Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, #2)

by Rachel Reid

He was going to give it all up for this chance at something lasting. For the chance to hold the heart of the beautiful man who was exhaling Ilya’s name like it was the most important word in the world. Ilya had no problem giving it all up. He would give up so much more, if he needed to.

“Ilya. God, Ilya. So good. Don’t stop. I love you.” In response, Ilya reached for his hand and tangled their fingers together. I love you so much. Don’t leave me.

“And when I retire,” Ilya said, “after I have won twelve Stanley Cups and thirteen MVP awards—” “The hell you will.” “And you have been retired for, like, eight years already because you got very bad at hockey...” Shane laughed. “Okay.” “Then I will bring you to that dock out there. I will have hundreds of candles all over it...” “That sounds like a fire hazard.” “Is on the water, Hollander. Fucking relax. Will be beautiful, you will love it. The candles. The lake. The full moon.” “Oh, is it a clear night?” “Yes. Of course. And I will get on one knee—” “Ilya—” “And I will say, ‘Shane Hollander, will you please marry me so I can become Canadian citizen faster?’” Shane burst out laughing, and shoved him. “You’re such an asshole.” “And you will say yes, because you are a nice, helpful guy.” “No,” Shane said, taking his hands. “I will say yes because I will still be madly in love with you. And I’ll want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

And, oh god, Ilya didn’t deserve him, but he didn’t care. He was selfish like that.

“Shane, this is not good, buddy.” “It’s not ideal, no. But... I love him.”

Hayden had looked at him, after he’d said that, like Shane had sprouted wings and a tail, and Shane had been sure he’d just lost his best friend. But, instead of yelling at him or getting in his car and speeding away, Hayden had just nodded and said, “I think I need to meet him properly, then.”

“Good press conference, guys,” Hayden said as he strode past them toward the urinals. “Sorry about your mother, Ilya. That sucks.” Ilya gave Shane a look that said this is your best friend? Shane ignored him.

Don’t leave without saying goodbye. Ilya wrote back right away. Never.

“Stop doing that,” he hissed. “Doing what?” Ilya asked innocently. “You’re intentionally bothering Hayden.” “Am not. I have not even asked his wife what she sees in him! I am being very good.” Shane’s face got stern and adorable. “Behave,” he warned. In response, Ilya kissed his forehead. “Always, moy lyubovnik.”

face, brushing a thumb over his freckles. “Maybe I don’t think about how it is unfair because...” He paused a moment, trying to choose his English words carefully. “I feel lucky. This is more than I have ever had.” Shane’s face scrunched up in confusion. Definitely one of Ilya’s top three Shane Hollander expressions. “More what?” Ilya shrugged. “Love. Family. All that stuff.”

“I love you,” Shane murmured. Ilya kissed the top of his head. It never got old, hearing Shane say that.

“I will tell the whole world right now, if it is what you want.” Shane’s brow pinched. “You would?” “Yes.” Shane squeezed Ilya’s hands. “I’m scared,” he admitted. “I want to just...be with you. But I also don’t want to deal with everything that we would have to deal with. And I don’t want to lose you.” “You won’t lose me.” “What if no one will sign us? What if you get deported?” “Then I will fake my own death. We will move to a cabin in the mountains.” Shane shook his head. “I’m being serious.” “I am serious. If we hide forever, or tell the world right now, I am with you. I will quit hockey, or fight to stay. Whatever you want.” “It shouldn’t be only my decision.” Ilya sighed. “I mean... I am yours, yes? To protect that, I will do anything.”

In the morning, Ilya would be gone, and they wouldn’t see each other again for weeks, but he would make damn sure Shane wouldn’t doubt Ilya’s devotion while they were apart. He would spend the rest of this night worshipping him. Ilya could sleep on the fucking plane.

“Yours,” Shane whispered back.

Shane groaned, but he was smiling. “No way. I need you to fuck me tonight. Please.” “Well...” Ilya ran his tongue up the length of Shane’s cock. “You did say please.” “And could you take off your clothes? Pretty please?”

There were a lot of reasons why it would be messed up if the world could see them right now, but if the world could see them right now, they’d have to get it, right?

Jesus. Ilya needed to buy a thank-you gift for Shane’s yoga instructor.

“I’m ready,” Shane said. His voice was clear and steady. “Yes,” Ilya said softly. “Me too.”