Chapter 4
She waits for me in the tunnel after practice, leaning against the wall like she owns it. Little rich girl playing with fire.
"Princess," I say, adjusting my gear bag. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"We need to talk." She glances at my teammates filing past. "Privately."
I should walk away. Something in her eyes spells trouble – the dangerous kind that could wreck everything I've worked for. But I've never been good at walking away from trouble.
"Five minutes."
She follows me to the equipment room. It's small, cramped with spare gear and smelling like sweat and leather. I drop my bag and turn to face her, crossing my arms.
"Talk."
Instead of speaking, she pulls out her phone and hits play. The video quality isn't great, but it doesn't need to be. I watch myself throw that first punch outside Murphy's, the one that started it all.
Fuck.
"Where did you get that?"
"Does it matter?" She tucks the phone away carefully. "What matters is who else might see it. Scouts, for instance."
The threat hangs between us. My jaw clenches so hard it hurts.
"What the fuck."
"A deal." She steps closer, all false confidence and real desperation. "I keep this video private, and you pretend to date me."
I actually laugh. "What?"
"You heard me." Her chin lifts defiantly. "My father's campaign wants me to be the perfect daughter – no parties, no dating, no fun. I want to show them they can't control me."
"By blackmailing me?" I take a step toward her, satisfied when she backs up against the shelves. "Not very perfect daughter behavior, Princess."
"Neither is starting bar fights." She holds her ground despite the tremor in her voice. "Face it, Knox. We both have something to lose here."
She's right, and we both know it. That video could tank my draft prospects faster than any on-ice fight. Scouts already think I'm a liability – proof that I'm starting shit off-ice would confirm their worst fears.
That text from my scout, Wilson, stands out in my mind.
Wilson: That Providence fight didn't help your case. Keep your nose clean or you can kiss first round goodbye.
Perfect fucking timing.
I study Kennedy, trapped between me and the equipment shelves. She's trying so hard to look tough, but I can see the pulse racing in her throat. Can smell that sweet perfume she always wears.
"Let's say I agree." I brace one hand on the shelf beside her head, caging her in. "What exactly would this 'pretend dating' entail?"
"The usual." Her voice only shakes a little. "Public appearances. Some PDA. Enough to give my father's campaign a heart attack without actually—"
"Without actually… fucking?" I finish for her, enjoying how she flushes. "What happened to…fucking whoever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want?"
"That's not—" She swallows hard. "That still stands."
I shake my head. "Not fucking happening. Counter-offer." I lean closer, until my lips nearly brush her ear. "I'll play boyfriend for your little rebellion. But if we're doing this, we're doing it my way."
"Your way?" she dares to stare straight into my eyes.
"Yeah," I pull back just enough to look down at her plush lips, "if you want to blackmail me into this and risk my future, you have to risk something too."
"Like what?"
I lean in. "When you finally lose that virginity you're so desperate to get rid of? It'll be with me."
Her eyes go wide. "That wasn't—I never said—"
I trace one finger along her jaw, feeling her shiver. "Shh. I've seen how you look at me, Kennedy. How you tremble when I get close. You want to rebel? Fine. But we do it my way."
She's breathing faster now, pupils dilated.
"I decide when. Where. How." Each word brings me closer to her lips. "No more throwing yourself at hockey players or football jocks. You're mine until I say otherwise."
"That's not what I—"
"Those are my terms." I step back, letting her breathe. "Take them or leave them."
I expect an argument. Outrage. Maybe even tears. Instead, she straightens her spine and says, "Deal."
Now it's my turn to be surprised. "Just like that?"
"Just like that." A dangerous smile plays at her lips. "But I have conditions too."
Of course she does. "Let's hear them."
"One: no telling Ace or anyone else about our deal.
Two: you have to actually act like a boyfriend in public – hand holding, kissing, the works.
Three: you can't sleep with anyone else while we're doing this.
And four..." She steps closer, poking my chest. "You don't get to control every aspect of my life just because we're fake dating. "
"Counter-conditions." I catch her finger before she can poke me again.
"One: agreed about Ace. Two: public affection is fine, but you follow my lead.
Three: exclusivity goes both ways – no more party hookup attempts.
Four…" I pull her closer by her captured hand.
"When it comes to anything physical, I'm in charge. Non-negotiable."
She shivers but doesn't pull away. "Fine. But I reserve the right to say no."
"Kenny, I promise to have you begging."
Color floods her cheeks. "You're awfully arrogant."
"I know what I'm doing." I slide my hand up her arm, testing. Just that small touch sends electricity through my body. "Unlike the boys you've been playing with."
Her breath catches. "So, we have a deal?"
In answer, I tangle my hand in her hair and pull her into a kiss. Not gentle, not sweet – the kind of kiss that makes promises. Her lips part on a gasp and I take full advantage, tasting her deeply until she's clutching my shirt just to stay upright.
When I pull back, her eyes are dazed. "What was that for?"
"Sealing the deal." I release her slowly. "And giving you a preview of what you just signed up for."
She touches her lips, looking shell-shocked. "I should… I should go."
"Practice tomorrow at four." I pick up my gear bag. "Be here after. We'll start giving people something to talk about."
She nods and practically flees the equipment room. I wait until her footsteps fade before letting out a long breath.
What the fuck did I just agree to?
The smart move would have been to say no. Find some way to contain the video damage. Not play whatever game Kennedy's trying to start.
But I can still taste her on my lips. Still feel her perfect body against mine.
My phone buzzes again.
Ace: Beer and video games tonight?
Guilt hits hard. His sister. I just agreed to corrupt his little sister. The one person he's always tried to protect. My best friend's only weakness.
But it's too late to back out now. The memory of Kennedy's kiss-swollen lips tells me I wouldn't even if I could.
I'm going to hell for this.
Might as well enjoy the ride down.