Chapter One

Ten years earlier…

Twenty-six wasn't old. That tidbit of knowledge didn't make Murphy feel any less ancient inside the too loud nightclub. Someone called him daddy in his first five minutes inside the club. At twenty-six! He supposed that was fair in some ways. Murphy had always been too serious for his age. He worked a career men twice his age hadn't yet achieved. Men twice his age didn't have his experience either.

Murphy had practically raised his younger brother, Mike. Mike had been born with a malformed spine. Unable to use his legs from birth, Murphy had stepped up, even though he had only been six. Murphy couldn't explain it. He just remembered seeing this helpless thing that would never be like him. Murphy had been excited about having someone to play with, only to learn things wouldn't be that simple. He had been determined to help Mike do as much as possible. That had meant finding ways to do every sport. His determination had quickly turned to sled hockey.

Murphy knew everything about the game. Every trick. Every play. He had been at every one of Mike's practices and games until they had finally put him on the payroll. A year ago, they handed him the coach's whistle. A pro sled team. It was a dream come true. Except Mike had chosen at eighteen to try an experimental surgery to fix his spine and hadn't left the operating room. Not alive, anyhow. Murphy kept pushing ahead, hoping to help more people like Mike. Plus, Murphy was simply in love with the game. That was also why he had volunteered for the summer for a youth hockey league. These kids weren't physically disabled, but he hoped his presence helped build a bridge between the leagues. Sled hockey didn't get near the attention it deserved. The guys worked harder than anyone else.

Unfortunately, there wasn't shit to do in this Podunk town. The nightclub was thirty minutes from camp and everyone looked twelve. Murphy headed for the door. He would get a cab back to camp. He honestly didn't enjoy hanging out with the other coaches, but he didn't fit here either. While Murphy was gay, he didn't think he was this type of gay. He just wanted a quiet life with someone. Outside, Murphy stumbled the moment his feet hit the pavement. A man, close to his height of six-one, leaned against a nearby lamppost, looking as lost as Murphy felt. Their gazes met. The guy's mouth quirked in one corner. Murphy lost his breath. He straightened and headed Murphy's way. It had been so long since anyone truly caught his eye. Murphy didn't know how to act. He didn't know what to do with his hands. Murphy felt awkward as hell.

"Hi."

Murphy blinked at the thick accent. "Hi."

"Lev." He held out his hand.

Murphy accepted. "Murphy."

Lev tilted his head toward the door. "Leaving already?"

Murphy's mouth was so dry, he could barely speak properly. "It's not really my scene."

"Good. You'll walk with Lev instead."

A smile snapped to Murphy's lips. "You must be Russian."

A sexy smile flashed his way before Lev walked away, forcing Murphy to keep up. Lev glanced his way. "What gave it away?"

Murphy couldn't stop smiling. "The accent, obviously. Also, the general bossiness."

A gorgeous rumble of laughter met his claim. "It's not bossiness. I am direct. You stepped out. Lev sees what he likes. Simple."

"You mean you like what you see," Murphy said, correcting his turn of phrase.

"If that makes you feel better."

While slightly confused, Murphy wasn't dumb. Lev was sexy, obviously interested, and a walk sounded more his speed. He would stay at Lev's side and shoot his shot. Murphy kept up his end of the conversation. "I like a Russian accent. It's one I hear a lot in my profession. I coach sled hockey."

"Sledge hockey is an interesting choice."

It was obvious Lev knew something about the game. Most people didn't realize sled and sledge were interchangeable in the sport. "Not really. My brother was in a wheelchair and I wanted to help him have a normal life."

"You sound amazing."

Before Murphy could respond, Lev steered him into an alcove. He found his back against the brick building and Lev crowding his space. "I find you sexy."

It was direct. Murphy had to give him that. He opened his mouth to say something, even though he didn't know what. Lev didn't give him time. His mouth covered Murphy's. He was aggressive. Murphy wasn't really into that. At least, he hadn't been before Lev kissed him. His tongue was more sexual than practiced—like Lev was hungry for him. Murphy's body responded like a match to gasoline. Lev leaned into him. There was no missing his erection. No doubt Lev felt his too.

Despite his desire, Murphy needed to slow down. He gently pushed Lev away. The lust on Lev's face nearly made Murphy whimper. Likely, he was an idiot for turning down a night with Lev. But they had met five minutes ago and Lev had hardcore top energy. Murphy didn't bottom. He knew they could likely find a middle ground, but those compromises got old fast. Lev seemed like a guy who deserved someone who matched his desires. Murphy would like to think he did too.

"This has been nice, but we just met and I have a long day tomorrow."

A hint of confusion crossed Lev's features. He gave Murphy room to breathe. "Understood. We should take separate cabs back to camp. Lev has no desire to get you into trouble."

Murphy's mind blanked. "What?"

The confusion in Lev's expression doubled. "Camp. I must sneak back, but I am very sly. This never happened." His heated gaze moved down Murphy's body. "Until it does."

A slow, horrible realization overcame Murphy, along with the tiniest of memories. A hint of recognition. Lev had been in full gear and sweaty from practice, but Murphy had seen him before. He wasn't one of Murphy's boys, but he was one teen from camp. What the fuck had he just done? His career was likely and rightly over. What a fucking mess.