Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

GEMMA

After insisting a million times that I would be fine, Dario left me at the house he shares with the guys. To my surprise, it was clean and tidy, although there was little food.

Rosie and Dodge stayed with me after Dario talked to Dodge while looking in my direction. I rolled my eyes, knowing he was making sure Dodge knew whose girl I was. Yeah, he told me. I like that.

In twenty-four hours, I've gained a boyfriend and made friends with other team members' partners. I have butterflies in my stomach because I'm not used to relying on anyone but myself.

I trust Dario. But what if it's the situation that makes him stick to me? What will I do then?

I always seem to survive somehow, but I'm tired of this way of life. Tired of fighting.

I watch as Rosie and Dodge exchange words before she joins me on the sofa. "So, Wayne was on camera at a Starbucks at the time you were attacked. Davy has no alibi, but the apartment building he lives in has an electronic lock on all the doors. He entered his apartment at 23:03 and didn't leave until 08:20."

"Oh." I wrap my arms around my stomach. "Are you sure it couldn't be Davy?"

Rosie frowns. "You think it was him?"

"I thought it was Wayne, but he has a confirmed alibi. Davy doesn't. He could have left his door open." I looked at Dodge. "Is the time stamp only when the door is opened or also when it's closed?"

"Open. I'll have my guy check the security footage around his apartment."

"I don't want it to be him. He's an asshole, but I mean, I work with him."

"Assholes come in many shapes and sizes," Dodge says. "Whoever he is, he won't get you again."

"Um," Rosie hesitates, "could it have been a woman? I mean, it doesn't take much strength to pull someone under the water."

I stare at Rosie because I hadn't thought of that. A woman? That still doesn't tell me who is after me. My eyes widen. "I got a second note in my mailbox the other day. I know what you did, slut . I don't have anything in my past that would warrant such a message. I've always been good."

"Do you still have the notes?" Dodge asks. "They're stuck to my refrigerator."

"After I drop you both off at the arena, I'll go get them. If that's okay with you?"

I nod.

"I'll go too," Rosie says. "If you make a list of the things you want, I'll pack you a bag." She grins. "I don't think Dario is ready to part with you just yet."

Dodge snorts. "Just like Rhodes."

Rosie rolls her eyes and says, "You're just jealous that Rhodes gets to have me all to himself."

Dodge laughs. "Gemma, come work with me. You won't be as annoying as Rosie. She can't go an hour without hearing Rhodes' voice." He shudders.

I snort and quickly cover my mouth. "Wait till you meet a girl..."

Rosie laughs. " Man! " She wiggles her eyebrows.

I blush. "Okay then, wait until you meet a hot guy, Dodge. We'll see how long you can go without hearing his voice."

"Are you girls ganging up on me?"

"We wouldn't dare," Rosie jumps up and kisses him on the cheek. "We're just teasing." She winks at me. "I think we need to find you a date, though. It's been forever since you've had one."

"How would you know?"

Rosie laughs. "You wouldn't be so moody if you were, well, you know? Dated?"

Dodge rolls his eyes. "Back to business, Gemma, when I drop you off with the team, please don't go anywhere alone, okay?"

"I promised Dario that a million times." I rub my temples. "I'm going to take a nap." I move off the sofa and catch Rosie's eye.

"Dario left something for you on the bed." She wiggles her eyebrows.

More curious than embarrassed, I go into his bedroom. I grin when I see one of his jerseys spread out on the bed. Reaching for it, I head into the bathroom and quickly change. I'm sure it's for tonight's game, but I can take a nap in it, too.

My fingers hesitate on the phone. I want to send him a message and tell him what I'm wearing. I'm not used to teasing him. We've been in each other's space since yesterday morning, so I guess a little text would be okay. Before I can change my mind, I make myself comfortable in his bed and inhale. It smells like him. I snap a selfie and hit send. My heart pounds at what I've done. Even my cheekbones heat. My phone beeps.

Dario: Are you in my bed? Wearing my jersey?

Me: Yes! I'm surrounded by your scent.

Dario: Are you naked underneath?

I pant. My blush deepens. I'm not going to chicken out now.

Me: I don't sleep in my underwear!

Dario: Damn (flame emoji)

Me: I wish you were here with me. I sleep well in your arms.

Dario: ...

Dario: ...

Dario: Sweetheart, the love pole is so ready that it's embarrassing.

Me: OMG! Did you just call your (eggplant emoji) a love pole?

I chuckle and sink deeper into the bed.

Dario: Baby, my hot rod is a love pole. If you're a good girl, I'll show you how to use it.

I burst out laughing. He is being ridiculous.

Me: Are we having phone sex?

Dario: If we were having phone sex, you wouldn't have to ask!

Me: I've never had phone sex. I sent you a picture. I think you should send me one.

I look at the bubbles and then a picture pops up. I drop the phone and throw the covers around trying to find it.

Me: Please tell me you are not talking to me about your love pole in the middle of a team meeting?!

The picture is of him in the meeting room with other teammates in the background, including a scowling Coach.

Dario: Okay, I won't tell you. (crying laughing emoji)

Me: And I was just about to send you a picture of my pierced (melon emoji).

I smile, knowing I will get him. I turn off the ringer on my phone and bury my face in his pillow.

Much later I go to the arena with a belly full of nerves. It was easy to tease Dario on the phone but knowing that I'm going to see him in person makes me nervous. I know I shouldn't be, especially after his answer to my last text. But that's the way I am. When I woke up, I couldn't believe that I had sent those messages. I feel different with Dario. More relaxed.

Walking through the tunnel to the team locker room makes me nervous. Dodge is with me, but the echo of our footsteps has my ears straining for extra steps, so we won't be caught unaware.

Dodge glances at me a few times, but he calms down as soon as Dario appears. He barely stops to thank Dodge before he picks me up and carries me into a room. He flips on the light switch. "Coach's office," he says in a kind of explanation. Then his lips meet mine in a crushing kiss.

As his lips linger on my flesh, I feel a rush of emotions I have never experienced before. Dario's presence makes me feel safe and exhilarated at the same time, making my heart race with anticipation.

He pulls away from my mouth and pants heavily. "You seduced me with a threat of a nipple picture? Fuck, woman, all I could think about this afternoon was your pierced nipple." He growls and goes for my mouth again. His hands move down my body, sending shivers down my spine. I melt into his touch, feeling desire and want.

I grab one of his hands from my bottom and place it over the part of me that is driving him crazy. We both moan as he squeezes my breast. "I need to see." He pulls up the shirt and curses. "No bra." His wet, hot mouth sucks my nipple and the piece of silver deep. My fingers claw into his hair as I hold him against me. I arch my back, wanting more of his touch, more of his passion.

"I didn't know you loved it so much."

"Baby," he cracks, "I crave every single part of you, but knowing you have a pierced nipple has driven me crazy." He grabs my hand and pushes it down his pants. "The cups are not designed for an erection."

I giggle. "Not even a love pole?"

He grins. "I don't care what we call it, as long as we agree that it's huge and belongs inside you."

"Dario," I moan. Our lips meet in a fiery kiss, our bodies pressing together. I finally get a grip on his hot rod. I giggle into his mouth. "I want to see that pole in your pants."

Suddenly the door bursts open. Dario pulls down my shirt and twists around. My cheeks heat as I try to hide Dario behind me. It's Van who coaches the major league team. He lets out a string of Russian before leaving. I sigh in relief. Van comes back in. "No fucking in the office!" The door slams behind him.

I don't move as I watch the door. He doesn't reappear.

Dario puts his arms around me and pulls me to his chest. He nuzzles my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I close my eyes and enjoy the warmth of his embrace and the feeling of being truly safe in his arms. In that moment, all worries and fears melt away, leaving only the comforting presence of Dario.

"I'm sorry I jumped at you. I promise I'll be patient." His lips brush my earlobe. "Even though I couldn't think of anything but your pierced nipple, it's the whole package I crave, Gemma. I can't stop thinking about you. I don't want to be away from you. I know this is new for you, but it's new for me too." He turns me around so I'm facing him, his hands moving up to cup my face. His forehead falls to mine.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Dario. I want you as much as you want me." I raise my eyebrows. "Did I feel metal on the head of your cock?"

He moans. "I have to get back to the team, but not before I make sure you have someone with you." He plants a lingering kiss on my lips and holds me at arm's length. "You look beautiful in my jersey."

Up in the suite, I feel on edge. Davy g ives me strange looks and Wyatt has attempted to come over to me a couple of times but gets waylaid. I mess with my phone for something to do just as a message pops up.

Wayne: Are you at the game? I'm here too!

No way!

Me: What are you doing here?

Wayne: Watching the game, what else? I have a spare seat. Do you want it?

Me: No, thank you.

Another message pops up.

Unknown: I know where you are, slut!

Me: Who is this?

Unknown: You will find out when I'm ready.

Scared, I glance up and catch Dodge's eye. He notices there is something wrong and then Rosie does too. I show them the messages as soon as they reach me. "It wasn't Davy. I've been watching him. He has no phone in his hands."

Dodge sends a message to Wayne:

Me: What is your seat number? I'll come and say hello.

Wayne: I don't think so. The detective is with you! Tut tut tut, Gemma.

Giving up on Wayne for now, Dodge switches to the unknown:

Me: What do you want?

Unknown: You!

Me: Why?

Unknown: You'll find out soon!

"I don't know if both messages are from Wayne."

"It's okay. You're safe in here. Once the team arrives, we'll take you back to Dario's place, okay?"

I nod.