Page 43 of Pay the Piper

God, he’s being so kind. I try my best not to laugh, but a giggle escapes me. “I really appreciate that, Nikki, and I think you’re incredible too! But I had no hand in this.”

His guilt melts to confusion, then determination as we stare at each other, hands still locked. “But, you’re dressed…and you look…and Ellie…”

“I told your sister that there was a guy I liked, and it seems she assumed it was you. But for the record, I know your heart belongs to someone else…and I think mine is starting to as well.”

At my confession, Nikki’s face lights up. “That’s fantastic! I knew you would find someone. Tell me about him.”

What can I even say about Misha? Words don’t do him justice. “Well, he’s kind, and funny, and holy shit, out of this world attractive. He’s dangerous, and it should scare me away, but deep down I know without a shadow of a doubt that he would never hurt me.”

“Dangerous?” Nikki sizes me up, squinting his eyes. “He’s not going to come after me for having dinner with his lady, is he?”

“No,” I chuckle. “You’re safe. And even if he did, I would vouch for you.”

“Good, because I’d be pissed as hell if I found out my girl was out with another man looking like you do.” He pulls the hand he’s still holding to his lips and kisses it before finally letting it go. “You do look beautiful tonight, by the way.”

“Thank you.” I blush, placing my hand in my lap. “But no, we aren’t even official or exclusive or whatever they call it yet.”

“A title doesn’t mean shit. I’ll let you in on a little secret, dear. If a man views you as his, you’re his.”

I nod, unable to speak as the intensity of his gaze increases. Fire blazes in his eyes, and even though I know it’s not for me, it’s terrifying.

With a deep breath, he relaxes his posture, sinking back in his chair. “As long as you’re safe and happy.”

Closing my eyes, I summon Misha, his image as clear as day. He smiles down at me, and I feel myself grinning back at him. “I’m as safe and happy as I’ve ever been in my life.”

“I believe you. Sometimes—very rarely, but sometimes—it’s the most dangerous men who make the best lovers because they would move heaven and earth to keep their woman safe. But if you ever find yourself in danger, do not hesitate to call me. I’ll be there in the blink of an eye, cara amica.”

“Thanks, Nikki…I believe you too.”

I contemplate his words as I flip through memories of my Misha, and I know they’re true. When I finally open my eyes, Nikki is smiling back at me. Another dangerous man who I know would move mountains to help me. Realization hits me like a train: that between Misha and Nikki, I stand a chance of getting away from Conor once and for all. It’s my only hope for a future at this point. Because I know I would never turn my back on either of them.

Chapter 18

“Dude, whoever is training you is a fucking pro. You’re way better than the last time you were out here with us.”

Bugsy claps me on the back as he skates past me to line up for another cone drill. He’s one of the most outgoing guys on the team, and he’s been helpful today, giving me pointers on how to skate with an actual hockey stick. Although everyone gave me dubious glances today when I showed up for practice, I knew I was ready to get back on the ice. My teacher is a fucking pro, even if she’s a bit ruthless during our skating sessions. I think we’ve probably reached the limits of what she can help me with, at least without adding a stick and a puck to the mix, but I’ll never tell her that. Abby can teach me to skate three times a week until the day I die, as far as I’m concerned.

My Abby.

My worries that I’d have to chase her after what happened earlier this week were thankfully unfounded, and I should’ve given her more credit. When she sent me a picture of the remains of her breakfast, then a selfie of her “food baby” while she was lying cozy in my bed…even the memory threatens to make me hard, and I can’t wait to see her later. She agreed to spend the weekend with me, and I plan to pamper her like she deserves. We have a reservation tonight at my favorite restaurant in Thunder Bay, the kitchen is stocked with snacks, and I’m hoping she’ll curl up with me on the couch to finish the show we started. I have zero expectations beyond that, although…

Fweet!

Fuck, I forgot where I am. It’s almost my turn to skate as quickly as I can through the cones that are set up in an ever-changing pattern on the ice, and I’m lucky Coach blew his whistle to get someone else’s attention, or I would’ve been skating blue lines for having my head in the clouds.

“Cocoa, you’re up!”

I take off, thinking of Abby’s cues for edge control as I try to stay loose, looking a few cones ahead. The more I trust my training and my instincts, the better I skate, and the similarity to how I train fighters isn’t lost on me. Before long, I’m flying through the last of the cones to a subtle nod from Coach, which is high praise by his standards. My mission was to stay here to keep an eye on Thatcher, and it looks like I won’t be failing Mila after all. Even if my thoughts are wandering more than they ever have before.

“Hey, Cocoa, great fucking skate out there today.”

“You know you aren’t supposed to call me that. Mila told you not to!”

Thatcher just laughs, skating literal circles around me as we all slowly make our way to the locker room. Apparently, I was the last one through the drill, and Coach has seen enough for today to let us all go a little early.

“Nuh-uh. Her exact words were that she wasn’t responsible for your actions if I chose to call you Cocoa. But the whole team has picked it up! I can’t be the only one who doesn’t. That would just be weird.”

“I don’t call you Sunshine. We don’t have to follow the rules.”