Chapter Five

Getting Lev settled into a new life had been easier than Murphy expected. It turned out being worth millions bought a lot of comfort, help, and convenience. Lev swiped a card and people jumped. Someone handled the sale of his house in Phoenix. A crew packed his life and moved it across the country. Lev stayed in Murphy's bed until he had a new house and all his things professionally unpacked. The move disrupted nothing at all.

Life still took them in opposite directions more than Murphy expected. Lev had to jump right into practicing with a new team while Murphy had his own team to consider. Their practices were back-to-back. Often times, Murphy stayed in his office, pretending to work until Lev joined him. As far as he knew, no one noticed their relationship. Murphy did, though. Damn. Lev was all he thought about anymore. Murphy leaned back in his chair and relaxed. His gaze stayed locked on the many pictures and trophies lining the wall. He didn't see a thing. Images of Lev's smile filled his head. How had this happened? For nearly a decade, Murphy had looked back on Lev in horror and anger. He was the kid who had almost ruined Murphy's life. Now he couldn't stay away.

A knock sounded from the doorway, pulling Murphy from his thoughts. His eyes shot toward the door where Rider Bailey stood, waiting for his attention. Murphy quickly straightened in his seat.

"Mr. Bailey. Hey. I was just running through some new plays in my head."

Rider smiled. It was polished. Just like the man. As the general manager of the entire Chuckers division, his presence alone commanded respect. But the man himself was also imposing. His ice-blue eyes cut through people. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes screamed he smiled a lot. Today, that smile seemed fake.

"Please? As always, call me Rider. Can I get you to join me in the box?"

He hardly had a choice, but Murphy wished he had a way to let Lev know he might not be there when his practice ended. "Sure thing." Murphy popped to his feet and slipped his phone in his back pocket. He hoped he could send Lev a text on the sly.

Rider made small talk as they took the elevator to the owner's box. In all his years with the team, Murphy had never met the owner. All Murphy knew was he was an older man who was hands off, leaving all the decisions to Rider. Truthfully, he could count on two hands the number of times Rider had spoken to him. This was odd as hell.

The owner's box was empty. That wasn't surprising, considering nothing happened on the ice but training runs. Still, they moved to the window together. Murphy spotted Lev immediately. He seemed so much bigger than everyone else. Logically, Murphy realized that wasn't true. Lev simply stood out from everyone in Murphy's mind.

"He looks good out there, doesn't he? Like he's always played for the team."

Murphy didn't pretend he didn't know who Rider meant. He had a bad feeling Rider knew about them. "He does."

Rider turned his back to the glass and leaned against it. "I can buy and trade for all the best players in the world, but this team doesn't stand a chance without an amazing coach."

Murphy tore his gaze away from Lev to focus on Rider. "Coach Levy has done okay." They both knew that was a lie, but loyalty mattered. Levy had started out strong, but the last year had been a disaster.

"We've decided not to renew his contract."

That didn't surprise Murphy. He said nothing.

"What this team really needs is a coach who loves them. A coach who's been all the way to the Olympics."

A tightness built in Murphy's throat and chest.

"I'd like you to take over the team."

Murphy couldn't breathe. His ears rang. "I already have a team."

Rider nodded. "And you've done amazing by them, but Booker is just as capable of keeping them on top."

Damn. Booker really deserved a head coaching position. "His husband plays for the team. Isn't that a conflict?"

Rider shrugged. "His husband played for the team already with him as an assistant coach. Dash still made the Paralympics. I don't care what people do in their spare time if it doesn't affect the team." He straightened. "Obviously, this isn't a matter that'll be resolved today. Your agent and lawyers will have to meet with the team's attorneys. But I'm certain we can come to an agreement that benefits everyone."

"I don't know what to say." He really didn't. Murphy never expected to coach at this level. He hadn't even dreamed it for himself. Murphy had been fine where he was at in the league, but damn. The bug had been put in his ear now. A fire lit inside him. He wanted this.

Rider squeezed his shoulder. "Say you'll take the job."

"I'll take the job." The words were out there faster than he expected. Murphy should take time to think. He couldn't. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. It was like winning the lottery. His gaze slid back to the ice and straight to Lev. He would be Lev's coach. Fuck. He hadn't thought that far ahead.

As always, Lev lingered until the locker room cleared, then he headed straight for Murphy's office. Like always, his heart sped the moment his gaze landed on Murphy's blond hair. Then Murphy looked up and his blue eyes lit with happiness at the sight of Lev. Every time, it was like coming home. Murphy didn't understand. Lev had no one else. Murphy was everything to him.

"Hey, gorgeous. How was practice?"

Lev closed the door behind him before he answered. "It was practice. How about you?"

"Rider Bailey came to see me."

A shot of panic rushed through Lev. He lived in fear of someone saying they couldn't be together. Lev wouldn't obey, but he worried Murphy would.

Lev moved to Murphy's desk and sat on the edge facing him. "What brought him downstairs?"

Murphy rolled his chair until he sat between Lev's knees. He ran his hands up Lev's thighs. "If I tell you, you can't say anything to anyone else."

Lev's concern doubled. He couldn't lose Murphy. "I won't."

"He wants me to take over the team."

Confusion had Lev's brow furrowing. "You are already in charge of the team."

"Your team."

Realization dawned. A series of emotions raced through him. They would be together all the time. They might not allow that. "What does that mean for us?"

Murphy shrugged. "I brought up Booker and Dash. Rider said he didn't care what anyone did outside this arena as long as it didn't affect the game. I assume it would be the same for us. Plus, I have a great agent. I'll make sure he knows to keep that wording out of my contract. He won't let me get roped into losing you."

The vastness of Murphy's news washed over him. A huge smile pulled at Lev's lips. "We'll be together always. No more passing boats."

"Ships."

Lev shrugged at the correction. "Whatever. We'll be together."

Murphy's smile faltered. "I'll have to treat you the same as any player. If I can't, you know they won't let this stand."

"I'll be your best behaved boy." Lev drew a cross on his chest as he made the promise. "We should celebrate. You deserve the toast."

"It's not a done deal yet. There are contracts and whatnot."

A smile that felt wicked even to Lev pulled at his lips. "I see. You prefer the private celebration." Lev slid from the desk. He pushed Murphy's chair away just enough to make room for him to drop to his knees. Murphy's gorgeous eyes flashed with lust as Lev went for the button on his jeans. He slowly slid Murphy's zipper down, letting the anticipation build. Lev knew his desire had to be written on his face. No one had ever turned him on the way Murphy did. He was skinny but solid. His chest was hard planes Lev loved to lick. There were other parts of Murphy that made Lev's mouth happy too.

Murphy's cock sprang free from his jeans. Lev licked his lips. He could already taste Murphy's cum. A quick knock landed on the door. Lev heard the knob turn. He quickly backed under the desk, pulling Murphy's chair with him.

"Hey, Murphy. I was going over these notes."

Lev recognized Booker's voice. He lost interest. Booker wouldn't care if he found out about them. He pressed the pedal beneath Murphy's seat, dropping the chair to its lowest position.

Murphy jerked in surprise.

"Did your chair just break?"

"It would seem so."

Lev bit back a chuckle at Murphy's dry tone. He swallowed Murphy's cock.

"I can fix that for you. Mine does that sometimes too."

"No." Murphy sounded panicked. Lev sucked, enjoying himself. "I think I'm coming down with something. You should stay over there. I'd hate for you to take something home to Dash. We'd be down a star player."

"You do seem to be sweating."

It got harder for Lev not to laugh.

"We can go over this later."

"That's probably for the best," Murphy agreed. "Lock the door on your way out, please. I think I'll rest a bit before I try driving home."

"No problem. Get to feeling better."

Lev heard the door click.

Murphy didn't move.

Lev kept sucking until he was certain they were safe. Then he pushed the chair back enough to stop himself from getting a cramp in his neck. He went back to work.

"You're evil."

Lev didn't deny it. His mouth was too busy.

Murphy buried his fingers in Lev's hair. Lev moaned when his grip tightened. At his encouragement, Murphy tugged. He used Lev, fucking his mouth.

"Damn. Your mouth is amazing, though. Almost worth getting caught."

Almost? Lev wasn't working hard enough, apparently. He took Murphy down his throat. Lev sucked harder, punishing Murphy for that comment. Murphy slid down a hair in his chair and moaned. He tugged harder at Lev's hair. His breathing turned ragged. Lev knew he was close. When he felt Murphy's muscles tense, Lev grabbed Murphy's cock and squeezed, cutting off his orgasm before it hit.

He lifted his head and held Murphy's stare. "Almost worth getting caught?"

Murphy looked desperate. His eyes were wild and his cheeks flushed. "I take it back." He sounded needy as hell. "You're worth everything."

"That's what I thought." Lev sucked Murphy's cock between his lips. He let Murphy's orgasm build again. Lev knew what he was doing. He hadn't only been punishing Murphy. By cutting off his orgasm earlier, this one would be twice as hard, becoming multiple orgasms. Murphy would never find anyone else like him. Lev intended to guarantee it.

A loud gasp burst from Murphy as cum filled Lev's mouth. "Oh my god. Holy fuck. Goddamn. Lev. Jesus Christ." His body shook as cum continued flowing. Lev swallowed every drop. Murphy finally melted, turning into putty in Lev's hands. His every breath sounded ragged. Lev kept licking until Murphy went soft. When he lifted his head, Lev lost his breath at Murphy's expression. He swore love stared back at him.

Murphy stroked his face. "You're cruel and amazing. Tell me how to even the score."

Lev knew what he asked. He wanted to know how Lev wanted to blow. But all Lev could think was: Love me. Tell me you love me.

Murphy's brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"

Lev shook his head and forced a smile to his lips. "Nothing. You're beautiful. Sometimes it steals my words."

Murphy's features softened. "How about we go home, and I run you a bubble bath? We can soak while I play with your body."

Murphy called Lev's place their home. Lev would take it. He pushed to his feet and held out his hand. "Let's go. I have the desire to do this."

Murphy fixed his pants and then took Lev's hand. Together, they headed out. Every day it got harder to stay quiet about his feelings, but they were together. That was more than Lev ever hoped to dream.