Alex

I grab Madi's hand tightly as we make our way through the crowds of people outside the rink. She urges me to stop to sign autographs and have my photos snapped and pose with folk for selfies. I'm running out of time though if I want to get inside, changed and on the ice. Coach has been messaging me on and off for hours, threatening to bench me the rest of the damn season if I do not make it to the game. Thankfully, Levy is none the wiser. I have no idea how or what coach has said to Levy but at least he is not on my back too. Naturally, I have kept all of coach's messages to myself.

Madi is already tied in knots at being here in Vegas with me. It was a mad dash. Of course, I couldn't resist sliding her skirt up as soon as we got back to her place, and the sight of her buttercup panties made all my blood rush straight to my cock. We had fervent, hot, sweaty sex. Me pushing her up against her front door as soon as we were inside, and like a little monkey she curled her legs around my waist as I hitched her up, feeling her wetness through the sheer, lace panties against the fabric of my top.

We had just about enough time for her to pack an overnight bag, get back in my car I had waiting with a driver and get to wheels up. Now we're finally inside the rink and my mobile pings again. She raises her eyebrows.

"Are you getting a lot of shit?" Her voice filled with concern, her eyes like a rabbit's caught in the headlights. Maybe I shouldn't have insisted she come with me, but you know what? I'm sick of not being near her, I am sick of my manager and coach telling me what I can and can't do. Who I can or can't see.

The photoshoot for Valentino was pretty much the last straw. If they decide to shove me off the team then fine, I take full responsibility, I will man up and be drafted somewhere else. Personally, I think Levy is a control freak and there are other managers out there who will value me for being Alex Stone, top NHL player for the last four years in succession. Not a title many players get to hold in their lifetime.

"Some - don't worry about it. We're here now. I'll get you a pass sorted with my assistant, she's at the rink today. You can sit in the VIP area where you belong, and I'll go face coach and get ready."

She nods and bites her lower lip. I stop in the middle of the large, domed ceiling foyer area and put my arms on her shoulders forcing her to face me. I lower my head down and place my forehead on hers. "We've got this, Petal. Okay?"

"Okay," she breathes. I squeeze her shoulders.

"C'mon then let's show them." We make our way to the dark green, metal door that leads to the hockey player's area. I open the door for Madi to pass through then check my mobile. It's another message from coach.

Please tell me you are at least in Vegas!

Yes, going to the changing area now. You should know Madi is with me.

Son, you're pushing your luck.

Save it, Coach. I don't give a crap. See you in five. And you best treat her with respect when you see her, not like last time or I will walk off the ice for this team for good.

Understood. Can't say I'm happy about it but it's your choice.

"Everything okay?" Madi asks as we come to the red door that says hockey players away team, on a board next to it.

"Yeah, it'll be fine. Wait here for a few minutes, I just want to call my assistant have her come meet you and take you to the VIP area. She will be there with you. No-one will give you any shit, I've just messaged with coach."

Madi inhales deeply and exhales, I get she's concerned. The last time coach and Levy saw her they were downright pigs to her. Not this time. If they so much as say anything to upset my girl, I'll pack my skates and leave. They can fucking sue me. Nothing is ever coming between Madison Lane and I ever again.

A couple of minutes later, I've made the call to my assistant. I kiss Madi fully on the lips, naturally it gives me an instant boner. Damn, this woman has me tied up like a damn pretzel, but I love it. Wouldn't have it any other way.

"Take good care of her," I tell my assistant who nods.

"Absolutely, come on Mads, let's get you seated and ready for the game."

I watch them walk down the corridor that has all the famos players up in frames lining the walls. A couple of players nod as they enter the room. "Hey good to see you made it. What happened during practice?" Riley asks.

"Ah, stuff. Something came up. Get your fucking ass inside," I tell him and shove him through the door. The guys look up and greet me. I dump my bag down on a bench and start to strip off.

"You're getting a belly," Leeson says as I flick him the finger.

"Man, you're just jealous you don't have an eight pack. Fuck you, you dumb ass." I pull my jersey over my head and grab my pants.

"For an old dude you're doing okay, I suppose," he responds. Old, I'll give him old, I'm only in my late twenties. These kids they think they're Gods. I shrug. Was I any different six years ago? Nope, I was a cocky sonofabitch.

Inside my bag I fumble around looking for something, my heart races as I think I've forgotten the small box I brought with me from Aspen. I find it and stick it in my pocket. My pulse quickens.

"Well, you managed to grace us with your almighty presence I see," Coach is a real funny dude. I nod but don't speak. "I expect you all to get out there have some fun and show them who the best team is. Whatever happens on the ice today, you are still the best team." He doesn't say anything else and leaves us standing.

"Where did you go?" My wingman, Davison asks.

"None of your damn business. Right, listen up, you all know the game play for today. Coach is right, we are the best team, let's go play, let's go have fun and show them who the winners are." They give me a clap and start to head out through the rear door which leads to the tunnel.

My heart Is full as I look up from the ice and see Madison watching from the VIP area. She's making a cute heart with her two hands positioned so her index fingers touch. Damn I love that girl. Seeing her in my jersey does stuff to me. You know, like want to go up and peel It up to expose her perfect tits.

The hosts introduce us all, we acknowledge the other team, everyone does a skate around and the game begins. It's not too fierce to start with, a couple of the players are a bit fisty but nothing my guys can't handle. Riley shoots the puck from beside me; it goes a fraction too wide and an opposing player has it. I glare at Riley, it's a rookie mistake, he mouths he's sorry.

After an intense first section we get a break. Sweat is dripping between my shoulder blades as I sit on the bench with my team drinking isotonic drinks, eating a protein bar and rotating my shoulders. My right one has been giving me gip for a while know, maybe it's time to get it seen too. It aches, like a kind of dull ache. I don't think it's anything serious. Still, it should be checked out.

"I see you have your girlfriend with you. I warned you, Stone." My manager has appeared, he stands tall. I don't like the tone of his voice.

"Get used to it, Levy. She's with me and that's the end of it. Like I said to coach, you can bench me, or I can leave. What's it to be? In fact, I can drop my skates right now and go get my girl and fly home to Aspen. Have us a nice time being all cozy and take time out. God knows I deserve it after everything I've done for this team."

I wait, my eyes narrowing at him eyeing him up. His face reddens. "Don't threaten us, Stone. We have the upper hand here."

"Actually, Levy you don't. As your star player, your top scorer, I do. I want to continue to play but if you continue to micromanage me like this, I'm walking. And sooner than you think. Hell, I'll go this second." I stand up, not quite towering over him since Levy an ex-pro player is a big fella too. He puts his hands on his hips.

"Don't be rash, Stone. Just calm the fuck down and get back on the ice. Nothing we can do about your love life, but mark my words, she will distract you. You will become pussy whipped and your game will start to falter. Seen it too many times."

"Yeah, maybe for you it did, but that ain't gonna happen to me. Madi makes me want to be a better player, there ain't no way I am dropping my game for her, she pushes me. As for being pussy whipped by someone like Madison Lane, I consider myself one lucky motherfucker."

I knock my isotonic drink back, throw the plastic bottle in the recycling bin behind Levy and push past him. I've only got to get through the next half, my heart races and excitement swirls through my body as I think about what I'm going to do. Fuck, I'm as nervous as a kitten on a hot tin roof.