“Did you hear me, motherfucker? I have rules,” Kingston snapped, wrapping a hand around Riley’s throat and squeezing until his laughter died in a squeak. “Make sure you’re paying attention.”
Still smiling, Riley nodded, feeling high off his emotions and lack of oxygen.
“First, no sappy shit in front of the team. You want to knock our knees together in the locker room? That’s fine. But I’m not holding your hand or making out with you.”
Riley was okay with that rule since they were a new team and they needed to keep things professional with so many eyes watching them.
“Second, you’re explaining to the guys that we’re together because I’m tired of all their comments about the bruises, and I’ll end up slashing someone in the back of the knee if they keep insisting you have a feral girlfriend.”
Not a feral girlfriend, just a feral boyfriend. Noted.
“Third—any shitty pet names you come up with have to be pre-approved, or you die. That’s non-negotiable.”
Riley almost started laughing again, but Kingston applied pressure to remind him to keep his mouth shut.
“Fourth. I am not a woman, so don’t treat me like a bitch. Just because I like having your dick up my ass doesn’t mean that I’m less of a man than you. If I catch a whiff of toxic masculinity, we’re done.”
So far, that was the only rule that Riley knew they would have to work on. He needed to learn where Kingston’s boundaries were on care and physical touching because Riley tended to go overboard when it came to pampering his partners.
He didn’t think Kingston would tell him not to buy him gifts or get angry at him for being worried about a bad hit on the ice, but how he handled it would matter. Riley would have to second-guess his reactions and instincts just for the beginning of their relationship, then once he knew where they stood, it would get easier.
“Lastly, I know we’re hockey players, and there’s a lifestyle that comes with the fame and fans, but let’s both agree to keep them at a distance.”
Kingston’s frown deepened, and he appeared guilty as he looked away from Riley and dropped his hand from his throat.
“I don’t know what I would do if I saw anyone, man or woman, putting their hands all over you. I’d probably kill them, and I’d rather not go to jail because I like my freedom, thanks.”
Riley grabbed Kingston’s chin and forced their gazes to meet. “We both know how possessive I am, so I get it. And as for your rules, I’ll agree to them. Just promise to give me room for error until we get used to the changes, okay?”
Kingston shrugged, which was as good an answer as any.
Riley wanted to kiss him, but he barely began to lean forward when Kingston pushed him back against the armrest.
“Spit it out,” he said, scowling and looking adorable with his cheeks flushed.
It took Riley a second to understand what Kingston was asking. “You mean my rules?”
“Duh.” Kingston folded his arms like he was bracing himself for something unpleasant. “I know you have some in mind, so tell me now while I still have time to reject them all.”
Rileydidhave rules, but he was unsure if Kingston would accept them without a fight.
“I want us to sleep in the same bed,” said Riley, starting with the easiest one. “And I know cuddling isn’t your thing, but if you wouldn’t mind telling me when you’re okay with it, that would be nice.”
Kingston nodded slowly, his eyes narrowed. “And?”
“And I would like to date you—in any way that you’re comfortable with,” said Riley. “I’m not going to show up in a suit and open car doors for you, but if you’re okay with catching a movie or exploring cities we go to for away games, I could work with that.”
Kingston still seemed suspicious, and he had every right to because Riley’s final rule was going to be his least favourite.
“And…I need you to talk to me when something is bothering you. No matter how stupid it seems,” Riley finished. “I’m used to talking because Jake is on the spectrum, so communication is important to me, and I’m good at it. I don’t want you to be scared to ask me anything, or worry about upsetting me if you need to bitch about yourfeelings.Even if you need to shut down and have quiet time, let me know so we can make this work. Iwantto make this work, Kingston.”
Some of the tension in Kingston’s body melted away, and Riley smirked as he leaned in for the kiss he had been denied. Kingston’s mouth met his and shyly slipped open so Riley could sweep his tongue inside and taste.
Riley knew he was doomed because he could easily get addicted to this: the push and pull of their relationship. It was as if Riley was the ocean and Kingston was the moon, dragging him from one end of the Earth to the other. The ups and downs may have bothered most people, but Riley liked the way Kingston kept him on his toes and the challenge of winning his heart.
“I’ll tell you what I need even if I hate it,” said Kingston, sealing the promise with another kiss. “I have a feeling you’ll be obnoxiously perfect though, because you’re an asshole like that.”
Riley hummed and sucked on Kingston’s bottom lip. If that hadn’t just had sex and Kingston wasn’t hurting, he would have dragged the man back to his room to go another round.
