Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Hope’s POV

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I could feel the players’ teasing gazes on me even when we had already arrived at the arena.

Desmond had thrown me a smirk for what felt like the hundredth time of the day. The twins wouldn’t stop wiggling their eyebrows at me every time I looked in their direction. Even Forest, who was usually the most professional of the group kept glancing at me with an amused expression.

Aiden and Lia, the latter having woken up and arrived just in time before the game started, were the worst of all. Aiden had clearly already told Lia everything that happened in the lobby. She kept looking at me with that knowing smile.

“It’s not what you think,” I muttered under my breath.

“I didn’t say anything,” Lia replied, innocent as could be. “But the fact that you feel the need to defend yourself tells me everything.”

I groaned and looked away.

It felt like I’d run a full freaking marathon, and I hadn’t even done anything yet,

I could also feel Delaney’s hateful gaze right on me. She was sitting a few rows away with some of the coaching staff, and every time I glanced her way, she was staring at me like she wanted to set me on fire.

But honestly, she was the least of my worries right now.

Fortunately, the moment the first six players were called in, everyone snapped into professional mode.

The arena was packed just like I’d predicted.

Levi’s banners still dominated everyone else’s. His name was already being chanted despite him not being on the ice just yet.

I settled where Aiden and Lia were despite dreading their teasing. I could see Aiden opening his mouth, but I glared at him so hard he wisely shut it. He settled for a very infuriating smile instead.

“Just watch the game,” I said flatly.

“Oh, I’ll be watching,” Aiden replied. “We all will be.”

I didn’t dignify that with a response.

The opening ceremony began. The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared. The Minnesota Thunders were introduced first, their players skating out one by one to a combination of boos and cheers.

Then, it was our turn.

The announcer’s voice boomed through the arena.

“AND NOW… YOUR NEW YORK GLACIERS!”

The crowd exploded into even louder cheers, the energy deafening.

They announced the defensemen first. Scott. Spencer. Desmond. Forest. Each one skated out to their own wave of cheers.

And then-

“THE CENTER. THE YOUNG LEGEND. NUMBER ELEVEN… LEVI REEVES!”

Chapter 93

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The auditorium shook.

I’ve never heard anything like it. The sound hit me, pressing against my chest. Thousands of voices, screaming his name. Thousands of hands, pumping in the air. The entire building vibrated with the force of it.

As he skated out, the spotlight hit him, and my breath caught.

He was magnificent.

His hair was slightly damp, pushed back from his face. His jaw was sharp, defined. His shoulders filled out his jersey perfectly, the number 7 stretched across his back like a brand.

He didn’t acknowledge the crowd. He just skated to the center of the ice, but it looked like he owned every inch of the rink beneath him.

He looked like he was born for this.

I looked around, amazed. His popularity was truly insane. Grown men were crying. Women were screaming his name. Kids were holding up signs with his number.

And he just stood there-calm and unbothered.

It made him seem untouchable.

Even more untouchable in my eyes.

Because how could someone like that-someone worshipped by thousands, adored by millions-how could he possibly want someone like me?

The thought sent a cold spike through my chest.

I shook my head, forcing the thought away. I couldn’t afford to get lost in that right now.

The media was at the front. They usually did this for the first game-some pre-game interviews, some taunting between the teams. The host skated out with a microphone, a wide grin on his face.

He stopped in front of Austin Raye first.

“Austin, the Thunders are coming in hot tonight. What’s your prediction?”

Raye smirked, his eyes scanning the crowd.

“I heard their star player is injured,” he said loudly.

The atmosphere turned lukewarm.

“Not that it matters. We’ll still beat them anyway. They’re already past their prime.”

An “Ooh” rippled through the crowd. Raye was being messy, I see. He knew exactly what he was doing.

The host laughed in amusement, probably enjoying the heat.

After that, he skated toward the Glaciers’ side.

He kept moving until he stopped directly in front of Levi.

“Mr. Reeves,” the host said. “Austin Raye just called you injured and said the Thunders will beat you. What do you have to say about that?”

Chapter 93

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The microphone was shoved in Levi’s face.

We all watched the big screen. The camera zoomed in on his face. And at that moment, I couldn’t help but think how handsome he was again.

“How many times do I have to tell the hosts not to choose Levi for these things?” Beth muttered.

“Yeah, he’s not going to respond,” Aiden said while shaking his head.

The crowd went silent. Everyone seemed to hold their breath. Levi truly wasn’t one to engage in these things.

However, just then, he reached out, his fingers wrapping around the microphone.

“I’ll win this for you,” he said into the microphone.

His voice was low with a slight rasp to it,

“Remember our promise,” he added.

And then he winked. Right at the camera.

The crowd erupted into cheers so loud I felt it in my bones. But I couldn’t hear them. I couldn’t hear anything over the pounding of my own heart.

My breath hitched, and my face burned.

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