Breaking Ice

Chapter 21

Alexander

I am ready to murder almost every man in this room. Every one of them has stared at her, at Chloe. I am close to committing a first-degree murder, and I don't feel any remorse at having such thoughts. They are looking at something that isn't theirs. I've never been this possessive before, but I never had Chloe in my life. She makes me feel things that are far from normal. I am not violent and never have been. The guys always had my back. I rarely ever had to drop my gloves on ice.

Now, it feels like I am the enforcer. Every stare, the attention she is getting isn't friendly, and it makes me want to gouge their eyes out. Fuck, this is so wrong. Is that what Liam feels when I get hit? Thank the fuck I am a goalie. I couldn't live with such rage for so long during the season. Yeah, most of us can go get a pint after a game, even with our greatest nemesis, but on ice? They are our competition who will not stop at anything to score.

I tried my best to stay close to Chloe, but with her organising the event and needing us to mingle with potential investors and those who are ready to donate to the charity, I had to walk away. This time, it is for kids with Batten disease. A diagnosis with absolutely no cure and barely any treatment available. All doctors can do so far is manage the symptoms and try to improve the quality of life.

Kids don't live past their teen ages most of the time. I have to do my best to ensure we get as many donations as we can. I will be donating an extra million on top of it, but others don't need to know.

Liam and I are two of the most well-paid players on the team, but even that does not compare to how much we were paid previously. We aren't here for the money anyway. We probably have more than we can spend saved by now, but most others don't earn nearly as much. The team consists mostly of rookies and players with potential who are overshadowed and buried beneath the high-scoring guys. They might not be the best, but they have proven that we are great as a team. As long as I don't let the puck in, we are good.

Chloe stayed close to Kate mostly, which made me a little less nervous cause Liam will be the first to break guys' arms if they got anywhere close to touching Kate. He tries so hard to deny it, but we all know. They have a history, and they have a future; it is just a matter of time. I was always one to not waste my time and go after what I wanted, whilst Liam was always one to play hard to get. It is as if he is punishing himself for what happened. He has not done anything, but childhood trauma can alter a person's life.

As I once again glance towards Chloe, every part of me freezes, she is laughing. A man who has no right to touch her has his arm on her shoulder. Fuck that. I am done being the good guy. Fuck the investors, I have been talking to them for hours now. It's time to get what I actually need.

Chloe doesn't seem to notice me, busy in the conversation, my legs make an easy work of the ballroom. As soon as I am standing behind her she lets herself step back, leaning into me for a second before her brain could catch up with her body. She spins around to face me. Her green eyes are wide, staring up, and even with heels, she is nowhere close to my height.

"Alexander, please meet Matt College, he would love to know more about Miami Vipers and be a potential investor." Chloe's voice came out a lot higher pitched than usual. She tries her best to act like she isn't affected, but I know her better than she thinks I do by now. Regarding the basic dude standing in front of me, that is a definite fucking no. I'd pay double what he can just to get rid of him.

"Matt, it is very lovely to meet you, but I really need to steal Chloe for a bit just to discuss something concerning the event. I hope you do not mind." I say, my fake smile is in full view. Chloe's frown confirms that she absolutely doesn't buy it.

His jaw is tense, but he nods. "It was lovely to speak with you, Chloe." He says but I am already pulling Chloe away. Walking a lot slower than usual, mindful of her heels, I lead her through the main room and into the adjacent corridors. As soon as I see the first disabled toile, I shove her in. Please I fucking hope no one needs this toilet or I am going to hell. I will welcome the hell as long as I go out with the taste of her on my tongue.