Page 74 of Pay the Piper

Misha traces my hand with his as I catch my breath. It’s so simple, but somehow so intimate. “Will you come to my games this week?”

“Your games?” What games does he…Oh! “I didn’t realize you were playing. I thought you were only there to watch over Thatcher, but yes, of course I’ll come!”

He chuckles and squeezes my hand before pulling it to his mouth for a light kiss. “I’m not playing, lesnaya. I just want you near is all.”

He just wants me near, oh my heart. “How could I ever say no to that? When are the games? And where?”

Fuck, I didn’t think about travel. All of my accounts are linked to Conor, and it’ll ding if I book a flight.

“Only two games this week. Tuesday and Wednesday, and both in Thunder Bay.”

“Oh.” I frown.

Misha sits us both up, concern written across his face as he searches my eyes. “What is it?”

“I work at the library, remember?”

“Psht, that’s it? That’s easy. Quit.”

“I can’t quit.” I roll my eyes.

“Of course you can. I’ll take care of you. You can volunteer if you’re passionate about it, but I hate you having to go.”

I could quit. It’s the idea of a man being in control of my financial well-being that I hate, but it’s not like my salary is my own now. It’s all controlled by Conor anyway.

“Okay, I still have to go in on Tuesday and turn in my resignation. I owe them that, at least. But I’ll be there Wednesday!”

Misha’s pouts are the most pathetically adorable pouts I’ve ever seen in my life. And I used to teach toddlers to skate. Aw, I bet he was so cute as a toddler…I don’t care what he says. I hope our babies look just like him…

“Fineee…You’re such a good girl.”

Good girl…He says it sarcastically, but my breath catches nonetheless, and his demeanor changes instantly. I squeak as he rolls us over, boxing me into his arms once again.

“I lost count of how many rounds we just went, but I know it’s enough that I’m going to have to be gentle for this one.”

He notches his already hard again cock at my opening, and I wince at the sting.

“Told you so.” He pushes slowly back into me, groaning when he bottoms out. “Fuck you are my good girl. Don’t worry…I’ll be gentle.”

He’s not…and God, am I glad he isn’t.

Stepping into the Thunder Bay arena took me back to my childhood. Of course, we never watched the game from the boxes, but nostalgia hits me nonetheless. Dad spewing stats and facts about all of the players as they skate by. Mom walking back to our seats, hands full of concession food. The lights, the cheers, the smell of the fresh ice, the sound of the puck being passed in drills. The colors and names on the jerseys are different, but I might as well be back in Canada.

Number 12 Theodoooreee Taranov.

Ellia screams bloody freaking murder right into my ear as they announce her fiancé. “Wooo go, Teddy!” She makes a heart with her hands and holds it up as he turns his attention to our box and blows her a kiss.

She chuckles, giving her attention to me only after he’s not looking anymore. “Taranov is a newer development. He started his hockey career as Theodore Williams and was reluctant to change it at first, but he surprised us last night. He and Thatcher both did!”

Number 19, Thatcher Taranov!

A low but loud woot surprises me, and I whip around to see a beautiful and large woman dressed in black from head to toe with her black hair braided down the middle of her back.

“Someone was eager to rep the Taranov name.” She smiles at Ellie as they exchange a warm hug. “How’s my little protégé doing in there?”

Ellie touches her swelling belly and smiles. “Stronger every day.”

“Just like her aunt.” The Amazonian woman turns to me, her smile growing even more as she holds out her hand. “You must be Abby! I’m not sure if Misha has mentioned me or not, but I’m Mila—”