Chapter Two

Nine years later…

One perk of being the head coach for the Chuckers" sled team was free entry into the pro games. He came and went from any part of the arena he pleased. In fact, there was an office with his name on the door in the locker room. One of the not-so-glamorous aspects was the bi-annual players' and coaches' auction. They were trussed up and put on display. Cock-walked down a runway. The highest bidder got a night of whatever they wanted with their prize. It was all in good fun and for a good cause, of course. But honestly, it was always a little embarrassing for Murphy. While Murphy was a confident guy, he was only the coach of the sled team. Bids for him were never very high. Ninety-nine-point nine percent of the people there were there for the players. They didn't want to waste their money on coaches.

Still, the money raised went to a local children's hospital. So Murphy straightened the lapels of his tux and waited his turn to be humiliated.

"You've received a private bid."

It took Murphy a second to realize the words were meant for him. In fact, he didn't turn his head until a light tap landed on his shoulder. He blinked at the tall, skinny man who ran the event. Murphy thought his name was Robert, but they'd never spoke.

"I'm sorry."

Robert smiled, obviously unbothered by Murphy's ignorance. "You've received a private bid."

"Is that a thing?" Murphy heard the confusion in his voice, but a private bid for him had him fucked up. Why would anyone bid on him privately? People only bid on him publicly out of pity.

Robert motioned for Murphy to step out of line. Murphy cast a glance at the line of men waiting their turn. Those who were close enough to hear looked every bit as curious as him. The thick red curtain parted. A name was announced and everyone turned back toward the action. Murphy followed Robert through the bustling backstage area of the local playhouse.

When they came to a quiet corner, Robert handed him an envelope. "This is the bid and your instructions. If you choose to accept, I'll remove your name from tonight's lineup."

Murphy's brow furrowed as he dropped his gaze to the envelope. He opened it and slid out a folded piece of paper. Murphy unfolded the sheet. His head spun as the words blurred. $100,000. A car is waiting for you out back. Murphy's chin shot up. Robert's bland smile gave nothing away. Of course, the guy's perfectly styled brown hair and keen eyes gave Murphy the impression he was never ruffled. Not to mention, the guy dealt with bids five times Murphy's all night. "Do you accept?"

"Who?" Murphy cleared his throat. "Why would anyone offer this much for me?"

Robert's expression never changed. Not even a hair. If he had any thoughts on the matter, Murphy would never know. "I don't make assumptions."

Damn. A hundred K. That would do a lot for the hospital. It had to be a joke. Murphy couldn't turn it down. He had to know who was behind this. Plus, the offer saved him from walking the stage. He squared his shoulders. "I accept."

"Lovely." Robert looked as if he never doubted Murphy's commitment. "I'll enter the bid into the log and remove your name from the roster. Thank you for your participation. You have the charity's gratitude."

Murphy blinked. "All right." He didn't know what to do with himself. No one had ever spent even a tenth of that much for him.

Robert's smile turned genuine. "Follow the instructions. You'll be fine."

At just the hint of insinuation that Murphy might be scared, Murphy forgot to care about the situation. He was no pussy. Someone had spent a hundred grand for a night with him. Murphy would find out why. He gave Robert a sharp nod. "Have a nice evening." He stepped around Robert and headed for the back door. Even if this was some kind of joke, he could take it. He could appreciate a prank this elaborate. Hazing was part of being a guy in this field. At least the night wouldn't be boring.

He stepped outside. A black SUV waited along with a driver dressed in a black suit. The man nodded at Murphy. "This way, Mr. Stiles." He opened the back door for Murphy.

With a sharp nod and determination in his heart, Murphy headed for the vehicle. It was dark inside, as if someone had purposely killed the interior lights. He slid into the backseat. The door closed behind him. He was alone. The driver climbed behind the wheel.

Murphy opened his mouth to ask what the fuck was going on when the door behind the driver opened. A large figure filled the seat beside him. The doors locked and the car immediately moved before sparkling eyes landed on him.

"Hello, Coach. It's very good to see you again."

Fuck. It very was not.

The horrified expression Murphy wore at the sight of Lev almost made Lev laugh. While it had been nine years since they last spoke, it was nowhere near the first time they had seen each other. At least, Lev had seen him. After their kiss, Murphy had immediately claimed a family emergency and abandoned youth camp, running for the hills. Since Lev had only been sixteen, it wasn't like he could chase him. But one year later, at barely seventeen, Lev had been picked up by Phoenix. He had quickly become one of the youngest and highest paid players in major league hockey. He had been a little too busy to reach out.

"You look horrified. Is it so bad to see Lev?"

Murphy cleared his throat. He opened his mouth and snapped it closed again.

Lev nodded. "This I understand. The last time we spoke, I spooked you. It's possible I was a bit… overwhelming."

Murphy straightened. "It was my fault. I was the adult in the situation. In fact, I still am. Please pull over and let me out here."

A chuckle escaped Lev. "I am twenty-five. You are fine."

Murphy looked outraged. "You don't seem to understand. I didn't know who you were that night. If I had, you would've been straight back to camp. Untouched. I'm not that guy. I have no interest in being that guy."

Confusion had Lev's brow furrowing. "I don't know what this means. What is that guy?"

Murphy's gaze shot to the driver and then back to Lev.

Lev made a dismissive gesture. "He hears nothing. What do you mean? Did Lev offend?"

Murphy pinched the spot between his eyes. When he dropped his hand, he looked truly upset. "You were sixteen," he hissed, obviously trying to keep the conversation between only them.

Lev's confusion cleared. A bark of laughter burst from him. "Is that why you ran? I forget Americans are so uptight. That's no longer an issue." He motioned toward himself. "Obviously. Now, why do you wish to be dropped on the side of the road like a dog?"

Murphy's shoulders fell. He looked as if he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Do you have any idea what you could've done to my life with that stunt?"

That brought Lev's hackles up. "I don't recall you saying no. In fact, you seemed to like Lev's touch."

"You know my is a word, right? You don't have to talk about yourself in the third person."

This wasn't going at all how he hoped. In fact, Lev was downright angry. "How sorry I am my English is not as good as you like. Maybe we should speak Russian. How good is yours?"

A chuckle rumbled from the front seat, making a liar of Lev about how much Charlie heard while driving.

Murphy seemed to deflate even more. "You're right. I'm sorry." He visibly took a couple of deep breaths. "I've been watching your career. You've done amazing."

Lev nodded, accepting the olive branch. "Your Chuckers are doing great too. You've won championships."

They held each other's stare. Heat built between them, whether Murphy wanted it or not. Lev definitely did. Always had. Back at that camp, he had watched Murphy. Craved him with the lust only a hormonal teen could muster. Nothing had changed. Murphy was the one fantasy his fame and money hadn't quenched.

Lev broke first. "Just dinner, okay?"

Murphy gave him a sharp nod. "Maybe I'll see Lev is not so bad."

A smile exploded across Lev's face at Murphy mocking his accent. "Maybe you will."

They exchanged a smile. A weight lifted from Lev's chest. He was one step closer to having his man. Murphy would see soon enough.

Murphy had never been more torn. Lev was a grown man now. The past was dead. Years had passed. Everything had turned out fine. That didn't mean he didn't feel awkward as fuck. The way he felt that night still haunted him. Murphy wanted to let it go.

Lev chose a nice restaurant where Murphy had never been. It was obvious, despite his upbringing—which Murphy understood had been poor and involved Lev renouncing his citizenship—Lev had settled in to enjoying the high life. Murphy appreciated how nicely dressed Lev was, considering he still wore the damn tux he hated. The high-dollar restaurant staff didn't bat an eye. It was obvious they were accustomed to serving the best.

Murphy stared at the menu. He didn't see a thing. It was just the safe option for his eyes. Lev looked different. More mature. But not by much, and that fucked with Murphy. He understood clearer than ever how Lev had fooled him that night. The thing that had always driven Murphy the craziest about that night was Lev had obviously believed Murphy knew him. He thought Murphy had willingly kissed a teen. Not just a teen, but an underage boy in his care. That leveled Murphy.

He dropped his menu. "I need to clear up something."

Light green eyes focused on him. Murphy forgot everything. He hadn't truly noticed Lev's eyes before now. Fuck. He was beautiful. Dark hair. Light eyes. Solid body. Why was Lev here with him?

Lev's mouth lifted in one corner. "Please let it go."

Murphy nodded, even though he had forgotten what he agreed to drop. He picked up the menu again. "What's good here?"

Lev's intense gaze never wavered from Murphy. He set his elbows on the table and leaned Murphy's way. "The dessert. Let's skip to that so you can take Lev… me to bed."

Several thoughts collided. He hated Lev corrected himself because he had been an asshole earlier. There was no way he could take Lev back to his place. Damn. He really wanted to take Lev back to his place. Too many thoughts at once made his mouth dumb. "There's no bed at my place."

A smile exploded across Lev's face. "Then I guess I'll take you to the hotel."

Murphy swiped a hand across his face. "That's not what I meant to say. Obviously, there's a bed at my place. I just mean…" He swiped at his forehead again. "It's really hot in here."

Lev's feet brushed his beneath the table.

Murphy dropped his hand.

Lev relaxed back into his chair. A heated, hungry gaze moved over his face. "What is it that scares you?"

Murphy's spine stiffened. "I'm not scared."

A hint of insecurity crossed Lev's features. "So you just don't want… me."

"Fuck. Please stop searching for the word me. I was an asshole for that, and of course I want you. Look at you."

Their server chose that moment to appear. Just in time to hear Murphy's angry-sounding confession. "I'll give you two another minute."

Murphy covered his eyes.

Lev obviously had no such shame. "We don't need a minute. Just a bottle of champagne to go and the bill."

"Right away, sir." The guy scurried away. No doubt he anticipated a huge tip.

The moment they were alone, Murphy fully intended to set the record straight. He would not be warming Lev's bed. Lev was already on his feet, digging out his wallet. The server reappeared as quickly as he disappeared. He handed Lev a bottle. Lev handed him a few bills without looking at the check. Murphy sat in horrified silence, watching his free will slip away.

Lev waved Murphy toward the door. He stood, feeling like a robot, and headed for the SUV. The giant driver opened the back door for him. Lev gave him Murphy's address. All Murphy could do was blink in surprise. The moment they were alone in the dark backseat, Murphy broke.

"How do you know my address?"

Lev turned more serious than Murphy had believed possible. "I know everything about you, except the one thing I need to know the most. Let's go find out if all Lev's fantasies were right."

He wanted to say no. Murphy fully intended to do just that. But Lev kissed him before Murphy saw it coming and he didn't pull away. It was the hottest kiss he had ever experienced. Murphy hated himself for that. When it came to Lev, being disgusted with himself was all Murphy ever knew.