He releases my chin but doesn’t step away. He just stands there, tension radiating off him in waves. When he finally meets my gaze again, something vulnerable yet defiant stares back at me.
I offer a weak smile. "So . . . you don’t get to automatically play all the time even though you’re on the team?"
Alexei lets out a deep sigh, then drops onto the stool beside me, all coiled power and frustration. "No. Playing in games is earned. Even as a professional. No guarantees.”
"That's a lot of pressure.”
“Didn’t make the draft either. Crestwood is my only real chance to make it to the NHL."
“Why didn’t you make it?”
His expression turns cold, stoic. “Was projected to be a late round pick, and with the shit going on in my country, scouts were skittish. Broke my leg, and since they weren’t sure how it would heal or affect my development, ended up undrafted.”
He’s right. I don’t know anything about him . . . or what it’s like for any athlete. Or how a broken leg can decide your whole future.
I lightly bump his shoulder. "Well, looks like you’re not the only asshat in the room. Seems I’ve got my own implicit biases running rampant."
The corner of his mouth quirks up, only a faint amount, but it doesn’t matter. Now I want to see this asshole fully smile and be the one to put it there.
Chapter 6
Alexei
I'm not one to talk about personal shit. Definitely not about how my broken leg knocked me out of the draft. No one was sure how it would heal or affect my development. I fucking fought tooth and nail to get back to where I am now.
But with Eli . . . somehow the words just tumble out. And it doesn’t make me want to smash his pretty face into the wall afterward.
Much.
Could do without the sympathetic look. It’s part of why my ass skipped class the past few days. Thought maybe this weekend’s games would clear my head, help me refocus on what’s important.
No such luck.
And it pisses me the fuck off because my desires are out of control.
Every second I’m not focused on hockey, my brain dwells on how Eli’s body felt pressed against mine. Or those little whimpers he makes.
All of which lead to me constantly jerking off.
I’ve never looked at a guy that way before. Never been attracted to anyone the way I’m attracted to him.
If it was just sex, fine. But it’s not. I got all itchy and shit the moment we got back to campus and went right tohisdamn dorm because I . . . missed him.
Thank fuck I snapped out of it.
But not seeing him for an additional three days sucked and I didn’t understand why I was keeping myself from what the fuck I wanted.
Eli smiles at me, easy and open. "You know, you're almost tolerable when you're not acting like an entitled dickbag."
“Adorable? You’re fucking kidding, no?”
He mimes zipping his lips, blue eyes dancing. "Secret's safe with me. Won’t tell a soul you can beadorable. God forbid I ruin that reputation of yours." He leans in slightly, voice lowering. "I kinda like having Not-A-Total-Asshole Alexei to myself anyway."
The way he looks at me with heat and mischief makes my breath catch. I adjust myself, jeans suddenly too tight.
Eli doesn't miss it, gaze dropping to my groin. He drags his full bottom lip between his teeth and my fucking dick twitches.
Glad I got the fuck out of my own way because I can't tear my eyes away from him.
