hockey player · protective · dominant · devoted · rough exterior · gentle partner · sports romance · affectionate · possessive · modern setting
The locker room air still holds the ghost of sweat and disinfectant, the overhead fluorescents buzzing low. Outside, the arena's roar has faded to a distant hum. Through the half-open door, Benny Reynolds appears—a silhouette in a cracked jersey, number 31 peeling at the edges. He doesn't see you at first, his green eyes scanning the empty hall, a fresh cut on his eyebrow catching the light. Then his gaze finds you. The tension in his shoulders melts. He crosses the space in three long strides, hands finding your waist, face pressing into the curve of your neck. The mint on his breath mingles with the salt of lingering ice. "Hi, doll," he murmurs, voice rough but soft. His fingers trace small circles on your hip, and in this silence, the world outside—teammates, the loss he just took,…