“Aww, your guard dog doesn’t want you to get hurt.” The guy behind me snickers.

  Hayes glares over my shoulder, and I fist his jersey as he takes a step forward.

  “Dammit, Hayes, look at me,” I growl.

  He finally tears his eyes away, and I get his attention.

  “He just handed us a man advantage. You want to wipe that smile off his fucking face, then do it where it hurts the most and get that puck into their fucking net.”

  His jaw pulses as he studies me. I know he wants to get a hit in, but now is not the time for a pissing contest. We need this advantage to score a goal.

  “Let’s fucking do it then,” he fumes, and skates away.

  Sighing, I turn and glare at Wilson as the refs lead him to the sin bin.

  “Pussy,” Wilson laughs, trying one more time to provoke one of us.

  “This next goal is for you,” I grin, not taking the bait as I slowly skate over to Kane. “How’s that wrist feeling?”

  “Never been better,” he grins.

  “Good. Be fucking ready when I pass it to you on the drop.”

  “You got it, captain,” he smiles deviously. “The goalie won’t see it coming.”

  “Fucking right, he won’t,” I grin, skating over to McCormick and Foxx, who are getting into position.

  “Block on the drop. This one is Kane’s,” I say quietly so I’m not overheard.

  They both nod as we get in position.

  The ref bends forward with his eyes on the ice. I don’t so much as breathe as I place my stick on the ice and wait for the drop. Not a chance in hell am I moving early as I train my eyes on the frozen spot in front of me.

  As soon as the black object touches ice, I move to block the other player. Scooping it up, I backhand it to Kane, who’s waiting for it behind me.

  His stick rears back before the crack of the stick echoes off the glass, sending it skyrocketing as the blurred object goes straight past the goalie’s outstretched legs before the net swooshes from the speed of the bullet.

  The light goes on, and Kane throws his gloves in the air in victory as we rush over to celebrate.

  “That’s what I’m fucking talking about,” I grin, knocking his helmet with mine as my hand grabs the back of his neck.

  “That one had some smoke on it,” Foxx smiles broadly, fist bumping him.

  “We’ve got two more to win, boys…three just to fucking piss them off some more,” I say, wanting to keep them amped up as we skate back to the bench.

  “Pissing them off more is always way more fun,” Hayes grins before stepping into the bench area.

  “Not even a fucking choice,” McCormick growls as he follows Hayes.

  Kane fist bumps down the bench line before stepping in and taking a seat.

  “No, it’s not,” I grin as I watch Wilson be set loose from the box. He skates over to the bench and scowls at the wink I just threw his way.

  God, I fucking love this game.

  I’m still on a high from our win when I finally make it home later that night. Bruised and sore as fuck from being consistently slammed into the boards for the last two games, but not even the fires of hell could stop me from what I know is waiting for me.

  It’s been almost five days since I’ve been able to touch her, and I don’t think I’ve ever wanted something this much in my entire life. Which surprises the hell out of me that hockey is taking second place on the list of things I love and need.

  Locking the door behind me, I drop my bag on the floor and walk quickly through the kitchen, needing to lay eyes on her and breathe the same air.

  Candles flicker on the nightstand, casting a warm glow around the room as I stop in the doorway, unable to tear my eyes away from the sight before me.

  Her hair is in a high ponytail, and just like I asked, she’s wearing my jersey on all fours. The fabric is lifted slightly, giving me a perfect view of her round ass proudly on display as her pussy glistens in the candlelight.

  “Fuck, Savi,” I breathe, trailing my eyes over my number before meeting her seductive stare as she looks at me over her shoulder. My dick is already straining against my pants, and my heart is beating madly against my chest as I grip the door frame.

  My eyes spot her little toy beside her and narrow.

  “Tell me that little toy didn’t take what’s mine.” I nod at her black rose beside her, feeling jealous of the damn thing already.

  “No,” she smiles. “I got so turned on waiting for you that I wanted to,” she laughs softly, “but I stopped before I could because I wanted you here.”

  “So you edged yourself for me?” I ask, raising a brow and feeling my cock ache from the images that are put in my head.

  “Yes,” she whispers. She swallows, and I see her throat move, wanting so fucking bad to feel that pulse race around my palm that I know is beating rapidly.

  “I want to watch,” I respond, keeping my eyes trained on her as I toe my shoes off and remove my socks. Unbuttoning my shirt, I see her hand grab the toy as a low hum fills the room.

  It disappears between her legs, and she throws her head back in a moan as it makes contact.

  Fuck, that’s a beautiful sight.

  Removing my dress shirt, I unbuckle my pants and discard the rest of my clothes, setting my swollen cock free. Fisting my hand around myself, I slowly stroke down the length of me before walking over to the bed.

  “Look at me, Savi,” I say quietly.

  She turns her head, and it takes her a minute to focus on me as the cloud of desire briefly lifts from her eyes.

  “Remove it when you’re close. You are not to fucking cum unless I tell you that you can. Do you understand?”

  Her eyes scan my body before landing on my straining dick. I feel my arousal seep out of the tip as her tongue comes out to wet her lips.

  “You want a taste of my cock, sunshine?” I tilt my head and stroke myself.

  “Yes,” she whimpers, releasing her hand between her legs and giving her body a minute to back off from the edge.

  “Good girl,” I smile, pleased that she didn’t let herself cum and is listening to my instructions.

  The mattress sinks with my weight as I get on my knees in front of her. Wrapping her ponytail around my hand, I guide my tip to her mouth and smear my cum over those tempting, plump lips.

  Moaning, her tongue comes out and cleans them. I keep a tight grip on her hair so she can’t go further than the tip.

  “Grab that toy, sunshine,” I say in a low voice as I focus on keeping control. “I want my cock down your throat when you scream my name.”

  She eagerly grabs the toy and puts it back between her legs with a moan. Her lips part for me as my jaw ticks from the pressure of holding back the need to fuck her hard and let it all go. I hold back, though, wanting to torture myself a bit longer. I guess old habits of relishing in the pain will never fully go away.

  If this is the only pain I’ll ever feel again, then I’ll gladly accept my fate, as I guide my cock between her eager lips and slide into my own personal slice of heaven with a growl that erupts from deep in my bones.

  FORTY-ONE

  SAVI

  The things this man makes me feel.

  Waiting for him was torture as I slipped the jersey on, watching the minutes tick by. The ache between my legs became too strong to bear, and I couldn’t help but bring out my toy to relieve it.

  I could have easily cum in the first sixty seconds, but I stopped myself just as I got to the brink. It wasn’t the same without him, and I didn’t want to waste a single drop of myself unless he was here to enjoy it.

  I guess he’s rubbed off on me, and I enjoy the edging too much just to get off fast by myself.

  As soon as I take him to the back of my throat, I know I made the right decision. Nothing I could have done to myself will ever measure up to what he can pull from my body. He owns me, and I’ll gladly give up ownership if it means I get to be worshipped like this.

  “Fuck, I’ve missed you,” he groans, guiding my mouth over the length of him. “Just like that, sunshine,” he softly growls, his muscles straining with each controlled movement as he pulls my ponytail with his fist.

  My fingers dig into the sheets as my swollen clit aches against the toy. My core tightens, and I move it away as a deep throbbing has me whimpering against his skin.

  “I fucking love how you edged yourself for me. It’s going to be so worth it, baby,” he praises, and it turns me on even more as the desire to make him feel as good as I do becomes stronger.

  Taking him deeper, I hear him hiss as his fingers tighten. Pleased that he’s enjoying this, I work my mouth harder over him as I put my suction toy back between my legs.

  “Jesus,” he pants, as the naughty side of me comes out to play. “Slide two fingers in behind the toy and fuck yourself for me,” he rumbles out, and I don’t hesitate to obey.

  My fingers slide in as I hold the rose tightly against my clit. The pressure builds, and I moan loudly against him, feeling myself on the verge of something earth-shattering.

  “Fuck that hand, Savi. I want it covered for me, so I can suck it clean.”

  Oh, God.

  The pressure intensifies as I suck harder. His rigid veins stroke my tongue as I close my eyes in surrender, as my body lets go.

  I pulse and squeeze my fingers, my orgasm ripping an unintelligible scream from me as he fills my mouth roughly, and I lose myself to him.

  When I finally stop trembling, I drop the toy, and he slides out of my mouth. Saliva drips from him, and his eyes burn with a ferocious need as he looks down at me. His chest is heaving from the exertion of holding back from cumming.

  Reaching down, he takes my hand from between my legs and sucks my fingers clean. His eyes close with a moan as he savors me on his tongue before sitting against the headboard and lifting me up so I’m straddling him.

  I slide down slowly, taking him deep inside.

  “Fuck, I’m not going to last long,” he says, gritting his teeth. “I barely survived not cumming in your mouth.”

  “I want to feel your cum deep inside me,” I breathe, lifting my thighs and sliding back down on him. “I love it when you pour into me,” I whisper into his ear as I lean forward. “Fill me, Knox. My pussy is thirsty,” I add, rubbing my chest against him and wanting to seduce him with my words like he does with me.

  “Dirty talk looks good on you.” He lifts the jersey from my body before tossing it on the bed and diving into my breasts. “I’ll fill this pussy, sunshine,” he murmurs against my nipple before tracing it with his tongue. “Don’t worry about that. It will be thoroughly fed by the time I’m through with you.”

  My hands grasp his hair as he feasts on me. Throwing my head back, I give him complete access to my body as his mouth and tongue stir up my body again.

  Reaching his hand out, he grabs my toy and places it against my clit, keeping it locked between us.

  “Ride me,” he growls, pushing the suctioning of the toy harder against my clit. “Hard.”

  Grabbing the headboard behind him, I slam down on him, letting the passion inside me break free as I ride without abandon.

  My breasts bounce with each contact of our bodies as he watches me with an intensity that shakes me to the core. His hand keeps the toy tight to my clit, driving me mad with need and further edging me on as I bring us both to the brink of losing all control.

  Discarding the toy, his hands dig into my waist as he lifts me before filling me harder and deeper with each thrust.

  “Fuck!” He moans, pouring inside me. I cry out his name as another orgasm rises to the surface and swallows me whole. My body quakes against him as he pulses deep inside.

  Crushing me against him, he buries his face in my neck, our chests expanding from exhaustion as he holds me tight.

  “God, I fucking love you, Savi. So fucking much,” he rasps against my neck.

  “I love you, too, Knox. So much,” I whisper, kissing his hair and holding him just as tight.

  Pulling the covers over us, he keeps me in his arms, not breaking contact with our joined bodies.

  It doesn’t take long before I’m asleep in his warm embrace, knowing all three of us will sleep well tonight.

  “I can’t believe you won’t tell me where we are going,” I say with the blindfold he made me put on.

  All morning, I wanted to tell him about the baby, but he distracted me in the shower and then, before I knew it, I was blindfolded and ushered out the door. The secret is burning a hole in my purse, but I want to wait for the perfect time to tell him.

  “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise,” he laughs. He’s been giddy all morning, and Knox is never giddy. Not even close. This must be a big surprise for him to be acting like a kid who just got told he’s going to Disney World for the first time.

  “I don’t like surprises,” I say, trying to pout when I’m really bursting with excitement inside.

  “Yes, you do,” he laughs while driving us God knows where. “I can feel the excitement oozing off you.”

  “You’re right,” I laugh. “But it’s still killing me not to know.”

  “We are almost there,” he chuckles.

  A few minutes later, he’s shutting off the engine and opening the door to help me out. Clutching my purse in my hand, I let him lead me.

  “Don’t you dare let me fall,” I say, clutching him tightly and suddenly worried I’ll trip and hurt the baby.

  “Never.” His strong arms guide me, and I easily trust him to keep me safe.

  He leads me up some stairs, and it seems like forever before we finally stop. Cool air hits my skin, giving me goosebumps along my arms.

  A warm blanket touches my bare shoulders, and I sink into it as I’m wrapped in a comforting hug.

  “Thank you,” I smile, feeling my goosebumps fade away.

  “You’re welcome,” he says softly, standing behind me and slowly removing the blindfold.

  The lights are dim as I blink my eyes to take in my surroundings.

  The arena is empty, and the ice gleams under the partial lights illuminating center ice. Pink roses and candles overflow the area as I stare in surprise.

  “The pink reminded me of you with your cute, sexy scrubs,” he murmurs, kissing my neck before taking my hand and leading us to the black carpet that takes us out across the ice.

  Blinking back the tears, I inhale the sweet fragrance when we reach the center.

  “It’s beautiful,” I whisper in awe as the dozens of roses surround us. “Did you buy all the pink roses left in Florida?” I laugh softly.

  “Pretty much,” he laughs. “I wanted it to be perfect.”

  “It’s perfect,” I swallow through the lump in my throat. “It couldn’t be more perfect.” I finger the soft petal and smile.

  “This place saved me,” he says, quietly taking both of my hands and linking our fingers together. “I spent a lot of days on the ice thinking if I just skated harder or faster, that I could outrun the demons of my past. I shut myself off from the outside world. Not feeling anything at all was better than feeling everything I didn’t think I could ever have.”

  A tear slides down my face as he reaches out to catch it, brushing it away.

  “I had forgotten what love felt like until I met you,” he smiles. “You woke something inside me, and I fought for years to keep it buried. I was scared that if I let you in, you wouldn’t like what you saw, when in reality you loved me more because of it.” He swallows hard, and I squeeze his hand as the tears fall down my face.

  “You are so deeply carved into me, sunshine, that I don’t even know who I was before you,” he admits softly. “You make me feel like I’m a person my mom would be proud of. I don’t feel shattered when I’m with you. I feel whole.”

  He drops to his knee, and my hand flies to my mouth. Tears are streaming down my cheeks now as I swipe them away.

  “Savannah Elizabeth Montgomery,” he says, taking a box out of his pocket and lifting the lid. I gasp at the gorgeous teardrop diamond sitting nestled against the black velvet.

  Smiling, he lifts the ring out and takes my hand. “Never in a million years did I think I would be fortunate enough to be kneeling in front of you now. You are and always have been my light, sunshine. I promise with everything in me to love, protect, and cherish this gift I’ve been given for as long as there is breath in my body. You’ve given me a reason to smile a thousand times a day. I’m a better person with you by my side, and I don’t want to do the rest of my life without you. Will you marry me and be mine forever?” He asks softly. His eyes shine with more love than I could ever possibly feel in this lifetime. “Will you be my wife?”

  I drop to my knees and smile through my tears.

  “Yes,” I beam. “Nothing would make me happier.”

  Crushing his lips to mine, I smile through my tears and kiss him back.

  “You are going to feel my love every day I exist. Even after my last breath, my soul will stalk you,” he grins.

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I softly laugh.

  Taking my hand, he slides the ring on and kisses it.

  “It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen,” I whisper, holding it up to the light.

  “Not half as beautiful as the person wearing it,” he smiles, kissing me once more before helping me to stand. “I’ve got one more surprise for you.”

  “I’ve actually got one for you, too,” I say excitedly, reaching for my purse.

  “Let’s get you off this cold ice first,” he says, picking up the discarded blanket and taking my hand.

  “Wait, what about the roses? I don’t want to leave them here.” I look around at all the bouquets, wanting to enjoy their scent for as long as I can as a reminder of today.

  “The guys are picking them up soon and delivering them to the house. They’ve been up my ass for the past week helping me with the details, so I’ll gladly put them to work,” he grins.

  Laughing, I hug his arm as we walk back toward his car.