Offside (11 page)

“I’ve spoken to both the coach and Richter. Granted, they hadn’t considered you as a suitable captain, but things have changed. They’ve both seen how you handle yourself at the club—”

“The club is not the goddamn ice. I’m not the same man out there.”

“You can be.”

I don’t need this shit!
With a few strides, Dominik went up to the window and stared out at the streets below, crowded with cars, tourists, all basking in the blazing summer sun. This place had become home. With Oriana, and Max, and . . . even Sloan. Without them, he had no idea where he belonged. Put him on the ice and he could forget everything else. But now, Keane was asking for more. For renewed dedication in the game, in the team.

He wasn’t sure he had it in him. For the first time, his summer hadn’t been devoted to training, to making himself a better player. He spent every moment he could with Oriana, feeling her slip further and further away from him. His jaw tightened as he blinked against the burning in his eyes. When she’d gone with Sloan and Max to visit Sloan’s father, he’d declined the invitation to join them and headed down to Chicago to visit his mother, spend some time with his sister and his brothers. His mother knew something was wrong. She’d asked him why he hadn’t brought his “sweet girl” with him.

All his life, he’d confided in his mother. There wasn’t much about him she didn’t know. But he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud.

He’d lost his sweet girl to another man.

There wasn’t much left for him besides the game. Keane was giving him an opportunity to focus entirely on the team. Not the imposition it first seemed. Maybe a blessing in disguise.

“I’ll do it.” He kept his back to Keane as he spoke, needing a few moments to compose himself. Accepting the position brought him one step closer to saying goodbye to Oriana. But it was a step he had to take. “Tell me what you need from me. I hope you’ve got a fucking list because I need the distraction.”

Keane stepped up beside him. “I need to ask you to do something rather . . . unconventional for me. But I think you’re up to it.”

“Go on.”

“The Ice Girls are a hit. They’ve kept the spotlight on the team, even after the season ended. But the most talented girl has certain . . . issues. Issues that distract from her abilities.”

“Is she a sub?” Dominik pressed his lips together, not sure he could stomach being involved with a woman, even if it was good for the team. But why else would Keane ask?

“She may be. However, that is irrelevant.” Keane’s lips curved at the edges when Dominik glanced over at him, confused. “I’m no matchmaker. Your skills as a Dom will be useful, but she may be a little young for you. Not that I care if you decide to take her on. All I ask is that you help her get past her fear of men.”

Dominik went perfectly still. “Why is she afraid of men?”

“One can only guess. The Ice Girls will be going on a cruise with several of the players. The media will be watching them. I want her on the Ice Girl team, but she won’t make it if she’s so afraid she won’t let cameras catch the beautiful, outgoing woman I know she can be.” Keane went back to his desk. “You are already scheduled for the trip, but I’d like you to work with her beforehand. I can give you suggestions if you’d like?”

“I can manage.” Dominik tugged his suit sleeves straight. “Let me guess. The girl is Akira Hayashi.”

“Yes.”

Cute kid. Shy, but a vision on the ice. She couldn’t be more than twenty.
Way
too young for Dominik—even though Oriana was only five years older. He recalled the way she’d cringed the last time a male reporter had approached her in a crowded room. Whatever had happened to the girl was serious enough that it affected every aspect of her life. Getting her past that would be a challenge. It would take time. Thankfully, he had plenty of that.

“Leave it to me.” Dominik arched a brow at a timid tap at the door. The girl in question peeked in, her olive green eyes wide. Keane didn’t look all that surprised to see her. Dominik scowled. “You knew I’d agree.”

“I know what kind of man you are,” Keane said under his breath, waving Akira in. “And you need this as much—if not more—than she does.”

“You wanted to see me, sir?” Akira fidgeted with the buttons of her crisp, beige jacket. The way she lowered her gaze brought to mind every natural submissive Dominik had ever met. Yet nothing about her stirred anything besides his protective instincts. The way she hovered near the door, as though ready to run out to something—or
someone
—who could keep her safe had him crossing the room to stand between her and Keane before his brain could catch up. Being in here alone with Keane, despite the man’s good intentions, was the last thing she needed.

Akira trembled as Dominik approached. The door was still open a crack. Dominik pulled it open all the way, biting back a laugh as he caught sight of Jami Richter, the general manager’s daughter and Akira’s best friend, standing close enough to the door to listen in.

“If you’d like me to deal with the girls, Mr. Keane, then perhaps I should get started.” Dominik gave Jami a slow smile as she skidded backward into the hall. “Your instructions are clear. Please excuse us.”

Keane nodded and took a seat behind his desk, looking over some folders. “Miss Hayashi, I had planned to introduce you to your new sponsor. I’m sure you are aware that several girls have players in that position for either financial or moral support?”

Did they?
This was the first Dominik had heard of it. Ice Girls on other teams weren’t so closely involved with the players. Not that the Cobras followed the norm in any way.

“A couple of girls do, sir, but . . .” Akira squared her shoulders. “My parents are quite capable of supporting me. And I just put in an application—”

“I’m sorry, my dear, but you will not have time for a job.” Keane folded his hands on the desk, his tone low and full of compassion. “Akira, your father called me to ask if there was any financial aid available. It is becoming difficult for your parents to pay for you to stay here. You have a bright future with the team. I would fund you myself if it wasn’t a conflict of interest while you are still competing, but since that is not an option, I strongly suggest you accept Mr. Mason’s generous offer.”

“But . . .” Akira blushed and ducked her head. “The other girls got their sponsors because . . . I mean—”

“I expect nothing from you, Akira,” Dominik said, his tone much sharper than intended. Keane obviously planned to fund Akira in his name, but he didn’t need it. And he refused to allow the girl to believe she had to compensate him in any way. The way she paled had him continuing quickly, his voice as calm and gentle as he could manage. “The Ice Girls are important to the team.
You
are important to the team. That’s the only reason I’m doing this.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mason.” Akira nodded quickly, then moved as though to dash out.

“Not so fast.” Dominik joined her at the door, speaking softly. “We need to talk.”

“About what?” Jami put her hand on Akira’s arm and narrowed her eyes at Dominik. “She said thank you. She appreciates your help, but she’s got training and stuff. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more to talk about.”

Lifting his hand, Dominik brushed Akira’s fine, black hair off her cheek. He took a step back when she winced and let his hand fall to his side. “I disagree.”

“She’ll be fine! Just leave her alone!” Jami placed her hand on his chest and shoved, so much like an angry, spitting kitten he had to fight not to laugh. It was sweet that she wanted to protect her friend.

But not very helpful.

Dominik latched on to Jami’s wrist and leaned down to whisper in her ear, the short strands of her spiky blue hair soft against the side of his face. “Sebastian asked me to watch over you while he stayed in Spain with Luke. I’ll be careful with her. I won’t push her too far. But you . . .” He pressed a light kiss on her pale cheek. “Do. Not. Test. Me.”

She gulped audibly, fisting her hands by her sides. “Sebastian wouldn’t—”

Dominik kept an eye on Akira, who looked torn between making a run for it and staying to protect her friend. “He wouldn’t what, Jami?”

Jami glanced over at Akira, then sighed. “Never mind.”

So Sebastian
had
spoken to her. Had likely told her to stay away from the club. To behave herself. Dominik knew Sebastian had asked Jami to remain in Spain with him and Carter and had only given in when she insisted Akira needed her. But he’d made sure Jami would feel his presence through Dominik. He trusted Dominik to respect his limits. Not that he would sleep with Jami even if it had been permitted. He’d known the girl since she was little more than a child. But discipline didn’t have to be sexual, and he had no problem taking her over his knee if she needed it.

Between Sebastian and Keane, Dominik had been given plenty to distract him. Which was good. Maybe it would be easier to say goodbye to Oriana when the time came. When he held her at the airport and did his best to let her go with no regrets.

“Sir?” Akira skirted up to his side as he made his way to the elevator, surprising him by touching his forearm, her tiny hand looking even smaller with the contrast of her light olive skin against his dark flesh. He turned and nodded. She drew in a sharp breath. “I’m still not sure why you’re doing this. And . . . I’m not sure I’m comfortable taking your money or anything else while giving nothing in return. It’s not much, but . . . I can tell something’s bothering you. You can talk to me if . . . if you want.”

She was adorable. Scared to death of him, but braving her fears to reach out. He put his hand over hers, smiling when she made an obvious effort not to pull away.

“That means a lot to me, Akira. And I may take you up on your offer.” He squared his shoulders. “But for now, this is all about you.”

C
innamon rolls, croissants drizzled with chocolate, fruit tarts, and rum balls. Everyone else in the café was buying iced coffees and smoothies to cool off, but the long line waited behind Zach and Becky as they picked two of each delicious treat on display.

Every time Becky tried to protest that it was too much, that it was all so fattening, Zach just gave her a level look and added even more to the pastry boxes the cashier had out for them. She could already feel the sugar rushing to her brain. Or maybe it was the two cups of coffee Zach had served her in bed that morning.

Or maybe it’s just him.

Being around Zach made her feel young. Alive and carefree. His hand on her shoulder warmed flesh full of goose bumps from an AC turned too high. She laughed as he told the cashier to add four more rum balls to their order. She’d mentioned they were her favorites, but he was spoiling her.

“Zach—”

“Becky, if you complain about your weight again, I’m putting you on a strict exercise regimen.” His tone was firm, but something in his eyes told her he was at least half teasing. “I think you’re perfect just the way you are, but if it’s an issue—”

“It’s not.” Becky smiled and hugged his arm. “It’s sweet of you to say I’m perfect though. It took a long time for me to get comfortable with my body after I divorced Patrick. I’m mostly okay with myself now though.”

“Mostly?”

“It’s nice to hear I look good from a man—and not just during a scene.”

Zach hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll make a point of reminding you how beautiful you are. But I must say, you look cuter in normal clothes.”

“Normal clothes?” She let out an affronted sniff. “What’s wrong with my suits?”

“Nothing. They are perfectly appropriate for work, but I like seeing you in something casual.”

She blushed, bringing her hand to the V-neck of the white T-shirt he’d brought for her that morning. With a pair of jeans that fit perfectly. And running shoes. Doms had dressed her before, but never like this. Most of her wardrobe consisted of business outfits, with a few jogging suits thrown in for comfort. She wasn’t sure she owned any T-shirts, and her jeans had been given to Goodwill after she’d finally accepted that she’d never be a size six again.

“I hope you don’t have a problem with my picking out your clothes?” He pulled her hand away from her chest, twining their fingers. “I haven’t had the opportunity with many subs, but I do enjoy it.”

“I don’t mind at all.” Damn, the man made her feel all soft and melty inside. Wearing what he’d laid out for her added an edge of his control to every moment they spent together. And that control would linger, even when he wasn’t around. A sweet, subtle reminder, like a solid backdrop, while she was still free to be herself. She liked it, but there had to be limits. “I can’t have you doing this when I’m working, but I’m fine with it any other time.”

“So noted.” Zach picked up the three white boxes the cashier handed him, then moved toward the door. “You mentioned getting the keys to your new house sometimes this week—wanting to fix it up? If you’d like, I can help you paint before Casey gets home.”

“That would be awesome! I—” Her phone vibrated in her pocket, making her jump. She pulled it out, her breath bursting out of her chest when she saw Patrick’s number.
Something’s wrong.
“Sorry, one minute.” She answered in a whisper, “Hello?”

“Mommy! A dolphin kissed me!”

Becky laughed, her eyes tearing as Zach took her elbow and led her to a chair on the terrace outside the café. “Wow! What else have you seen?”

“Bears and beluga whales. I fed one a fish!” Casey giggled. “He wasn’t slimy, but Daddy wouldn’t touch him. And he made sure I washed my hands twice after I petted him. Nanny bought me a stuffed bear that looks just like the ones that waved at us! I mean it, Mommy! They actually waved!”

“Did you take pictures?”

“Tons! And Nanny took some with me and the big fish!” Casey paused. “I wish you were here. I miss you.”

“I miss you too,
poupée
.” Becky turned her head slightly so her daughter wouldn’t hear her trying to breathe around the lump in her throat. Zach squeezed her hand and his firm grip anchored her. She gave him a grateful smile, speaking again when she could do so without her voice catching. “How did you sleep last night?”