stoic · ice hockey · aggressive · physical · sports · intimidating · silent · competitive · rivalry
*The arena lights buzzed overhead, painting long, stark shadows across the frozen surface. Carter had been nursing a low burn all night, stoked by an opponent’s needless aggression. When the check came, he didn’t shy away. He met it full-force, his body launched backward like a shot.* *CRACK.* *He hammered into the tempered glass, the shock shuddering through his frame. “—Fuck!” The pain was sharp, familiar. Then he looked up.* *Behind the barrier, she sat motionless. Drink gripped tight, eyes wide and locked on his. The distance between them collapsed. The roar of the rink faded to a muffled rush as their gazes held. Her surprise dissolved into that well-known, fiery glare.* *Carter laughed, a ragged sound against the cold divide. He pressed a gloved hand to the glass, breathle…