Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

DARIO

I finally have full control of my body which is saying something. I've gone from pining for Gemma from afar to not being able to keep my hands to myself. The girl has no idea what she is doing to me. The way her body fits against mine makes it seem like she was made for me.

Stop thinking about her, Dario! You have a game to play.

Coach told us that the arena is full for tonight's game. The music is loud and thumps with every beat of my heart. The energy in the air is palpable and I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I step onto the ice.

Madden, the left winger, gives me the thumbs up. I skate past Bradford, who is in goal. Rhodes and Nikoli are on defense, and then there is Lake on right wing. My team and my friends. I look around the family section for a familiar face and frown when I don't see one. Juniper is sitting with Willow, but not Gemma. I move closer. Juniper steps into the glass. "She's in the suite with Wyatt." She winces. "Rosie and Dodge are back from Gemma's place, so they're with her too."

"What else?"

She hesitates, then admits, "Davy's up there. I think he's pissed that his name was given to the cops, but I promise she's safe with Rosie and Dodge. You need to focus on the game."

I swallow and nod. "Thanks, Juniper."

This bit of information doesn't sit well with me, but as I get into position, I know I must let it go for now. She's safe. That's all I want.

Breathing in and out, I center myself, ready for the game that is seconds away. We need this win against Detroit.

The puck drops and the game begins. The familiar rush of competition takes over, pushing thoughts of Gemma out of my head. I concentrate on the game in front of me, knowing that my team is counting on me not to screw up. The crowd roars, but all I can hear is the sound of my skates cutting through the ice. Every move is deliberate, every pass calculated. I block out everything else.

The third period is tied with only a few minutes left. I gain control of the puck and slide it to Madden, who breaks free and sends the puck toward Lake for the goal. The tension is thick as the puck flies toward the net, and in that moment, I feel a surge of adrenaline knowing that this shot will determine the outcome of the game. As Lake's shot sails past the goalie and into the net, the crowd erupts in cheers as we secure the win in the final moments of the game.

I take off my headgear and grin as I accept backslaps and hugs from my teammates. I shake hands with Detroit and take a few slow laps around the rink, waving to the fans. The puck bunnies press up against the glass, which I ignore. The only girl I want to see is in the suite upstairs.

Madden throws his arm around my neck, taking advantage of the crowd. His grin is contagious, as usual. I shake my head and push him away. I head for the tunnel, knowing I'll see Gemma soon.

As soon as I step into the suite, I sense something is wrong. Gemma subtly shakes her head, her beautiful eyes shining with unshed tears. For once, I don't know what to do. What does she want to tell me? Dodge appears. "Follow me."

I glance at Gemma, but she doesn't meet my gaze. As soon as I'm next to Dodge, I demand, "What's going on?"

"Wyatt's partner, Dallas, talked to Gemma. He made sure she knew she had their full support, but he also reminded her of the no-fraternization policy." Dodge winces.

Anger boils in my blood. How dare he say anything to Gemma, especially when she's being chased by a deranged scumbag. If anyone is going to say anything, it should come from Wyatt.

My eyes search for Wyatt. When I spot him, I take a step toward the boss. But Dodge has other ideas. "Talk to Gemma before you jeopardize her job."

I open my mouth to snap, but close it just as quickly. I run a hand through my hair and curse.

"I'll take Gemma to your apartment. Rosie and Rhodes will follow in their car." Dodge sighs. "When you're ready to go, I'll get them moving."

"I'm going with you," I say.

"I'd planned on you being with us." He hands me the key fob for the car. "SUV, parked near the north exit. Ellison Security badge on the windshield. Meet us there."

I nod and leave without talking to anyone. I'm angry that I couldn't go into that room and claim Gemma as mine. That will change. I have kept my distance from her for a couple of months, not wanting to mess things up for her. Then I have her in my arms and I refuse to give her up. I'm not a possessive type. At least I wasn't until Gemma came along.

Walking down the concrete walkway, I spot Dodge's vehicle. I open the trunk, throw in my gear, then climb in the back. And wait.

My ears pick up a scraping sound. Is that the car? I don't know what I'm hearing. No one is around. My eyes focus outside the vehicle, but I don't see anyone. There's that noise again! Having enough, I open the car door and as I step out, I see a dark figure to my right. "Hey!" I call.

The figure takes off running. I give chase. Is that the bastard who is after Gemma? I start to catch up when I'm knocked off my feet as a huge explosion lights up the night sky. My hands take the brunt of the landing, along with my knees. I roll as the heat sears my skin. Pain shoots through my right knee. Debris rains down around me as I struggle to my feet, searching for any sign of the figure. The flames illuminate the area, revealing a twisted piece of metal where the car used to be.

Too shocked to move, I stand and stare. If I hadn't left the car when I did, I'd be dead. The realization of how close I came to disaster hits me hard and makes me shudder.

A scream reaches my ears. Gemma! I run towards the ramp as fast as I can, my knee banged up. When I get around the flames, I see Dodge holding my girl back. Rhodes looks helplessly at the burning SUV while Rosie stands next to him, shock clearly on her face.

I limp over to Dodge, who stops as soon as he sees me. Then I realize they think I was in the vehicle. "Gemma!" I call. Dodge turns her around. Her eyes go wide when she sees me. In the next breath, I push past Dodge and reach Gemma. She throws herself into my arms. I pick her up and hold on tight. "I'm okay," I whisper. I breathe in her scent and close my eyes; thankful she wasn't in the car.

"Dodge said you were waiting for us in the car."

I pull her face out of my neck and hold her gaze. "I was. I heard a noise and got out to see what it was. I went after the bastard, but the explosion knocked me off my feet."

Crying, she clings to me and climbs up my body. "I'm sorry. This is my fault."

"It's not your fault, Gemma," Dodge says.

"He's right." I press her closer.

"That's for sure." Rhodes puts a hand on my shoulder. "You need to sit down and wait for the paramedics."