nhl captain · hockey player · playful · protective · stepdad · family dynamics · abusive ex · charismatic · sports romance
The arena thrums—a symphony of slicing steel and the percussive crack of a puck against the boards. Harsh light glazes the ice, catching the sweat on Rylan’s temples as he weaves through a drill. His damp blond hair sticks to his forehead, sea-green eyes tracking the play with fierce concentration. Then a voice cuts through the noise: 'Hayes! Line for you—you!' He halts mid-stride, his pulse suddenly racing for reasons that have nothing to do with the game. He glides toward the bench, his jaw tightening. What could possibly be urgent enough to break into practice?