Page 67 of Ruthless Game

“I’m wearing my brother’s jersey,” I explained. “It was important to him. Lawson will understand.”

Tovah eyed me, then laughed. “No, he won’t.”

“No, he won’t,” I admitted. “Fuck.”

Maya giggled, waving at Tovah and Aviva. “Hi, I’m Maya, Emma’s co-swim instructor. It’s really nice to meet you! You’re Asher Gold’s sister, right?”

Aviva eyed her, protective twin sister energy coming out. “I am. Why? What do you want with my brother?”

Maya turned bright red. It was fascinating to watch. “Oh, nothing. He’s just … really good at hockey.”

Aviva pursed her lips. “Maya … what?”

“Oh.” Maya twisted her hands. “Maya Silver.”

Aviva blinked. “Oh.”

“Oy,” Tovah muttered.

Aviva turned to her. “Oy? That’s all you’ve got? And you’ve never said ‘oy’ once in your life.”

Tovah shrugged. “Felt appropriate.” Reaching across Aviva, she put out her hand for Maya to shake. “I’m Tovah, which makes me your distant cousin-in-law-to-be.”

Maya grinned. “Yeah, I’m like, a far off branch of Silver, so I’ve never met your fiancé, but I certainly know about Isaac and his part of the family! I’m so excited to meet you, Tovah.”

“Oy,” Tovah said again.

I glanced around at them all, confused. “What am I missing here?”

“Oh!” Maya waved a hand. “So the Golds and the Silvers are like, rival crime dynasties and hate each other. It’s this like, generations drawn out war, although a lot of us are just on the periphery, and⁠—”

“—And we do not discuss this in public,” Tovah interrupted. “Not if we want to keep breathing.”

This time, it was Aviva who said, “Oy.”

The arena went dark, and music came on, as the light show started to announce the teams. It wasn’t like this happened at every game, but it was the first game of the season, and it was a big deal. Tabb and Reina were bitter rivals, which made this game more of a spectacle than usual. They announced Tabb first, each player taking to the ice. Jeffrey was one of the last, and he skated out, determined, like he had something to prove. But then, he did, didn’t he? Wasn’t that the reason for all of this?

I wish I could say I was excited to see my brother, but his entry wasn’t what was making my heart beat with anticipation. Because it was the Kings’ turn.

And Kings, they were. We might be at our home arena tonight, but Tabb students and fans had fully filled their side of the stands. Regardless, the cheering for Reina’s players was a cacophony.

Nick McPherson.

Judah Wasserson.

Levi Wasserson.

“Both of you can have my babies! At the same time!” shrieked some girl from the stands.

Asher Gold.

Aviva let out a whoop at that, but it got lost in the rest of the screams.

And then.

Lawson was gliding out onto the ice, so big, and yet somehow graceful. He spun in a circle with the precision of a figure skater, but when he came to a stop on the blades of his skates, shards of ice flew up, emphasizing his sheer power. Even if I’d never touched or been touched by him, I would’ve been captivated by the way he moved on the ice alone. It was like he belonged there. Because he did belong there. He and his team were gods on ice, and we were just lucky to be able to witness them in action.

Even in the cacophony and chaos, I could sense him searching for me in the stands. We were sitting right behind the bench. Could he see my jersey? How would he react? I didn’t want his anger, but my core warmed at the idea of future punishment. God, I was so fucked when it came to him.