His eyes harden. "I want to find out who he is and have a talk with him to make sure his intentions are good. And if they're not..."
He doesn't finish the sentence. Doesn't need to.
My best friend is planning to protect Ivy from King. From me.
It's ironic and saddening at the same time.
"You'll find him eventually," I say.
"Damn right I will." He finishes his whiskey. "And when I do, King better hope his intentions are pure because if he hurts my sister, I'll end him."
When we finish with our drinks, it's night. Marcus says goodbye and leaves. I'm heading to my car when Gregory walks toward me in the parking garage.
"Impressive game," he says, though his gray eyes hold no warmth. "Your two goals were very flashy."
"What do you want?"
"We need to discuss the distraction problem we're having."
"What problem?"
"Dr. Chandler." He says her name like it tastes bad. "Her presence is affecting team performance. Tonight's injury to the goalie..."
"Misha took a hit. It happens in hockey."
"It happens more when players are thinking about other things or other people instead of the game."
Warning bells scream in my head.
"What are you implying?"
"I'm stating facts. Before she arrived, the team had a solid record. Since then, we've had injuries, a losing streak, and..." His gaze pins me. "...players getting into fights because they're distracted."
"That has nothing to do with Ivy."
"Dr. Chandler," he corrects. "When a young, attractive woman is suddenly present in a male-dominated environment, it's a recipe for disaster."
Rage burns in my chest. "She's a brilliant researcher..."
"She's a liability. And if she continues to be a problem, I'll recommend the team terminate the research partnership."
Fury courses through my veins. I barely stop myself from charging at him.
"You can't do that."
"I can do a lot of things, Declan. Including reminding you of the behavioral standards you agreed to uphold in your contract."He steps closer, voice dropping. "Stop whatever you're doing with Marcus Chandler's sister."
My fists clench. "Or what?"
"Or I'll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of man you really are." The threat hangs in the air between us. "Don't ruin a good thing by chasing someone off limits."
He walks away before I can respond.
I pull out my phone with shaking hands, opening my messages with Ivy. She sent two new texts while I was at the bar with Marcus.
Ivy:
Thank you for listening earlier. You make everything easier.
