Stand and Defend (Lakes Hockey Series Book 4)

After collecting Jordan’s things this morning, my anger was about to boil over. I dropped them off in her room, then had to get out of there. I’ve spent the last two hours at the gym and am still seething. I saw the hole in the wall from the clothes iron.

The lengths Bryan went through to cut off her resources . . . It takes everything in me to resist going back to the condo and waiting for him to return. After he threatened, terrified, and turned her life upside down, nothing would please me more than to play the role of karma.

I hit the showers after my workout, then find a secluded hallway at the training center and call my stepdad. He answers on the second ring.

“Hey, Camden, what’s up?”

“Dad, quick question for you.”

I sweep my foot over the artificial turf under me.

“Yeah?”

“I need you to loan out one of the cars in your fleet.”

“That’s not a question.”

I roll my eyes.

“You want to borrow one of the cars,” he repeats. “Is this for Safehouse?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I should refer Jordan to my foundation and let them handle it.

“Kinda, yeah.”

“How come they aren’t giving you a referral for a vehicle?”

I pause, unsure how to answer, because there’s no reason I shouldn’t be following Safehouse protocol. Jordan isn’t mine to take care of. My stepdad is a good man, but if I told him the car was for Jordana Landry, it would only raise suspicion, and I’m already clueless regarding my behavior toward her.

“I’m handling this one differently.”

“Alright . . . Everything okay?” There’s a twinge of concern in his voice.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s fine. Just need a car temporarily,” I answer as casually as possible.

“Okay. I’ll get something couriered over tonight. Which center do you want it dropped off at?”

“You can drop it off at my house. I’ll be there to sign for it.”

“Uh-huh.” He’s quiet, hoping I’ll fill the air with more details. He’s not getting any. Not today at least.

“Thanks, I appreciate it. I gotta get going, tell Mom I love her. Talk to you later.”

I hang up and drop against the cold concrete wall.

“What am I doing!?” I shout, angry with myself.

“Getting in the fucking way,” Rhys answers, turning the corner. “I need to sprint.”

Rhys is finally coming out of his shell, and it’s a good thing too. After how quiet he was his rookie year, I was wondering if he didn’t possess a sense of humor. Now that he knows he’s got a solid spot with us, he’s loosened up a bit.

I’m glad he’s working on his sprints; it’s an area that needs improvement.

“Who says I’m not using it?” I ask.

“Give me a break, you’re too old to sprint.”

“A break?” I smirk. “If I gave a shit, I wouldn’t give it to you.”

He laughs. “Well, if I gave a fuck, I’d give it to your mom.”

It takes me a second to register his chirp.

“Unfortunately, my mom would probably love that. She’s a freak.”

“Must be where you get it from. Now, may I?”

“All yours.” I pick my bag off the floor and head out. I’m almost to the door when Coach stops me.

“Teller. A word.”

I blow out a breath and stride over. Tell me good news, old man.

“We’re gonna give your lineup a shot. If it falls through, it’s on you.”

“Hell yeah.” Finally, something I want to hear. “It’s going to pay off.”

He nods and heads back to his office. I walk backward toward the exit with a big-ass smile on my face. “You won’t regret it.”

When I leave the training center, a crisp breeze blows through my still-damp hair, and a few crunchy orange leaves skitter across the parking lot. I love fall. Today would be a great day for a ride, and it might help me find some peace. I could use it.

Driving home, memories from last night sink into my thoughts. What is it about her that made last night seem different? I’ve had orgies before, but none were as hot as showing her how to spit on my cock. I’ve always pictured Jordan as a good girl but didn’t realize she could be such a good girl.

Teaching her how to give a decent blowjob? Normally that would have been a turn-off. Any woman who wants to put her mouth on my cock better know what she’s doing before she even drops to her knees, but Jordan? Fuck. It satisfied my corruption kink like no other. Pretty sure it’s some weird ego thing. Every blowjob she gives from now on will be my blowjob—the way I taught her. You’re fucking welcome.

Now that she’s discovering and trying out her fantasies—she’ll never be the same. She’s so eager, I want to show her everything. And her pussy? Jesus Christ. I’ve never had an issue blowing my load early, but last night came close. She made such an adorable cream pie.

If she wants to explore, I’d rather it be with me. The only risk is her catching feelings. If she’s discovering this about herself for the first time, her emotions could be right under the surface. Not to mention, she recently got out of a relationship. I would need to know she could separate them. Because we can’t be anything more than physical. I don’t date . . . but I wouldn’t be opposed to a friends-with-benefits situation if she was down. I enjoy her company either way.

Me: Wyd?

Jordan: Reading.

Me: Wanna go for a ride?

Jordan: Depends what I’m riding . . .

I need to lay down some ground rules and have the talk. She can’t catch feelings and live under the same roof, and I want her to stay, she’s safer with me than she would be anywhere else. Besides, I want to sleep with her again. Last night, I watched Jordan regain her power while I was balls deep in her. She seemed carefree and excited and . . . alive. Those brown eyes had a sparkle I’ve never seen before, and I desperately want to get her there again.

Me: The back of my bike, you pervert.

Jordan: I’ll get my coat.