Cracking the door open, I lean my head out. “I like to eat. Just sayin’.”
Then I retreat into my condo, abandoning my workout and heading straight to the shower.
Because now she’s in my damn head—and that’s not supposed to happen.
I’m fresh off the ice, throwing on a hoodie in the locker room, when my phone buzzes.
Ice Queen: Prince’s office. Now
Bennett: Why? I’m behaving
Ice Queen: No idea. Get there
Maybe I’m finally getting out of jail.
My heart flip-flops at the possibility. I’ve done everything the league’s asked—sat the bench, stayed out of trouble. I put in my time, and now Prince is finally realizing this whole babysitting thing’s an overreach.
Slamming my locker shut, I jog down the hallway without so much as a wave to my teammates.
Freedom’s close, I feel it. My entire body’s unwinding, quads and calf muscles springy. I’m lighter than I’ve been in weeks. Ever since the fight at the party and the subsequent fallout.
I give a quick knock on Prince’s partially open door, not waiting for him to answer before I shove my way inside.
Tori’s already there, sitting across the desk from her father. He’s working at his computer and she’s tapping on her phone as usual.
“Bennett, take a seat.” Prince motions at the empty chair next to Tori and I fold my body down into the leather with a strong sense of deja vu.
But maybe this time there’s good news.
“What’s this about, Daddy?” Tori lowers her phone, the ever-present tech hovering between her hands.
“I’m off probation?” I ask, voice tipping up with hope.
“Hardly, Steele.”
My gut sinks and the buzzy energy turns into a sick feeling, rolling through me.
What the fuck? I’ve done everything they’ve asked, followed all the rules.
“You still have a lot to prove before I’m comfortable letting you run free again. I have a franchise to consider.” Prince leans back, steepling his fingers and studying us. “Which is why you’re here. There’s an important charity gala at the Yacht Club tomorrow night and Harbor bought the team a table as part of theHockey With Heartcampaign. But I have an owner’s meeting I can’t miss — so I’m sending you two in my place. Donors need reassurance and you’re it.”
“You want me to take him—” she points a manicured finger at me —”to acharity gala?” Tori’s dark eyes widen, her brows lifting high. “You can’t be serious.”
And here I thought we’d made progress.
“Yes. The season ticket holders from the meet-and-greet will be there, plus a lot of important donors from the community and a few sponsors who followed us fromNew York. You’re a face of the franchise and Bennett’s one of our star players. I trust you both will be on your best, most charming behavior.”
Tori’s scarlet lips press into a tight line, frustration radiating off her body. I’m not sure if she’s more upset about the gala or attending with me. All I know for certain is she’s pissed.
“Fine.” She shoves away from the desk, grabbing at her oversized designer bag and slinging it over her shoulder. “I’ll go to the stupid gala. But I can’t stay here forever. I have a career in the city that doesn’t involve managing a grown man’s curfew.”
She storms out, leaving me and Prince sitting awkwardly at the desk staring at one another.
After a long minute, Prince huffs out a breath.
“Don’t screw this up, Steele. Remember — your job’s on the line. And I don’t want a bad report from Tori.”
I nod, my chest tight. “Heard, sir.”
