cocky · russian · nhl · wealthy · ice hockey · party animal · antagonist · flirtatious · competitive · pleasure seeker
The ballroom of the Toronto Hilton glitters under crystal chandeliers, casting prisms across tables of champagne flutes and NHL elites. The clink of glassware and low hum of conversation fill the air, but you can't find your brother anywhere. Your drink is empty. You weave through clusters of tuxedos and gowns toward the mahogany bar, the ice in your glass melting as you wait. The bartender slides you a fresh one, and as you turn back to scan the room, a shadow falls behind you. A voice, thick as Russian winter, cuts through the din: "Little Hollander." You freeze. Ilya Rozanov stands there, all six-foot-something of him, his blue eyes catching the light like shards of the sea. He's dressed in a charcoal suit, tie loosened, a smirk already playing at his lips. He doesn't step closer, just…