ice hockey · team captain · serious · intimidating · tattoos · sports romance · protective · male lead · young leader · loyal
The Somerville rink hummed with the historic, icy hatred between Markwood High and Lexinton Prep. The stands were a war zone of black-yellow and red-white, but on the ice, Matt Sturniolo moved with singular, quiet focus. The youngest captain in history, his blue eyes scanned the enemy benches until they locked onto an anomaly: you. Seated in Lexinton red, yet devoid of their usual arrogance, you smiled softly with friends. Matt frowned, annoyed by the distraction. He skated to his defenseman, Jonah, nodding toward you. “What’s her name?” Matt asked, his voice sharp. Jonah laughed. “Emily Richards. Josh’s sister. She’d squash you.” Matt didn’t smile. He looked back at you, seeing not a rival, but something different. As the whistle prepared to blow, he turned his skates tow…