Chapter 17

brADY

A week later, I was on a flight with the Blades for an away game in New York City. I’d thought it’d give me a break from thinking about Grace, but to my horror, she and the rest of the marketing and PR team were on the flight.

“Apparently, they’re attending some fancy gala with a few of the guys the night after the game,” Mac told me with a shrug.

I’d been tormented by memories of spanking Grace that night at the club. I’d told myself it couldn’t happen again. I’d done my best to avoid her.

But apparently, fate was a fickle bitch and wanted to make me miserable.

The only good thing was that Grace, Julia, and the rest of the team were seated in the back of the plane while the team was up front. Although it was a six-hour flight to New York, there was a good chance I wouldn’t even see Grace the entire flight.

“Something to drink?” the flight attendant asked Mac and me, who were seated together.

I nearly groaned aloud when I saw who the flight attendant was. Tatiana was a gorgeous, curvy brunette whom I’d definitely hooked up with a few times during some long layovers.

Tatiana leaned into me, only inches away, her lips a deep red. She smelled like roses.

“Coke for me,” said Mac. When I didn’t say anything, he elbowed me. “Brady?”

“Ginger ale,” I said, though I didn’t even like the stuff.

Tatiana made a whole show of pouring our drinks, going as slowly as possible. Or maybe it was just because I hoped she wouldn’t flirt with me this time. The last thing I needed was Grace seeing Tatiana trying to get into my pants.

“It’s been a while,” said Tatiana as she handed me my ginger ale. “How’ve you been?”

I could feel Mac’s amused gaze on me. “Busy,” I grunted.

“Me too. I’ve flown to London, Dubai, and Tokyo, all in the past month. But I don’t mind living out of a suitcase. I’m sure you boys are used to that kind of life, too,” she replied.

“We do spend a lot of time in hotels,” said Mac when I remained silent.

“Oh, I bet you do.” Tatiana gave me a wink. She then leaned over me, her breasts nearly in my face as she adjusted my headrest.

“Just making sure you’re comfortable,” she said.

“Appreciate it,” I muttered.

Finally, she continued onward down the aisle. After a moment, Mac burst out in laughter.

“What are you laughing about?” I asked, irritated.

“Dude, your face. You looked like you were going to have a stroke. Did you sleep with her?”

“Yeah, a few times.”

“And you don’t want Grace to see her rubbing all over you.”

I glared. “Christ, keep your voice down.”

“Nobody can hear us. Besides, Coach is down near the PR team.” Mac leaned closer and said in a lower voice, “But what’s up with you? You’ve said all of two words since we got to the airport.”

I hadn’t planned on telling Mac about spanking Grace, but I realized I needed to tell somebody who understood. In hushed tones, I gave him a quick rundown, trying to gauge his reaction.

When I’d finished, Mac let out a whistle. “Shit. And with Grace Dallas? Seriously? I can’t believe she was up for it. It took me forever to convince Elodie to try things out, and she wasn’t a virgin.”

“Grace is still a virgin,” I growled.

Mac blinked a few times. “You sound very ... possessive about that.”

“Yeah? Well, it fucking sucks. I wished I didn’t care. But I’ve been avoiding her for the past week. I don’t even know how to look at her now.”

Mac clapped me on the shoulder. “I can’t believe this is finally happening. Brady Carmichael, undone by a woman. I never thought I’d live to see the day.”

“Don’t sound so smug, asshole.”

Mac just grinned. “My advice? Don’t avoid her. Because if she’s anything like Elodie, she won’t be easy to shake off.”

I didn’t respond even though I knew Mac was right. Grace was relentless. Stubborn, reckless, hotheaded ... and so sexy it made me want to throw myself off the nearest bridge.

I put in my earbuds and tried to sleep. But to my dismay, one of the songs playing while I’d spanked Grace came on. It wasn’t even one of my favorite songs, so there was no reason the algorithm should’ve played it.

But, of course, hearing the song made me remember that night. All the noises Grace had made, how red her skin had turned, how excited she’d gotten. I’d wondered how I hadn’t fucked her right then and there.

My cock hardened despite my best efforts. God, the last thing I needed was a hard-on during this goddamn flight.

Fortunately, the lights had dimmed in the cabin since this was an evening flight. I got out of my seat and headed to the bathroom before my erection got worse.

I shut the door and leaned over the sink, breathing heavily. I then rinsed my face and neck with cold water. After some more deep breaths and thoughts of the least sexy things ever, my cock decided to behave itself.

Maybe I should ask Tatiana to get me some ice to put down my pants, I thought wryly. Then again, Tatiana might just offer to help me herself.

I opened the door to the bathroom, only to find myself being pushed back inside and the lock clicking.

I gaped at Grace. “What the fuck?”

She grinned. “Finally. I’ve been waiting for you to go to the bathroom.”

My erection returned within moments because Grace had her breasts pressed against me. Damn her . I groaned under my breath. Why did this woman not leave me in peace for just one night?

“Grace, what the hell are you doing?” I asked.

“I just wanted to tell you that I can’t stop thinking about the other night.”

I groaned. This woman was sent to earth just to torment me, wasn’t she?

“That can never happen again,” I growled.

Grace seemed undeterred. “You keep saying things, but that doesn’t mean they’re true.” She pressed a hand to my chest. “I can feel your heart pounding. I know you’re excited.”

“My body’s response is one thing. My brain’s response is another. And my brain is saying, ‘danger, danger.’”

“Since when did you care about something being dangerous?” She smirked up at me. “Come find me when you want to have some fun again.”

It took a moment to get myself under control after she slipped out. I also couldn’t believe Grace Dallas had come on to me like that.

Where had she gotten this newfound confidence? And how the fuck was I going to say no to her now?

When I left the bathroom, I ran into Dave, who dressed up as the Blades mascot.

“The coach’s daughter? Seriously?” Dave asked. “Do you want to get traded to Canada?”

I shot him a dirty look. “Keep your mouth shut if you value your life.”

Dave put up his hands. “Don’t get testy with me, dude. But be careful.”

I didn’t need his warning. I knew exactly how fucked up this situation was.

The worst part? I was to the point that I didn’t even care.

There must’ve been some kind of magic in the air because having Grace in the stands meant I had one of the best games of my career.

The Hurricanes were a tough team, and Coach made everybody on edge, telling us that we couldn’t afford to lose this match.

“Don’t disappoint me, boys,” he’d said as we’d gotten onto the ice.

As I’d gotten into position, I’d spotted Grace in the stands. She waved wildly at me and then turned around to show that she was wearing my number.

Apparently, that was the good luck charm I needed. I scored three goals, one after the other, until we’d gotten a solid lead that the Hurricanes couldn’t push past. By the time the game was over, the entire team was already celebrating.

The crowd erupted when I scored that last goal, defeating the Hurricanes like we’d never done before. Mac and my teammates nearly smashed into me as we all collided into a group of ecstatic, sweaty idiots.

But I had eyes only for Grace. I didn’t take my gaze off her as we left the ice.

Everybody celebrated late into the night. It was close to 3:00 a.m. when I staggered to my hotel room, drunk as a skunk and happier than I’d been in a long time.

Grace had been at the after-party for a little bit, and she’d disappeared on me before midnight. I didn’t even know what room she was in.

I collapsed onto my bed, the world spinning as I laughed. Christ, I hadn’t had a game like this in way too fucking long.

A knock roused me from my drunken stupor. I opened the door to find Grace herself, like an angel come down from heaven, standing at my door.

“You,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Where did you go?”

“I had a headache, so I went to my room.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

She smiled. “Don’t be. I feel much better now. And I was waiting for you to get back to the hotel.”

I glanced around. “How did you know which room I was in?”

“I have my ways, Carmichael.” She leaned toward me, and I could feel her breath against my chin. “I brought something with me. A brand-new paddle you could use on me. It needs to be broken in, you know.”

I stared down at her, my heart pounding fast. My body instantly reacted to her words.

“Fuck, Grace,” I snarled.

“Or you could just spank me again.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “I know how much you love making me squirm.”

“Get out of here before I do something we’ll both regret.”

She just smiled and flounced away. I watched her leave, wishing I didn’t have to be so noble.

I shut the door and then locked it with the chain for good measure. I didn’t trust Grace not to find a way to sneak into my room. I glanced out the windows. I was on the tenth floor. Surely she couldn’t climb into my room through a window?

I shook my head. Christ, I was drunk.

I went to take a shower, the hot water clearing my head a little. But it didn’t help dissipate the thoughts of bending Grace over my knee and paddling her perky little ass.

I took hold of my cock and started stroking it as I imagined the lurid scene. I’d paddle her until she was dripping wet, her legs kicking with every hit, every slap. How quickly would her ass turn red? I’d bet money it wouldn’t take much.

I quickened my pace as I squeezed my cock. I gritted my teeth as I imagined delving between Grace’s thighs to find her pussy wet. Wet and juicy, just for me. She’d probably try to get me to rub her clit, but I’d want to torment her first.

Just like she’d been tormenting me.

I’d dance around her tight opening, my fingers just glancing her swollen clit, making her beg and cry out. She’d probably writhe so much I’d have to hold her down.

And then I’d spank her until she understood how she drove me crazy, how much I hated the power she had over me. I’d make her pay for making me want her so much that I’d jeopardize my career.

I’d paddle her one last time as she begged for mercy.

I came with a shout, my cum shooting all over the shower wall. I came until I felt like I’d emptied my balls.

Fuck, I’d needed that. But even as I dried off and got into bed, I still felt unsatisfied.

I knew I’d never be fully satisfied until I finished in Grace’s tight virgin pussy.

Coach had informed us that the entire team was expected to attend the gala the following night. Fortunately, one of the sponsors was a fashion house that had tuxes for all the players to wear.

The gala was going to be at a huge, fancy hotel in Manhattan. My only hope was the booze would be flowing freely.

I wasn’t excited to attend, but the second I saw Grace, I changed my mind.

Wearing a slinky black dress with a plunging back, Grace looked sexier than I’d ever seen her. Her hair was in a loose bun, tendrils framing her face. She wore only small diamonds in her ears.

She didn’t need jewelry. Her face, her silky, pale skin, the way she moved—all of those were miles beyond what any diamonds could do.

She was also wearing stilettos. Her shoes reminded me of the leather outfit she’d last worn to the Scarlet Rope.

“You look gorgeous,” I said, taking her hand and escorting her into the ballroom.

She blushed. “So do you. You definitely clean up nicely.”

“I never thought you’d wear a dress like that.”

Grace blinked. “Like what?”

I gestured vaguely. “Sexy. Low cut. The Grace I know would wear something that covered up.”

I realized that I sounded like I was scolding her. And maybe I was. I could tell how much her appearance made men turn their heads.

Jealousy gnawed at my gut. I hated the thought of any man making eyes at this woman. At my woman.

“You don’t like my dress?” Grace questioned, frowning.

“No.” I turned toward her, stopping us in the middle of the crowd. “I just don’t like other men looking at you.”

Her eyes brightened. “Oh, so you’re jealous? How lovely.”

I swore under my breath, but she just laughed.

Once again, I marveled at where this newfound confidence of Grace had appeared. What had I unleashed by giving in to her demands?

“I’m not wearing any panties,” Grace whispered.

I barely stopped myself from groaning aloud. “Not here.”

“Why not? Nobody can hear me.”

“Because I don’t need you to tempt me right now.”

She just kissed my ear and said, “Then I’ll come back later to see if you’ve changed your mind.”

Despite my best efforts to avoid Grace this evening, she was determined to drive me insane. She kept coming up to me and saying dirty nothings in my ear. Reminding me of when I’d spanked her. Telling me about the paddle she’d brought with her. Describing how easy it would be to reach under her dress to stroke her thighs.

Every time I told her enough was enough, she’d just giggle and flutter away. And I didn’t even mean it, anyway.

I loved that she was flirting with me. I love that she felt comfortable playing with me. It was an entirely new dynamic to our relationship that I never realized I’d wanted.

But as the evening wore on, my self-control was splintering. I ran into Mac, who took one look at me and laughed.

“Jesus, what’s wrong with you?” he asked.

I gestured toward where Grace stood and talked to some of her PR friends. “That woman is trying to kill me.”

“Oh, man. You’re in deep, aren’t you?”

“I’m sticking with you for the rest of tonight.”

Mac patted my arm, grinning. “I’ll keep you safe from the scary lady.”

I glared at my friend, but he didn’t care. He was just enjoying this whole thing way too much.

It was near the end of the event when I stepped outside to get some fresh air. The ballroom had gotten way too packed with people. I inhaled deeply, feeling my shoulders relax a little.

It was a full moon tonight. I remembered when Grace was younger and would always drag me outside to show me the moon, especially if it was full.

It’s just the moon, I’d said.

But look at it! It’s beautiful.

I hadn’t understood why she’d cared back then. Now I wondered whether she’d done it just to have a reason to talk to me.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Grace said behind me.

“Did you see the moon?” I asked.

I could feel her smiling. She came to stand next to me. “Mmm, it’s gorgeous.”

Now, my gaze was on her face. “Yeah. It is.”

She just kept smiling. I realized that we were alone—and how dangerous that was for my self-control.

Grace turned and wrapped my arm around her waist. “I lied earlier, you know,” she said.

“Oh really?”

She opened her purse. To my dismay, she pulled out the paddle she’d been talking about.

“I didn’t leave this in my room. I brought it with me.”

I stared at it. I stared at her. And then, like glass shattering, my self-control finally broke.

I grabbed the paddle and, after stuffing it back into her purse, hauled Grace into my arms.

“You want to keep poking the bear?” I growled. “Then you’re going to get eaten.”

She didn’t even have time to speak before I kissed her. I kissed her hard, kissed her so she would know how much she was driving me insane. Our tongues tangled, our moans entwining, my hands running down her bare back.

I rubbed my groan against her. I wanted her to know what she did to me.

I pushed until she was pressed against the nearest wall. I imprisoned her in my arms. She wasn’t going to get away from me now.

She tasted like wine and strawberries. I dug my fingers into her hair. I wanted to muss her up, to make sure that everyone knew what we’d been doing when she went back inside.

“Brady,” she whispered, her eyes glassy.

I silenced her with another kiss. I didn’t even hear footsteps until it was too late.