Kade POV
His hand presses firmer against my thigh. “How do you usually celebrate a win, Mercer?”
I swallow, my throat feels dry, which is impossible considering how much I've drank. I push down the nerves and respond anyway. “That depends.”
“On?”
My gaze flickers up and I focus on him. “On how far you’re willing to take it.” My shoulder shrugs slightly, purely to try and make it seem like I'm indifferent right now when I'm not.
Darren watches me for a long moment, then exhales slowly. He leans back, his hand moves off my leg and I watch as he reaches into his jacket pocket. A second later, he presses a key card into my hand.
“Room 714,” he says. “Give me five minutes.”
My eyes go down, and I stare at the card, my skin tingles where his fingers brush against mine. I don't say anything else, I just stand and leave while clutching the card.
The night air is sharp as I step out of the club, but it does nothing to clear my head. I move quickly, weaving through the crowd outside, gripping the key card between my fingers.
A car pulls up to the curb, it's sleek and black, the kind that belongs to people like Darren. The back door swings open, and a driver nods toward me. Well, shit, standing here, I hesitate for only a second before climbing inside. The door shuts, sealing me into the silence, and I should listen to my mind, but I don't.
“Where to, sir?” the driver asks. “I’ve been told to ask, not assume,” he says.
My eyes flicker down to the hotel room keycard in my hand. My heart is still racing, my body still buzzing from the way Darren touched me, this is foolish, but... I don't even know anymore I want different, something new.
“Hotel Crown Plaza,” I say, my voice steady despite the way my fingers tighten around the card.
The driver nods but says nothing else as he pulls away from the curb, the neon lights of the club fade behind us. My pulse pounds harder with every mile. I should turn around, and should walk away. But I already know I won’t. The car stops and I get out, walking into the hotel. Am I really doing this? I step into the elevator, and tell myself it's the last chance to turn around.
It feels like I should, the elevator ride is too damn slow.
I tap the key card against my palm, shifting my weight from foot to foot as the numbers climb higher. The hotel is high-end, sleek, and modern, but right now, it feels suffocating to me. Everything in me is saying turn around. I should pretend this never happened and that I was never given this card.
But I don't, and when the doors slide open with a quiet chime, I step into the hallway, knowing it's time to turn around, but I still push forward. Maybe because I am drunk? It's too quiet up here; the thick carpet muffles my footsteps as I move towards the room, he said. 714. I stop outside, and the gold numbers gleam under the dim hallway lights.
This entire place is expensive and yet unassuming for what I'm about to do anyway. For a moment, I just stand here, telling myself now is the time to turn around. Sighing, I slide the key card against the reader without thinking, without second-guessing myself. A soft beep sounds and the light flicks to green as the lock clicks open.
Pushing the door open, I step inside. The room is huge; it has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city, and it showcases the skyline of glowing lights stretching endlessly into the night. Everything inside this room is sleek and modern, all dark wood, leather and perfectly clean lines.
My eyes fall on Darren who is standing near the minibar, currently pouring two glasses of whiskey. I notice that his tie is now loose around his collar, and the top buttons of his shirt are undone,
His smirk rises when he sees me, and he doesn't look surprised like he expected me not to show, if anything he seems to have known I would. Am I that predictable?
His hand moves, and he lifts one of the glasses out, holding it towards me. "Didn't hesitate, did you?" he asks.
Shrugging, I step further inside. "I figured you wouldn't send a drive if you had changed your mind," I explain.
He chuckles, setting one of the glasses down on the bar. “You always this confident?”
Taking my time, I walk over before grabbing the drink and swirling the liquid before taking a slow sip. The burn is smooth and expensive. It's the sort of whiskey that you keep for years, only have one glass here and there.
“You always this persistent?” I shoot back.
Darren tilts his head slightly, studying me. “Only when I know what I want," he says his is low, even, and it sends something sharp down my spine.
Moving, I lean against the bar as I set my glass down. "And what is it you want, exactly?" I ask, waiting for his response.
He steps closer, the space between us shrinking, there's no hesitation in the way he moves. “You,” he says simply as his fingers trail over the edge of my sleeve, slowly and deliberately.
“Is that so?” I murmur, not moving, just watching him.
His lips twitch and his eyes darken. “You tell me.” Slowly, his hand skims lower, brushing against my wrist, then my thigh, fingers pressing just hard enough to make my breath hitch.
My pulse pounds in my ears, but I don’t pull away. I let him touch me and him test me, while letting the silence stretch between us, it's thick with something heavier than I expected.
Kade POVI don't know why I'm hesitating, I came here because I wanted this. Pushing away the doubts, I reach up, grabbing the back of his neck and dragging him down until our mouths meet, and the second my lips crash against his, Darren takes control, his hand fists into my shirt. He yanks me closer, his body heat pressing into mine. The whiskey on his breath mixes with mine, and the taste of it is sharp between us. I expect him to ease into it, to test the waters, but he doesn’t, he isn't waiting around for any other sign of confirmation, he has everything he wants.He devours me. His teeth scrape my bottom lip, tugging just enough to make my breath stutter my body reacts instantly and his tongue flicks against mine, demanding more and consuming me.I don’t hesitate, I meet him with the same intensity. My body pushes his back against the bar while my hands grip the front of his shirt, dragging him closer to me.Darren exhales a quiet chuckle against my mouth, like he’s amused by my
Kade POVI'm too drunk to move quickly and blood is rushing in my ears, my body still too wired to process the shift from pleasure to panic.“What the hell are you doing here?” My voice is hoarse and breathless, and I hate how wrecked I sound right now.Nikolai tilts his head, pocketing his phone with an infuriating ease. “Just checking in on one of our rising stars.”“Checking in,” Darren repeats, voice sharp. “By breaking into my fucking hotel room?”Finally, Nikolai looks at Darren and whatever Darren sees in that looks has him falter, his expression goes from angry to worried. My mind finally forces me to move, and I yank the sheet up around my waist as I try to push up on my elbows, the room spins slightly, and my pulse is still hammering in my ears. The panic is clawing it's way through my skull now that the reality of this entire situation is hitting full force. What the fuck have I done? This isn't just bad, this is career-ending. "You don't want to do this," I say, trying
Kade's POVI can feel the sunlight against my eyelids, warm and bright, and I stretch against the sheets. My body is sore, but in a way that feels good. It's a dull ache in my muscles, but deeper than that is the hum of satisfaction, it's the the kind of feeling that only comes after a night of drinking and celebrating because we won. Yeah, we won again, and the thought settles deep in my chest, and it pulls a lazy smirk from me. My mind replays it all, the game, the crowd, the moment I lifted that trophy above my head, it's all still fresh, still running through my veins. Other than that, I don't remember much from last night, but I don't need to. The details are a blur, twisting together. Booze, laughter, and the feel of hands dragging me deeper into the club as bodies pressed too close. I remember the heavy bass shaking the floor beneath my feet. Exhaling, I drag a hand over my face. I feel good, no, I feel better than good. The weight of responsibility, the constant pressure an
Kade POVI ignore everyone, I ignore the talk of the reporter, I ignore it all, at least I try, that is until across the table, Alex’s phone buzzes. I watch as he glances at the screen and frowns. “What the fuck?” He tilts his phone toward Tyler. “Why is Mercer dropping in the draft rankings?”My grip on the glass tightens, no, fucking no, that better be a joke. I don't move, I just watch as Tyler grabs his phone.He begins scrolling fast, his brows pulling together. “Holy shit. You dropped two spots.”Ben snorts at his words, his eyes flick to me briefly. “Yeah, that makes no sense. You just won us the fucking championship.”A few of the other guys begin to pull out their phones, they are all murmuring to each other. Someone curses under their breath and my ears start ringing because this isn't just some minor slip. It’s noticeable, players don’t just drop after a game like the one I just played. Not unless something behind the scenes is scaring teams off. This isn’t a coincidence,
Kade’s POVThe Regent Hotel seems to almost come alive today under the afternoon sun, its glass reflects the bright sky, making it look even more expensive and high end than it already is.Standing outside for a moment, I adjust my jacket, inhaling slowly. I should walk away, I should turn around, go anywhere but here. But I don’t.Instead, I push through the revolving doors, stepping into the cool, perfectly controlled lobby of the hotel.The lobby is everything I expected from a place like this. It has high ceilings, polished marble floors, and there's the quiet hum of wealth mixed into every inch of the place. Staff move efficiently behind the front desk, while the guests linger in expensive suits and designer dresses, but I don’t stop. I already know where I’m going.A woman in a black dress steps into my path, smiling in that professional way that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. "Sir, may I assist you?”I meet her gaze, keeping my voice steady. I didn't need someone to help me, thi
Kade POVI hate this.“I want you to throw your next game,” he says finally. “A very specific game. Against my son’s team.”Rook.The name alone is enough to send a spark of rage through me. We’ve spent years going at each other on the ice, tearing into every game like it’s war. We fight. We push each other. He pisses me off more than any other player in the league, and I live for every second of it. And now, Nikolai wants me to lose to him.A bitter laugh slips from my throat before I can stop it. “You want me to throw a game against Rook?” I shake my head. “You think I’m gonna let that asshole win without a fight?”“You won’t be letting him win,” Nikolai corrects smoothly. “You’ll be making sure he wins. There’s a difference.”I clench my jaw so hard it hurts. Every instinct in me screams to tell him to fuck off. But I don’t because I can’t.I exhale sharply, rubbing a hand over my face before dropping it back to my lap. “And if I agree?” My voice is sharp, biting. “That’s it? You d
Rook’s POVI watch as Kade Mercer moves through the streets like nothing can touch him. Staying a few steps behind him I trail him with my hands shoved into my pockets. I watch the way he walks, his head high and shoulders back. He's got that same cocky swagger like the whole damn world belongs to him. Still, there is something off. I've watched him enough now to know the difference in him. Normally, Kade moves like a damn storm, he's reckless, confident and always pushing forward without hesitation. But tonight? He hesitates. It's subtle, and most wouldn't even notice. I do though, I notice the way he glances over his shoulder, the way his fingers twitch at his sides before he shoves them back into his pockets. His steps also aren't quite as sure, his pace also not as steady as it normally is. He's distracted for some reason. That thought alone makes my stomach twist.Kade doesn't get distracted, he doesn't second-guess himself. So what the hell is going on with him right now?I fo
Rook POVIt’s a short walk, not as short as Kade’s would be if he were heading back to his place, but close enough. That was my father’s doing, making sure I stayed nearby even after I could have moved out on my own. Other guys my age, other players, have their own apartments, their own lives. Not me.Because when your father runs the city, you don’t just walk away.By the time I reach the estate, the sun is already dipping lower, washing everything in a dull gold light. The gates open as I approach, and the security stationed outside barely glances at me. They all know who I am. More importantly, they know what my father would do to them if anything happened to me.The house is as cold and impersonal as ever, a sprawling mansion that screams power rather than home. The moment I step inside, I hear voices coming from my father’s office, low murmurs laced with tension.I should head upstairs, pretend I don’t hear it, but I don’t. Instead, I step toward the heavy wooden doors and push o
Kade POVRook smirks as he flips another pancake onto the growing stack. “You look like you’re plotting something.”I set my coffee down, crossing my arms. “Yeah, I’m thinking about throwing you out of your own damn house.”He bursts out laughing, and it's loud, like I just told the best joke he’s ever heard. He tilts his head, still grinning. “You think that would stop me?”I arch a brow. “Pretty sure it would.”He scoffs. “Kade, come on. I know this place better than you do. There are secret ways in. I could be in here before you even realize it. You’d go to bed thinking you’re safe, and then…” He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “Bam. There I am, watching you and waiting.”I stare at him. “You do realize how creepy that sounds, right?”Rook shrugs, completely unbothered. “Yeah, but that just makes it better.”I shake my head, picking up a pancake from the plate and taking a bite straight from it. “You really don’t have
Kade POVI’m late, and I can’t afford to stay in bed with Rook any longer. “I need to move,” I murmur, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before slipping out of bed and heading straight for the shower. I hear him moving around the room, and moments later, he joins me.“When I said I’m late, I meant I need to get going,” I say, turning to face him.Rook just shrugs like it’s nothing. “You’re fine. My dad said he’d keep things moving and let you sleep.” His gaze locks onto mine, waiting for me to argue. “So slow the hell down and actually spend time with me. Or is this just going to be a case of you fucking me and running off after like always?”I tilt my head, frowning. “You know that’s bullshit.” The words come out firm, meant to be the truth, but even I know there’s some weight to what he’s saying. More often than not, I barely stick around for five minutes after.Rook leans into me, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “So, what’s
Kade POVI tilt my head back into him instinctively, surrendering just enough for him to notice, because beneath the bickering and banter, lies an undeniable connection that binds us tighter than any words could capture.His hold on me tightens, and I push back more, my ass rubbing against his cock. Groaning, he bites at my neck, his hips bucking.“You realise all that time you spent bickering and refusing could have been spent in pleasure, right had you just accepted you were going to give in sooner?”I groan and nod. “I didn’t plan to give in, you wore me down. Now shut up and fuck me,” I mumble.“You don’t need to tell me twice,” he whispers and I feel his cock pushing against my ass. The sensation of him pushing in slightly has me groan. I squirm beneath him, trying to force him to do it quicker, but he remains slow.“Rook,” I warn, my voice low and needy. His name is a plea on my lips, a desperate call for him to quicken his pace.
Kade POVA nudge pulls me from sleep, and I groan, barely registering the fingers trailing down my spine. When they stroke lower, I thrash slightly, trying to shake them off.“Rook, behave,” I grumble, voice still thick with sleep.Instead of listening, he climbs onto me, his chest pressing against my back, his warmth seeping into my skin. “No can do,” he mutters. “Time to wake up. You slept through the whole damn day, it’s nearly dinner.”“Shit.” I slept that long? I try to push up, but he shoves me back down, pinning me.“I’m bored,” he mumbles against my neck, his teeth scraping before he bites.Sighing, I try again to roll over, but he keeps me pinned. “Then go play with yourself. I slept in,” I mutter.His fingers trace slow, teasing lines down my sides, sending a shudder through me.“I’d much rather play with you,” he whispers.“Of course you would. For fuck’s sake, Rook, I’ve barely even got my ey
Rook POVKade barely acknowledges it, he simply picks up another spike.The fifth one goes in just as smoothly, and by the time he presses the final spike under the last fingernail, the guy is barely even screaming anymore.His throat is shredded, his sobs ragged, his body completely limp except for the occasional twitch of his fingers.Kade steps back slightly, inspecting his work, the six wooden spikes now buried deep under the guy’s nails. The man is barely making noise anymore, his throat shredded from screaming, his body trembling violently. His fingers twitch involuntarily, his mind and nerves still trying to process the agony.Kade watches him for a moment before exhaling slowly. He rolls his shoulders like this is just another task to check off a list. Then, with that same cold detachment, he mutters,“Now let’s see how deep that burns.”I feel something twist in my gut, not because I pity the guy. He deserved this, maybe even
Rook POVThe guy in the chair watches Kade, and I can still see some of that smug confidence lingering, like he actually thinks the rules are going to protect him from what’s coming.Then, the call connects.My dad answers. “Yeah?”Kade doesn’t hesitate. “Got an issue,” he mutters, his tone calm. “This guy here seems to think I need your permission to touch him just because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.”There’s a brief pause before my dad sighs. “Who?”Kade doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he shifts in his chair, turns the phone, and tilts the screen so my father can see the guy’s face.My dad studies him for a moment before letting out a sharp breath. “Jesus Christ,” he mutters. “How the hell did you end up tied to a chair with my son’s husband ready to hurt you?”The guy’s breath stutters as his body locks up, then his eyes flick to me. He really looks at me for the first time, and I see it hit him all at once.
Rook POVI’m pissed. No, I’m more than pissed. Kade has me pinned to the chair, one hand firm against my chest while his other casually scrolls through his phone like nothing is fucking happening.Meanwhile, the guy? He’s still standing at the bar, smirking, like he didn’t just say the dumbest shit of his life.“Let me go,” I snap.“No,” Kade mutters, not even looking up. “Because I don’t trust you.”I laugh, it’s sharp and humorless. “You don’t trust me? You’re over here playing it fucking calm on your phone while I’m stuck in this chair when I could be over there putting my fist through his mouth.”Kade finally does look at me, and the moment his eyes meet mine, my whole body goes cold.There’s something calculated in them, something sharp and fucking lethal. I pause, my anger still simmering, but suddenly it doesn’t feel so fucking urgent.Kade tilts his head slightly, watching me.I huff out a breath
Kade POVI swallow hard, my fingers drumming against the table. “Today, seeing Harlow talking about her routine, about what she does every morning, made me realize something.” I shake my head, the weight of it sinking in. “I’m never fucking home. And I hate it.”Rook watches me, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, finally, he nods. “Then don’t let it happen again.”I let out a sharp breath, nodding back.Rook exhales, running a hand through his hair before leaning back with a smirk. “Good. That’s one fucking issue solved.”I raise a brow. “Yeah?”“Yeah,” he nods. “Now can we fix the issue of you sitting on the opposite side of the fucking table?” He tilts his head. “Or is this some weird power move I’m not getting?”I chuckle, shaking my head before pushing up from my seat. “Fine, princess.”Rook rolls his eyes, muttering under his breath as I move around to sit beside him.“See?” I smirk, leaning back against the chair. “Nice and close now. Happy?”Rook scoffs. “I guess,” h
Kade POVI sigh, rubbing my hands over my face. “I don’t want to lose you over this.”“You’re not,” Rook says immediately. “This isn’t about us, Kade. This is about the fact that my entire life, I was meant to do something I was never actually going to get.” He shrugs. “And honestly? I don’t even know if I give a shit about that anymore.”Sitting here, I study his face, trying to see if he’s lying.Rook exhales sharply, shaking his head. “I’ve had enough of arguing over this, Kade.” His voice is firm, but not angry anymore. Just done. “I didn’t want it. I still don’t want it. Yeah, I was pissed, yeah, I felt fucking betrayed, but only because no one had the guts to tell me the plan.” He tilts his head slightly. “But the actual title? I couldn’t care less.”Staring at him, I wait for something else, something deeper that he’s not saying, but I don’t see it. He’s telling the fucking truth.I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can do this.”Rook scoffs. “You already are.”I run a hand dow