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I know I should shut up, but I can’t. “Is that a new rule?”

“What?”

“Considering your son and Brown—I was just wondering if that was a new rule.”

“Don’t get smart with me.” Fury lines Max’s face, as if even the mention of Rhys is enough to fully set him off, dismantle the pleasantries from before. He steps closer, drops his voice further. “And don’t misunderstand me. You nearly killed my son. I’m doing a favor for Coach Harris. That’s it.”

Every ounce of humor that had started to bubble there fades into nothing.

“Understood?”

“Yeah,” I say, trying to remain expressionless. “Understood.”

A door at the top closes soundly and we both look up from our standoff at the auburn-haired girl making her way rapidly down the ramp.

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

Chapter 14

Lily

It feels like the universe is playing one endless, cruel joke on me.

I come up short, almost to a dead stop, before continuing on a little quicker. My head turns halfway to the darkened glass up top where I know my dad is—wondering if he’ll make his presence known now that he sees Toren here.

Maybe he’ll tell me this isn’t required anymore.

“You took plenty of time for yourself, don’t you think?”

My stomach churns, hands tingling for a moment, before I lay my eyes on the six-foot-six defenseman across from me.

As much as I want to be furious that Toren is here, he’s a comfort. Even while looking at me with nothing but malice in his blazing gold eyes, he will always be a port in a storm for me.

“Lily? You all right?”

Mr. Koteskiy’s voice rouses me enough to realize I froze just on the outside of the boards. I slide my guards off my skates and step on the ice, skating carefully over to him and Toren.

“Yes, sorry.”

He gives me a light, kind smile. “That’s all right. Lily, this is Toren Kane. Toren, this is Lily LaBlanc.”

My mouth opens, to explain we already know each other, but Toren beats me to it.

“Nice to meet you, LaBlanc.”

Mr. Koteskiy seems unamused by the use of my last name, but he doesn’t say a word. If anything, it’s common for players to do. But for us, I know Toren’s using it like a weapon.

I don’t respond, closing my lips tight and nodding. If I even try, I’m going to blurt something regrettable.

I forget sometimes how truly massive Toren is—big shoulders, biceps the size of my head, thighs and ass straining his joggers even while relaxed, just standing here. He crosses his arms and my stomach tightens at how much bigger his arms look. It’s a good thing he’s in a long sleeve so I can’t see the ink. Otherwise I’m a little worried my mouth would be watering.

“The kids will be here soon. Sadie gave Lily the rundown last week, so she’ll be in charge.”

A brighter, wider smile pulls my lips, and I smirk at Toren with a wicked glint in my eyes. He looks irritated enough that a wave of satisfaction rolls through me. I push my shoulders back and tilt my chin a little higher.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Mr. Koteskiy nods and smiles—just at me—before leaving.

“Doesn’t seem like he likes you very much,” I say, skating over to the bench area and putting down my guards, locating the items Sadie showed me. “What did you do to him?”