“I don’t,” I lie, trying to play it off because I really don’t like the fact that he asked that question, and I hope that’s not written on my face. “I’m just encouraging us to stand up for our co-captain.”
He stares at me for another few seconds before seemingly accepting that.
Nico looks at Zhuri. “I didn’t know you dated Jack Ledger.”
She rolls her eyes. “We broke up a decade ago. I don’t give a shit about him anymore. Nobody needs to hit him on my behalf.”
Theo smiles deviously. “Fine, but if he has words about my co-captain, I’m dropping the gloves.”
The team laughs because it’s exactly like Theo to pick a fight. He’s known as a bruiser for a reason.
Z says something positive to encourage the team before the game gets started. We’re called out to the ice, and while we are booed, there are still a good number of fans cheering loudly for us.
When the Lasers come out, I do my best to ignore Jack. The last thing I need right now is for him to get under my skin.
Once the anthem is sung—their singer isn’t nearly as good as Ivy, according to Nico—we line up for the faceoff.
With Jack now standing in front of me, I physicallycan’tignore him.
And he fucking knows it.
“Long time, no see, Kovacic.”
“Saw you last season when the Lizards kicked the Leopards’ ass in the playoffs. It’s not been long enough, Ledger.”
“Not happening today,” Jack affirms. “You got lucky with your win against the Axolotls last night, Cam.”
“Cameron,” I correct, looking him straight in the eyes. “Only friends call me Cam.”
Zhuri shouts over at me. “Just ignore him. He wants to get under your skin, Cam.”
Jack raises his eyebrow at me, and I just shrug. “Like I said, only friends call me Cam.”
“Wow,” he laughs. “I actually feel bad for her.”
Zhuri rolls her eyes. “I don’t need or want your fucking pity, Jack. Pay attention, and play the damn game.”
Pride courses through me.
Zhuri has never needed anyone to stand up for her, and it’s sexy as hell how she won’t take anyone’s shit.
Probably why I fell in love with her.
…
What?!
Where the fuck did that come from?
Who am I trying to fool?
It’s pretty obvious that I’m in love with Zhuri. We’ve only been together for a month after spending more than a decade hating each other, so I have no plans to tell her any time soon, but finally admitting it to myself feels really damn good.
If only there weren’t the complication of her being my teammate to prevent us from going public.
I guess we’ll both retire eventually…
The ref gets our attention now, and the game starts. The Lasers manage to win the faceoff, but we snag the puck quickly, though Wes’s shot doesn’t go in.
