pretty powerful friend.

Harper: He is.

Felix: I’m still worried about you. What happens if he comes back and I’m not there to stop him?

Harper: I will handle him.

Harper: He’s not the first ex to threaten me.

Felix: Harper!

Harper: Fine. I have a friend who owns a security company. I’ll message him about upping my security.

Felix: I’m not doing anything this week. I can come over and be your security.

Harper: Not a good idea.

Felix: Why not?

Harper: You know why.

Felix: Because I’m irresistible.

Harper: Felix!

Felix: Because you won’t be able to keep your hands off me.

Harper: I’m not doing this.

Felix: I’m okay with no touching. Doesn’t mean I won’t be touching myself thinking about you.

Harper: You can’t say these things to me.

Harper: I need another tequila.

Felix: I’d happily guard your body day and night.

Harper: Felix, stop. You promised.

Felix: You’re right, I did.

Harper: I have enough on my plate dealing with a vengeful ex. I don’t need you adding to it.

Now I feel like an asshole.

Felix: You’re right. I’m sorry.

Harper: Please don’t worry about me. You have enough going on with your ex. You don’t have to worry about me and mine.

What am I supposed to say to that?

Felix: I worry, it’s what I do. I’m Canadian.

Harper: Thank you. I appreciate everything you did for me today. And everything you did on the island.

Felix: Anytime.

Harper: Also, I had no idea you were his favorite hockey player.

That was pretty funny when he said that.

Felix: Karma.

Harper: For sure.

Harper: Night.

Felix: Night, Harper.

My phone is ringing and when I roll over, I see it’s my brother calling.

“Hey,” I groan, picking up my phone.

“You’re dating Harper Rose?” he yells at me. Huh. Wait. What? “I thought getting blown in the club by a puck bunny was bad, but you’re now dating my enemy.”

“Good morning to you. What is going on?”

“Did you not see the news?” he yells at me. “I can’t believe Issy hasn’t spoken to you about this.” He huffs.

“You woke me up, asshole. I got back from vacation yesterday, I’m jetlagged.”

“There’s an article about you and Harper. You got into an altercation with her ex and there are photos of you kissing her. I can’t think Issy is happy that you’re dating her best friend. Of all the people, she is your rebound?” he says.

I put the call on speaker, open my phone, put in my name, and low and behold, there is the news article. “Shit.”

“You think? Wait, are you dating her so they won’t kick you off the team because her family is a sponsor?” he asks me.

“No. Why the hell would I do that?” I ask, annoyed by his question.

“Because last time I spoke to you, you said that you’re already on thin ice with management thanks to your blow job scandal, which, thanks by the way, my fucking name is now attached to that story.” He moans. Dickhead. “I’d assume nearly getting into a fight is not going to help your chances as The Mavericks. So, it’s smart that you start fucking the sponsor’s daughter.”

My blood starts to boil over the way he is talking about Harper.

“Watch your fucking mouth,” I tell him.

Silence fills the air. “Oh shit, you’re really dating her.”

“Yes. I am. But I had no idea it was going to be announced this way,” I tell him as I get up and try to find Issy.

“Didn’t realize you were into older chicks.”

“She’s not that much older than me.”

“We are the same age,” he argues.

“Yes, and I know the two of you don’t get along,” I tell him.

“She told you that?” he asks.

“Yeah, first time I saw a woman gag when she heard your name.” I chuckle.

“She’s such a bitch.”

“Hey,” I warn him.

“Whatever. Did she say anything else?” he asks.

What like the fact that you were secretly dating Issy and then broke her heart by being an asshole. “No, she just said she thought you were an egotistical dick in college.”

“Really? As if she knew what I was like in college, she spent most of it partying.”

“Look, thanks for the heads up, but I have to go,” I tell him.

“Hey, don’t forget to call Mom,” he yells at me before hanging up.

Asshole.