Chapter Nineteen

Raif took a long shower after the short practice, the burn in his muscles and the cool water raining down on him almost enough to distract him from Tyler, who was humming and washing his hair only a few feet away. He grinned as he recognized the song, even before Carter started singing ”I’ll make a man out of you!”

A few of the men with children laughed and joined in. Apparently, going along with any song that Tyler had in his head would be a new team tradition, though Raif had a feeling they would still play “Son of a Preacher Man” before the games. And after if they won.

Every single player was important to the team, and they meshed well on the ice most of the time, despite personal issues, but Tyler was the first rookie to come up who had really made a difference. He could be a handful, and his bursts of energy could leave others scrambling to catch up, but when he was on his game, he was unstoppable. Raif was a legend in his own right for his skill, but he had a feeling Tyler would surpass him before long.

Which made him the team’s golden boy, but that wasn’t what Raif saw when he looked at him. He saw a young man who looked at his Mistress as though she could walk on water. Whose smile could erase every troubling thought from Raif’s mind. Who loved so deeply he only saw Laura as a strong woman who needed him to keep things light and carefree when she came home from a job that could kill her.

He saw the best in everyone and forgave far too quickly. When Tyler left the shower, Raif followed him, well aware that there was still some tension between his boy and their starting goalie. But after watching Bower pull Carter aside, speaking to him seriously, then laughing when Carter hugged him, Tyler went right over and hugged them both.

Raif didn’t get too close because he didn’t want to intrude, but he smiled as Bower sat on the bench in front of his stall and gave both young men a sheepish grin. “I was a complete jerk. I guess, being a daddy and thinking of my little girl with a guy like you… Luke, I wouldn’t need to hurt him, you’d do it for me.”

“If Amia met a guy like me?” Luke snorted. “Hell yes! But I’d leave you a piece of him, just on principle.”

“I should apologize to Scott. He’s my brother now, you know? I’m lucky to be here today because Becky could have killed me last night. And I don’t blame her. I didn’t know shit, and I shouldn’t have run my mouth.” His eyes narrowed as he spotted someone through the crowd of men moving around the locker room. “Luke, Dean might not ever say yes, but I’m cool with having you as a stepson-in-law. Or whatever you want to call it. You’ll take good care of Jami. But my official ‘brother-in-law’ better watch his back.”

Zach had just walked in, and apparently what Tyler had shared in Richter’s home wasn’t a secret anymore. The players had suspected something before, but now that they’d had “confirmation,” they completely shunned Zach. Thankfully, half the team was either still on the ice or had opted out of the optional practice, because the coaching staff wouldn’t tolerate another scene in the locker room. Raif sighed as Zach came over to him, nodding as Zach jerked his chin toward the equipment room. He was well aware that Tyler was watching him, but he would explain things to his boy later. Raif still considered Zach a friend, despite—or maybe because of—their past. And Zach needed all the friends he still had.

“I know I shouldn’t ask you this, but—”

Raif held up his hand and shut the door. “How bad is the mess you’ve made for yourself? They do not know you, but I do. And it’s not another man.”

“Not exactly—”

“Not at all. You need my help, and I will do what I can. But do not lie to me.” Raif put his hands on Zach’s shoulders and shook him, not sure how else to get through to him. “The fucking team is turning on you. You’re losing Scott, and soon you’ll lose Becky as well. What could be worth all that?”

“I’m doing whatever it takes to keep my family safe.” Zach’s eyes were bloodshot, and he appeared absolutely beaten down by exhaustion from whatever he was hiding. “Damn it, Raif, you say you know me? Don’t you think I would tell them if I could?”

“Then tell me!”

The door swung open. Zach rubbed his eyes, moving fast as Becky spun away from him. “It’s not—damn it, Becky, please listen to me!”

“Listen to you? I have to come here to fucking find you! And I think the only reason Sloan let me in here was because everyone’s fed up with your bullshit!” She looked from side to side, fixing on a nearby water bottle. She threw it at Zach. A roll of tape followed. “You were with him last night, weren’t you? You’re not even bothering to hide it anymore!”

The next thing Becky had in her hand was a goalie stick, courtesy of Hunt, not her brother. Bower had wisely decided to stay out of it.

Raif stepped forward, snatching the stick from her before she could hit Zach with it. “We had things to discuss. I asked Zach to meet with me because of what came up last night. I apologize for keeping him out so long.”

Callahan took Becky’s arm, gently drawing her aside. “Come finish this in my office, Becky. Just you and Pearce.”

She nodded and soon she and Zach were out of sight, though her raised voice could be heard from time to time. Raif went over the little Zach had told him as he sat at his stall in only a towel, not looking up as he felt Tyler’s presence. He’d made his choice to stand by Zach, and that might have just cost him his relationship with his boy.

The assistant coach cleared his throat, and this time Raif looked up. “The GM would like a moment of your time.”

Wonderful. Raif inclined his head and quickly dressed. He finally looked over at Tyler as the young man stood, surprising him by squeezing his arm and giving him a bracing smile. “You’re Raif Zovko. The Midas. He won’t keep you out of the lineup, but he might yell at you a bit. It’s no fun, but not too scary so long as he ain’t got a whip on him.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Raif wasn’t terribly concerned that Richter would beat him, but he didn’t share Tyler’s perspective on his value with the team. Richter might very well decide Raif was the cause of too many rifts between the players. But Tyler’s faith made the whole situation that much more bearable. Though he didn’t understand why Tyler hadn’t turned on him like the others. “With what I said, why—”

Tyler folded his arms over his chest. “You were with me last night.”

A few of the men glanced over. Tyler didn’t speak quietly. Even Callahan’s eyes narrowed as though he was trying to figure out what to believe.

“Perhaps I slipped out while you were sleeping.” Raif gave Tyler a pointed look. “You shouldn’t drink so much.”

Rolling his eyes, Tyler went to his stall to fill his sports bag. “Sure. That must be it. Every guy on this team knows I’m a light sleeper, so you might want to think up a new story before you go see the boss man. Me? I’m hoping we can leave all this shit here, because if we don’t win most of our road games, we better hope for some luck in the draft lottery.” Tyler smiled pleasantly at the players in the room. “That man right there is my fucking hero. If he’s lying for Pearce, there’s a damn good reason. Either believe that or give them the fucking respect they’ve earned as your teammates.” He took a deep breath. “And that’s my speech for the day. See you all on the bus.”

“Wait up, kid.” Luke walked by Raif, winking and punching his shoulder. “If Richter hasn’t killed me yet, you’ll make it out of there alive. Tell him you like his tie. That usually puts him in a good mood.”

Hunt followed them without giving Raif more than a nod, but it was enough. He received a few more pieces of advice on how to get through the meeting with the GM. Callahan was the last to approach him, his tone very different from when he’d informed Raif about the meeting.

“I wouldn’t want to be in your place, but I think I get it. Be as honest as you can with Richter.” Callahan’s lips thinned as Becky left his office. Without Zach. “And for fuck’s sakes, tell Pearce to get his shit together.”

The equipment manager took Raif’s bag after he’d packed it, and Raif quickly made his way to the elevators to go up to the office level. On a Monday morning the offices were all full, and people walked briskly down the hall, hardly acknowledging him as they passed. To one side he heard raised voices and saw all three Delgado siblings in a heated discussion in Ford’s office. He turned to rap his knuckles on Richter’s door and couldn’t help overhearing their conversation as he waited for the GM to answer.

“Silver, you cannot bet your promotions budget on the team making the playoff.” Oriana sounded like she was tired of the conversation. “Ford, you can’t take the bet. You’re supposed to be rooting for our boys.”

“I am. Next year will be great. Silver doesn’t get that we’re in the building stages. Keane won’t approve a big play-off budget when we’ve got less than a twenty percent chance of making it.” Ford’s words slowed, as though he was speaking to a stubborn child. “Stop sulking, princess. You know I’m right.”

“Don’t call me princess, jerk.” Silver snapped. “Landon can—”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. He can carry the whole team. He’s on fire. And in his spare time he leaps from tall buildings and rescues small children. Let me know when you come back to reality to hang out with the rest of us. Next year—”

“The season’s not over! Ugh, I love you, Ford, but I’m going to hurt you!”

Ford laughed. “Yep, that will send them on a winning streak. Hey, why don’t you stop shaving your legs until they clinch a spot? Could be lucky.”

“How about we change the bet, since you’re so convinced they won’t make it?” Silver’s tone became sly, as though she was certain he’d back down. “If they make the playoff this year, you have to sing at my wedding this summer.”

“Deal.” Ford said, and Raif couldn’t help but glance over at Ford’s next words. “Silly girl, I would have done it anyway if you’d asked.”

The two hugged and Raif looked away, heat rising up the back of his neck as he faced Richter, who stood in the open doorway. Richter waved him inside without comment, then motioned for Raif to take a seat as he settled in behind his desk.

“This has always been a family team, Mr. Zovko, but not as close as it is now. I consider the people you just saw my family, along with several of the players. Winning games is important, but it’s what we have left when we don’t that really matters.” Richter folded his hands in front of him on the desk. He was a handsome man, always well put together in suits much like the dark gray one he wore now, his dark brown hair neatly styled, his face clean-shaven. It wasn’t difficult to see why some of the younger players would be intimidated by him. The disappointment in his hazel eyes would nail Tyler to the floor. But Raif simply gave the man his full attention as he continued. “Your play is impressive, but I think we can both agree you haven’t made much of an effort to become a part of this team. In fact, many of your actions have almost guaranteed you never will be.”

“My actions…” Raif nodded slowly, looking up at the ceiling, wondering if now was a good time to ask for divine guidance. Perhaps he should take Callahan’s advice, but first he had to know if Richter wasn’t referring to something else he’d done that he wasn’t even aware of. “You mean Zach—Pearce.”

“He’s a married man, Mr. Zovko. And you are aware he’s in a committed relationship with one of your teammates?”

“I am.” Raif braced his hands on his knees, leaning forward. “I’m not having an affair with Zach.”

“That’s not what it seemed like when Mr. Vanek brought the situation up in my home. Not even twenty minutes ago, my sister-in-law confronted you in the locker room. If you’re not having an affair with him, you’re certainly making little effort to defend your ‘innocence.’” Richter laid his hands, palms up, on the desk. “The last thing I want to start discussing while we’re still on a play-off run is a trade, but unless you explain yourself to me, I’m left with little choice in the matter. I’m not sure you’re more of an asset than a hindrance to us at this point.”

Raif inclined his head. The drama in the locker room was unacceptable. He knew this. But he wasn’t sure he could do anything to avoid it. Zach thought he was protecting his family and…and maybe it was time he wasn’t forced to do so alone. “Zach trusts me, so I’m not sure whether I should be sharing this, but it’s gone beyond keeping secrets for my friend. He told me he’s protecting his family. It’s serious enough that he’s willing to hurt them to do so. He’d rather they believe he’s with me than…wherever else he is going.”

Richter stood. “And you were willing to risk your own position with the team to cover for him?” He slammed his fist on the desk. “Damn it, what if he’s in danger? What if Becky or Scott—their daughter is six years old!”

Standing, Raif faced Richter across the desk. “I know that! Zach only began to tell me how serious it was today. I had thought he may be sick, or have money trouble somehow—” Which was ridiculous, Zach had always been careful with money. But hopefully, whatever the issue, Richter could find a way to see that Zach and his family were safe. That alone would make betraying Zach’s trust worth it. “Do what you want with me. If I can’t play, so be it. But he’s afraid for anyone to discover what he’s doing, and there has to be a reason.”

“I agree.” The way Richter regarded Raif changed, as though he was seeing a different man than he’d expected to. “You’re playing. And I think you’re good for Vanek, though I can’t say the team won’t collectively destroy you if you hurt him. They need a new center of gravity since—” His tone hitched, and Raif knew he was thinking of his brother. “The point is, I appreciate your honesty. I will increase team security and make sure Pearce doesn’t have to worry about his wife and his daughter during the road trip. But we will keep this quiet until we have a better understanding of what exactly is going on.”

Breathing out a sigh of relief, Raif nodded. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”

“I misjudged you, Zovko. You’re a good man. Pearce is lucky to have you as a friend.” Richter reached out and firmly shook Raif’s hand. “Please don’t share this, because he plans to observe the team before he is officially introduced, but we have a new head coach. Walrye was fired this morning. He does not fit with the future this team is building.”

Good. Coach Walrye had caused more rifts between the players than anything Raif and Zach had done. But Raif was surprised that Richter would bring in someone new to lead them. “I assumed Callahan—”

“He’s a player’s coach and he’s doing great. I don’t want to change that by throwing too much responsibility at him. He’s one of the few who knows about the new coach. The reason I’m telling you is because Pearce is very close to becoming a healthy scratch. Callahan is still running the show, with a bit more authority than he had before, but the new head coach, Roger Shero, has play-off experience and a Cup to his name. Callahan will look to him for advice.” Richter straightened, his expression grave. “Make sure neither of them sees a reason to take Pearce out of the lineup.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“That’s all I ask. Damn it, I could strangle that idiot. He’s so quiet it’s hard to know what’s going on with him. I’m uncertain if we can make this okay with Demyan—not sure you care considering…”

Do I? Demyan wasn’t competition anymore, but he was pushing Zach away when Zach needed him most. Which was hard to judge, considering all Demyan saw was the man he loved turning to another. He had no idea the terrible price Zach was willing to pay for his family. Even Raif had no indication of what that price could be.

But Zach loved Demyan. So yes, he cared. In the end, once the trouble had passed, Raif wanted to see Zach happy. He deserved it.

“I care more than I should. Maybe his friends can help him. I can’t tell Tyler—”

“Please don’t. The boy has a big heart, but he can’t keep a secret to save his life.” Richter chuckled and shook his head. “But we’ll make sure the trouble triplets have each other. I’ll have someone special, just for them, to keep them out of trouble.”

Raif grinned. He could agree to the three of them needing a keeper. “I’ll try to—”

“I’m starting to like you, so no, I won’t lay that task on your shoulders on top of what you’re already dealing with.” Richter walked around the desk and Raif quickly followed him to the door. “The team is waiting for you. If you can keep Pearce on the level, that will be enough. Please come to me if you learn more. If it was just the men, I wouldn’t worry so much, but Becky and Casey…I’m not taking any chances.”

They said goodbye and Raif sprinted down the hall, his mood lifting with all he now knew. Rather than putting his career on the line for a man he still loved, but was no longer in love with, he’d gained a new ally. And his being the general manager of the Dartmouth Cobras was no small thing.

He climbed on the bus, the last to arrive, and quickly took a seat near the back, right behind where Tyler was sitting with Pischlar. Tyler had his portable DVD player on, and they were sharing a pair of earbuds and watching…the Ninja Turtles?

Boys will be boys. Raif grinned, reaching over Tyler’s seat to ruffle his hair. Tyler smiled up at him, and the look in his eyes was…

The words Tyler had voiced weren’t simply in the heat of the moment. That look, his loyalty, everything Tyler did made them true. Tyler loved him. Raif couldn’t say it out loud, not yet, but he couldn’t deny those same words fit everything he felt toward Tyler. He hadn’t planned on going there again, hadn’t been ready to open his heart to anyone.

But love rarely considered a time or place. And how strong would it be if it didn’t catch you off guard and knock you right off your feet? Change all your plans, and your life, for good. If anyone was worth dealing with the mess that would be left of Raif’s plans, it was Tyler. He couldn’t look at the young man and consider not having him in his life.

As of right now, that was no longer an option.

* * * *

Once the whole team was off the bus and through security, there was nothing to do except wait. Not Tyler’s favorite thing. He sat on a seat near the windows, watching the planes loading on the runway, chin resting on his bent knee, for a while. Then he walked over to one of the small convenience stores to buy some snacks and an iced tea. The tea tasted like crap, but it reminded him a bit of the huge pitchers of sweet tea his mom used to make every summer. He hadn’t talked to her since she’d told him about her marriage plans, but he’d call her before the game. No matter how much the idea of her getting married again bugged him, he wouldn’t let it put distance between them. He needed her to know he’d be there when things went bad. She didn’t really have anyone else.

He sighed and tossed the bottle. Just thinking about his mom made him tired and depressed. He had to do something to distract himself.

Someone checked him lightly into the wall, and he scowled as Luke took a fighter’s stance, a shit-eating grin on his face. “Head up, kid. You’d be out cold if you were skating like that.”

“Not skating in the damn airport, dumbass.”

“Fuck, you in a mood too? I’m playing.” Luke shoved his hands into the pockets of his dark blue dress pants. Like Tyler, he’d ditched his jacket and tie with their carry-ons. His light blue shirt was untucked and rolled up to his elbows, the buttons undone low enough to reveal the white tank top he wore underneath. A black and gold Cobra ball cap hid his face almost completely as they walked aimlessly between the terminals. “I’m bored out of my mind.”

“Me too.” After making sure there was no one too close, Tyler slammed into Luke. He laughed as Luke stumbled into a row of empty seats. “Might wanna take your own advice!”

A group of teenaged girls passed, and Tyler quickly turned away from them when he saw two were wearing Cobra shirts. He’d learned quick that being recognized by teenyboppers could get messy. They were like little octopi, groping and screaming and impossible to get away from.

Luke had kept his face hidden too, but the brim of his hat didn’t hide his crooked smile. “Scott needs some cheering up, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, but…” Oh no. Tyler’s eyes widened as he followed Luke’s gaze to where Scott was leaning against a wall, holding the newspaper he’d been reading high as the girls passed. He knew Luke well enough to guess what he was going to do. “That’s just evil, Luke. Don’t—”

“Oh my God!” Luke shouted. “Is that—”

A big hand covered Luke’s mouth, stopping him from identifying Scott to the girls and everyone in the damn airport. Ramos spoke softly in Luke’s ear. “You are aware that Richter decided to join us for the beginning of the road trip, yes?”

Shaking his head, Luke swallowed.

“Perhaps you should keep yourself informed.” Ramos moved his hand. “We’ve reached our quota of bad behavior for the foreseeable future, haven’t we?”

“Yes, Sir.” Luke’s face went red as he noticed Callahan standing a few feet away, his arms folded over his chest.

Tyler was pretty sure his face was red too, because Raif was right beside the coach. Hands up, Tyler shifted away from Luke before he ended up somehow getting in trouble by association. “I was gonna tell him not to.”

“We heard. But how about you go hang out with Pisch and Zovko?” Callahan put his hand on Tyler’s shoulder and nudged him toward the terminal where most of the team was sitting. “I’d like a word with Carter if you don’t mind, Ramos?”

“Not at all.” Ramos gave Luke one last warning look, then returned to where he’d been sitting for the last hour, reading what looked like The Lord of the Rings.

Raif stayed close to Tyler, but his focus was on an older man who sat with the training staff. He was wearing a light gray suit with dark gray pinstripes, his hair was dark auburn streaked with gray, and he was older than even Richter, who’d taken a seat next to him. Tyler didn’t recognize the man, but figured he was a reporter or something. He was paying a lot of attention to Luke and taking notes on a big yellow notepad. That couldn’t be good.

The man’s gaze shifted to Tyler. He smiled and inclined his head. Tyler smiled back, then hurried to catch up with Raif. “Who is that guy?”

At first, Raif didn’t answer. He glanced over at the man, then sat down next to Pischlar. “All I can say is you should be on your best behavior when he’s around.”

I’m really starting to hate that phrase. Tyler rolled his eyes as Raif went back to his sudoku book. He wasn’t sure why he was feeling so restless, but he was going to lose his mind if he had to sit in one place for much longer. He tried, he really did, but Pisch was freakin’ sleeping and Tyler had loaned White and Richards his portable DVD player.

“I’m gonna get a magazine or something.” Tyler waited for Raif’s nod, then headed back to the store. He pulled out a few porn magazines when spending more than five seconds looking at the sports ones had the clerk giving him dirty looks. He smirked as he dropped the pile in front of the pinched-faced lady.

Scott came over while he was paying for them. “Damn, you hit a dry spell or something, man? Here, he’s gonna need this.” He tossed a travel-sized bottle of lotion on top of the magazines, flashing the clerk his most charming smile. “I’ve never seen the attraction to this filth, but kids these days!”

The clerk blushed and put her hand to her throat. “Oh, I agree. Could I help you with anything, sir?”

“You have some quality reading material here. Anything you could recommend for me?”

“Yes!” She hurried over to the rack of books. Grabbed three and reverently handed them over to Scott. “If you haven’t already read them…”

Tyler snorted. The Fifty Shades books. Chicklet had gotten Laura to read parts of them out loud once after Laura had come home grumbling “They read that book, and now everyone’s an expert” after a few of the dispatchers had brought up BDSM. Tyler thought the books were crap, but Chicklet had pointed out that they were novels. Novels meant fiction, and everyone had their own ideas of entertainment.

That had been an interesting debate. Laura insisted the ideas in the book were dangerous. Chicklet didn’t believe people were stupid enough to try things they’d only read about in a romance novel. Tyler didn’t have an opinion. He liked comic books.

Walking out of the store after another customer finally distracted the clerk, Scott already had the book open. He seemed to be using it to cover his face again, and when Tyler saw the same group of girls, he understood why.

A few feet ahead of them, Pearce was just leaving the bathroom, shoulders hunched, his gaze locked on his feet.

Scott elbowed Tyler. “You know, Luke’s idea was kinda messed up, but he might’ve been on to something.” Before Tyler could stop him, Scott let out an excited shout. “Zachary Pearce! I can’t believe it’s you!”

Pearce lifted his head and the girls swarmed him. Tyler grabbed Scott and dragged him back to where the rest of the team was sitting. He grabbed one of Scott’s books and buried his face in it as a few of the trainers went to rescue Pearce.

A grunt and Luke dropped down next to Tyler. He grabbed the third book, opened it, and leaned close to Tyler. “How much trouble are we in?”

Tyler kept the book in front of his face and looked over at Luke. “You had nothing to do with this.”

“Was my idea.”

“You have an alibi. Shut up and they might not figure it out.”

“I doubt it.”

“Shut up!”

“What the fuck!” The last was Scott, who stood as Pearce took the book from him. He looked ready to punch Pearce.

Pearce faced him, nice and calm even though his white shirt was ripped and he had nasty scratches on his face. “You don’t want to read these books, Scott. Be mad at me, play stupid fucking games if it makes you feel better, but there are things that can hurt you much worse than I have.”

“It’s a fucking book!”

A few men in airport security uniforms approached. “Is there a problem here?”

“Nothing we can’t handle.” Callahan came over with Cam, Dominik Mason’s brother and one of the members of the Cobras security team. Callahan reassured airport security while Cam separated Scott and Pearce.

Over the intercom, the announcement came that it was time to board their charter flight. Luke took off, grabbing his stuff and getting in line with Ramos. Raif was talking to Richter, so Tyler decided to join Pischlar, White, and Richards. Which didn’t get him far, because White wasn’t leaving his seat.

“Fuck, I haven’t seen him like this in years.” Peter Kral, a steady defenseman who’d been with the team forever and didn’t hang out much anymore since he’d gotten married and had a kid, stood next to Tyler, shaking his head. “He’ll hate people fussing over him. Distract everyone, I’ll be right back.”

Kral took off before Tyler could reply. Tyler approached the group, noticing that White was pale and there were beads of sweat on his temples. White was the toughest man he’d ever met and he wasn’t scared of anything, so what the hell was getting to him now? Even Pischlar looked confused as he watched the rest of the team board the plane.

“You feeling sick, Bruiser?” He crouched down in front of White. “I’ll get the doc—”

“I’m fine.” White forced a smile and glanced over at Richards. “Get on the plane, rookie. Don’t need you getting in trouble. I’ll be right there.”

“All right.” Richards hesitated, then shrugged and headed through the doors leading to the ramp.

Thinking of how Kral had suggested a distraction, Tyler held up the book in his hand. “Hey, the lady at the store recommended this. Laura hates it. You guys ever read it?”

“Yep.” Pischlar made a face. “Umm…not my thing.”

“They’re popular.”

“They have any comic books?” White stood quickly, almost knocking Pischlar over. “I should check. You guys go ahead. I won’t be long.”

Pischlar put his hand on White’s arm. “Hey, what’s going on?”

White twisted away from him. “Fuck, I don’t need you hovering all the time. Step off, Pisch.”

“Fine.” Pischlar strode away, leaving Tyler alone with White. And the new old guy, who was still taking notes.

Very, very bad. Why had Tyler agreed to this again? He didn’t go into the store with White—that lady wouldn’t be too happy to see him coming back with his new porn collection—but when White came back empty-handed Tyler decided the magazines might be useful for something. He took one out.

“Not comics, but kinda entertaining.” What had been funny before was awkward now. White snorted and shook his head, leaving Tyler stuffing the magazine back in his bag as a bunch of little kids ran up, recognizing them both and bouncing in place as he and White agreed to sign their white Cobra hats.

Seemed like forever before Kral returned, out of breath and holding out a pillow. With a Transformer pillowcase. Weird, but White took it and hooked an arm around Kral’s neck. Tyler wasn’t sure if he wasn’t gonna kill the other man, but they were both laughing, so probably not.

“Took a while to convince them I needed to get something out of my bag and it was real important.” Kral shrugged as he walked with White toward the ramp. “Not Cobra fans, they didn’t know I wasn’t you, but they know I’m with the team and are fans of money.”

White slugged Kral in the arm. “What do I owe you? I know this is stupid, but—”

“Fuck off. Watch my back and we’re even. I get it. Last time we lost, I was watching the sports news and they were saying after losing Tim, we didn’t have a hope in hell of making the playoff this season. My wife didn’t say shit, she just called the babysitter and drove me down to the cemetery.”

“Him and Madeline were the only reason I didn’t mind flying so much.”

“I know, but you’ve got your damn pillow now, man. Don’t let the guys see you like this. They’re falling apart and we all need our tough guy to be…you know. Tough.”

Tyler had stopped following them. He couldn’t fucking breathe. Or see. They were talking about Tim and he fell back, not sure he could go any farther. The old man came over and put a firm hand on his shoulder.

“Tyler Vanek? I’m sorry, I know this is none of my business.” There was understanding in the man’s eyes. The wrinkles around them deepened as he studied Tyler’s face. “I’ve heard the talk, and the analysts are wrong, you know. I have my own predictions.”

There were tears on Tyler’s cheeks—humiliating in front of this stranger. Tyler rubbed his face and sniffed. “Yeah?”

“Tim Rowe left a legacy behind. In that fighter who faces his fears each and every time the team flies, but feels none on the ice. In the assistant coach who lost his ability to play, but retained his ability to lead. In you.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve been paying attention, and I will tell you something few know.”

Tyler wanted Raif to come back for him. He didn’t want to talk to this stranger, even though he had a feeling he should listen to what the man had to say. He was way too close to breaking down and he couldn’t. He wouldn’t.

But he needed to hear the rest. “What’s that?”

“This team was broken. You were broken. Have you noticed how everything changed when you were fit to play again?” The old man smiled. “There’s a reason for that.”

The man walked away and Tyler wasn’t sure whether to get on the plane or run for his damn life. He couldn’t have people relying on him. Tim never would have put that weight on his shoulders. He would have said…

“It’s all about this game, kid. Don’t worry about the one after that. It doesn’t count for anything.”

He could still hear Tim’s voice. Remember his face.

And then he heard another voice. The one he’d been waiting for. “Zlato moje, everyone is waiting for you.”

“I know, and that scares the hell out of me!” Tyler was glad no one was around, because he could rest his head on Raif’s chest and take a damn minute to absorb his strength. “All this other shit going on…I guess I forgot I’ve got a job to do.”

“You didn’t forget, Ty. You’re doing it.” Raif framed Tyler’s jaw with his hand and kissed him hard enough to make his head spin. He let out a breath with a soft laugh. “In your own crazy, reckless way, you’re doing exactly what’s expected of you.”

“It’s not enough! I can’t win every fucking game. I can’t promise I won’t get in trouble because…well, you know!”

“I know.”

“Tell me I’ve got nothing to worry about. All I’ve got to do is play the game.” Tyler laughed, because Raif didn’t need to tell him. Tim had, so many times. And he was stressing for nothing. “All I have to do is play the game.”

“Yes.” Raif chuckled and pulled Tyler to his side as he walked up the ramp. “But first you have to get on the plane.”

* * * *

The flight wasn’t long, and Tyler managed to get in a nice nap. He woke up energized after dreaming about beating the Rangers and scoring a hat trick. His brain wasn’t fully with his body yet, but with Raif behind him, he managed to walk down the aisle between the seats, only stopping once to grab a phone one of the guys had forgotten.

At the hotel, he carried both his and Raif’s stuff to the room they’d share. He wasn’t sure how Raif had managed to get him to carry both bags, but lugging them around had been a good distraction. And he was so jumping Raif after they won this game. He dropped their bags between the beds and turned on the TV so it wouldn’t be so quiet. Raif had gone off somewhere and Tyler needed to get ready. There was an hour until they hit the ice for warm-up. Enough time for a shower or…he eyed the phone he’d dropped on the bed he’d claimed. Someone would be missing it. He had to find out who the phone belonged to and get it back to them.

He dropped down on the bed and turned the phone on. Tried a few predictable passwords, but none worked. He tried to remember who’d been sitting where he’d found the phone. Sat up as he realized this had to be Pearce’s phone. Pearce had managed to exit the plane first; he’d been sitting by himself near the front. The phone had a plain, protective case. A lot of the other guys had cases with their kids’ pics, or movies, or hot chicks they liked, but Pearce kept things simple.

Tyler tried Casey’s birthday, but that didn’t work. He laid back, frowning at the phone. Tried Scott’s birthday.

Nope.

But a text came in, showing even though the phone was locked.

“Got enough to last ‘til you get back. Good chat last night.”

Damn it, that told Tyler nothing. Maybe he was wrong. This might not be Zach’s phone.

Then it rang. He didn’t need the password to answer. “Hello?”

“Who is this?” Becky sounded mad. Tyler considered hanging up, but that would be rude. He wasn’t sure what to say though. She spoke again. “Hello?”

“Uh…hey, Becky. It’s Vanek. I found this phone and I was trying to figure out who it belonged to.”

“Oh. How are you doing, sweetie?”

“Not bad. Want to wait a minute while I find Zach?”

“Sure. And thank you… Wait.” She went quiet. “Does he seem all right? I’m worried about him.”

“Me too.” Tyler went out into the hall, knowing the floor would be reserved for the team, but not sure which room Pearce was staying in. “Scott is pissed. He sicced some rabid bunnies on him.”

“You’re joking!”

“Nope. But I probably shouldn’t have told you that. I’m gonna shut up now.” Tyler spotted Callahan and ran over, shoving the phone at him. “This is Pearce’s phone. Becky wants to talk to him.”

“Thanks.” Callahan took the phone and strode down the hall. “Becky? I’m bringing the phone to him now. Wanna tell him to get his head in the game? Or…not.”

Tyler had a feeling Becky wasn’t thinking about the game at all. But he was, so he wouldn’t worry about the text he’d seen.

Yet.

* * * *

“I can’t tell you more, Raif, fuck!” Zach kicked his suitcase and dropped heavily onto his bed. He stiffened at a rap on the door. Raif went to answer.

Callahan came in, shaking his head and pressing his thumb down on the bottom of the phone in his hand. “Zovko, I get it. He’s your friend.” He kept the door open. “But get the hell out of here. This doesn’t look good.”

Raif nodded and slipped past Callahan, crossing the hall to go to the room he’d share with Tyler. His boy was overwhelmed by the reality that the team saw him as some kind of beacon, but he’d seemed to have regained his focus by the time they’d arrived in New York. Raif entered the room and took a moment to study Tyler, who was lying on his stomach on the bed reading. Raif climbed onto the bed over him and chuckled as he realized Tyler was reading the second novel in the mainstream BDSM trilogy that Demyan had bought at the airport. Raif didn’t read romance, but he knew enough about the novel to know Tyler wouldn’t like it. He was too deeply involved in the lifestyle, and Pearce had been right to take the book away from Demyan. A man with so many obvious issues shouldn’t be reading a book focused on fixing a man with more.

He put his hand over the book. “You should be preparing for the game, boy.”

“I’m bored. You’re on top of me, but I know you won’t do anything, so leave me alone.” Tyler pushed Raif’s hand away. “Reading is good for me. But I think I should have started with the first book.”

“That would help. But I’d like you to put it away.”

“Fine.” Tyler slammed the book on the pillow without marking his page. “Now what?”

“Now we prepare for the game. But after that…” Raif flipped Tyler onto his back and pinned him to the bed, kissing Tyler until he was moaning instead of pouting. “There’s plenty of time for you to recover.”

“You’re fucking evil.”

“And you seem to have forgotten we are alone and you are speaking to your Dom.” Raif lightly bit along Tyler’s jaw, undoing Tyler’s pants to stroke his hardening length. He used his weight and a firm grip on the tight, golden curls on Tyler’s head to hold his boy still as he tormented him. The book hit the floor as Tyler grabbed for the pillow and arched his back. Raif bit Tyler’s throat hard and let out a low growl. “Be still.”

Trembling, his cheeks flush with arousal, Tyler stared up at Raif, who braced himself up on one arm and licked his palm slowly before reaching between them to take Tyler’s dick in his slick hold. Tyler panted, his muscles tensing as he fought not to thrust up into Raif’s hand. His attempt to control himself pleased Raif, and he rewarded his boy with a long, deep kiss as he brought him closer and closer to the edge.

Raif could sense the moment when Tyler was about to go over. He squeezed, then released Tyler’s dick. And smiled. “Now that was cruel. Dress quickly, zlato moje. I won’t have the team waiting on me again.”

“Then you go ahead, I’ll…” Tyler groaned and slammed his head back on the pillow a few times. “Guess I can’t have a minute? Or five seconds even?”

“No.”

With a sullen look, Tyler rolled off the bed, grumbling as he adjusted his clothes. “You’re a real—”

“Yes?” Raif smoothed his black suit jacket and straightened his black and blue diagonal striped tie. He was interested to see how his boy would finish that sentence. He might risk angering Raif since the discipline would have to wait.

But Tyler wasn’t stupid. He pressed his lips together, shook his head, then abruptly flashed Raif a brilliant smile. “Kind, benevolent Master. I’m all pumped for the game now, Sir. Thank you!”

Raif groaned and shoved Tyler toward the door. “Pumped?”

Walking backward down the hall, Tyler nodded, making a jerking off motion with his fist in the air. “Yeah, you get it?”

“Yes, Ty. I got it.” Raif snorted, opening his mouth to warn Tyler just as Carter sprang out of his own room. The two young men collided, Carter losing his balance and latching on to Tyler just in time to send them both tumbling to the floor.

Ramos came out of the room and calmly shut the door behind him. His lips twitched as he inclined his head to Raif and stepped over Tyler and his own sub without so much as a glance down at them.

“Hey, Zovko! Ramos!” At the end of the hall, Callahan watched Carter and Tyler taking their time getting on their feet, both of them laughing and pushing like drunken fools. Callahan checked his wrist as he joined them, as though to remind them of the time. “Clip their leashes on or something before they hurt themselves.”

“He is on your watch now, Callahan,” Ramos said offhandedly as he continued down the hall. “Do with him what you will.”

“Oh, hell no!” Carter bounded after his Master, giving the coach a wide berth.

Callahan looked like he was making a concerted effort not to laugh. He glanced down at Tyler expectantly. “I’ve got to round up the rookies. You gonna be good tonight?”

Tyler jumped to his feet and gave the coach a cocky smile. Despite Raif having denied him satisfaction, he seemed to be in a very good mood. He practically vibrated with energy. “No fucking way! I’m gonna win us this game!”

Raif nodded to Callahan and followed his boy, forced to take long strides to keep up with Tyler, but he didn’t mind at all. Right at this moment, Tyler had not a care in the world other than hitting the ice and bringing his team another victory. Which made it simple for Raif to do the same.

And for every man they met by the shuttle bus as well. Tyler’s enthusiasm was contagious. With a few teasing words and feigned punches, he even managed to get Demyan to smile. The players boarded the bus, each hugging or high-fiving Tyler, their very own golden talisman. There was more excitement, more confidence among the players than they’d shown in months. Talk of making the playoffs being a real possibility.

But for Raif, there was only one thing on his mind.

Damn, I love that man.