Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Hope’s POV

“The team is probably done with their practice now. Do you want to meet them?”

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Although a flicker of nerves still danced in my chest, I knew this was inevitable. Sooner or later, I’d have to face them.

I already knew a lot about the team-more than I probably should-thanks to Connor talking about them nonstop. Their positions, their injuries, even their habits on and off the ice. Being with him had its advantages, I guess.

“If that would be alright.”

“Of course,” Beth smiled warmly. “They’ll be under your care from now on.”

I followed after her toward the rink, the sharp sounds of skates slicing through ice and bursts of laughter echoing through the air. It made my pulse quicken, a mix of excitement and nerves tangling together in my chest.

When we arrived, the players were already winding down, removing their helmets and neck guards. Sweat-damp hair, flushed skin, easy laughter-it was a scene that looked straight out of a sports romance movie.

I trailed behind Beth as the boys greeted her enthusiastically.

The first person that caught my attention was Levi.

He sat at the far end of the bench, slightly apart from the others, his head tilted down as he drank from his water bottle. His gaze was fixed on the ice. That same dark aura clung to him like a second skin.

There was no shortage of eye candy on the team. God, they were all unfairly attractive. But Levi stood out in a way that made it hard to breathe. Not just because of his looks, but because of his overall charisma.

“Beth, long time no see!”

A bright voice snapped me out of it.

A blonde-haired guy with pink cheeks grinned at her, winking playfully. “I missed you during our vacation.”

“Oh, stop it, Desmond,” Beth waved him off, unimpressed. “You were having the time of your life on the Caribbean beaches. You made me do a lot of extra work after you were seen nearly having an orgy in public. Thanks, by the way. You ruined my

vacation.”

Desmond Clark.

Number 16. Goaltender. Certified playboy.

“Oh, come on,” he laughed easily. “I really missed the way you scold me. I wish you’d do it in bed, too.”

My eyes widened before I could stop myself.

So that’s how he was.

Beth looked older than him by more than a decade, but clearly, that didn’t matter to him in the slightest.

It took him a second longer to notice me.

When he did, he froze mid-step, his gaze dragging slowly over my face like he was assessing something worth keeping.

I dipped my head politely. “Good day.”

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Chapter 5

A slow, playful smirk spread across his lips.

“Well, well, well… who’s this?” His tone dropped, amused and intrigued. “Did you bring me a gift, Beth?”

Beth immediately pulled me slightly behind her.

“Don’t even try, Desmond,” she said flatly. “She’s your new PT.”

“Don’t mind him,” she added under her breath. “He’s a flirt, but harmless-as long as you don’t entertain him.”

Noted.

Before I could respond, she guided me toward the center, drawing the attention of the rest of the team.

My gaze flickered instinctively back to Levi. Still nothing. He didn’t even look up.

My brows knit together slightly.

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“Nice job on your first day back,” Beth announced. “That’ll be your only vacation for a while, so I hope you made the most of it. Some of you clearly did more than others.”

Her eyes slid meaningfully to Desmond, who only winked in response.

“Anyway,” she continued, “I’m here to introduce your new Physical Therapist.”

I stepped forward, offering a steady smile despite the weight of multiple gazes settling on me.

“Nice to meet you, everyone. I’m Hope. From now on, I’ll be under your care as much as you’ll be under mine. Let’s get along well together.”

“Let’s get along well,” Desmond echoed lazily. “I like the sound of that.”

I ignored him. Beth’s advice was already proving useful.

A man stepped forward then, one who carried a natural authority that made the others turn to him.

The captain.

“The name’s Forest,” he said with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you, Hope. We’re glad to have you.”

Forest DeAndre.

Number 9. Captain. Forward. A legend in his own right. Even at age 36, he carried himself like someone who owned the ice.

“All members are here except for one-our newest player, Connor,” he added. “Seems he extended his vacation. He’ll be back by next week. I’ll introduce you then.”

I forced my expression to remain neutral at the mention of his name. I tried not to let it show that he was my boyfriend of four years. Well, ex-boyfriend.

Forest removed his glove and extended his hand. I took it, firm but respectful.

“I might be one of your most loyal customers,” he said lightly. “This body’s not getting any younger. What they say is true- the more you wear, the more you tear.”

I smiled. “No worries. I’ll do my best to keep you as injury-free as possible.”

“Can you do that for me too?” Desmond cut in, pouting exaggeratedly.

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Chapter 5

A small laugh slipped out of me. “I’ll do it for the entire team.”

“The entire team, you say?”

Another voice joined in. I turned to see two identical faces watching me with identical expressions.

The Sullivan twins.

Scott and Spencer. Defensemen. Numbers 5 and 6.

“It might be difficult for you to treat Levi,” Scott said casually.

That name again.

“He won’t let anyone touch his shoulder aside from Nate, even when it’s already in a bad state since the last season.”

With those words, everyone’s attention moved toward Levi. Including mine.

He exhaled slowly before pushing himself off the bench, grabbing his things like he intended to disappear without a word.

But I saw the slight tightening of his jaw, the almost invisible grimace. He was in pain.

My body moved before I could think. I reached him just as he turned, my fingers brushing lightly against his shoulder.

“Did you hurt yourself?” I asked gently, applying the faintest pressure.

However, that proved to be a big mistake.

Before I could even react, I was shoved back. It wasn’t as forceful, but it was enough to make me stumble back.

Levi turned to me, his chest rising and falling, his eyes sharp-furious, like I had crossed a line no one was allowed to touch.

“Levi!” Beth snapped.

The world tilted for a second, but strong hands caught me before I could hit the ice. Fortunately, Forest was able to catch me just in time.

“I told you not to fucking touch me,” Levi spat.

His voice was cold and cutting, a stark contrast to his god-like face. Just like that, irritation flared inside me.

Forest steadied me, his expression tightening as he looked at Levi.

“Levi,” he said, voice firm, almost fatherly. “The season’s coming up. We can’t afford to lose you. Let Hope check your injuries.”

“Captain’s right,” Scott added, frowning. “We’re always on edge because of you. It’s affecting everyone.”

Levi raised a brow, unimpressed.

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