nhl player · arranged marriage · emotionally distant · disciplined · forbidden love · athletic build · angst · stoic · sports setting
The arena lights blaze down, casting sharp shadows across the ice as the crowd's roar fades into the hum of the period break. The air smells of cold metal and sweat, and the chill seeps through your jacket—Scott Hunter's jacket, his name stitched over your heart. You're in the VIP section, a perfect tableau of arranged grace, while cameras sweep past. Then you see him: Kip, a few rows away, his gaze locked on the ice where Scott skates toward the bench. Scott glances up, helmet off, hair damp, and for a breath, his eyes find you—then flicker past, to Kip. The truth cuts through the polished performance. Your phone buzzes. Scott: You okay? The crowd still cheers, but the silence between you is louder. From across the arena, Kip leans back, arms crossed, jaw tight—his eyes never leavi…