Silent Defender (Boardwalk Breakers Book 1)

by Nikki Worrell

  Mitchell Simard was the Breakers’ enforcer. His sole job was to protect those who shouldn’t have to protect themselves. At six foot four and two hundred forty pounds, there weren’t too many players who had the balls to challenge him. Being that his only role was to protect, if you saw him on the front line with the best players, you’d better believe he was there to send a message. He wasn’t a scoring player, but then he wasn’t meant to be.

  “The enforcer? Come on. I have no interest in a man who makes his living by bashing people because they pissed him off. Neanderthal, anyone?”

  “We are not having this discussion again. Good thing you’ve never met Lacey.”

  “Lacey? Who’s that?”

  “Lacey is Karen’s sister-in-law. She’s married to Karen’s brother—you know, the former enforcer for the Scorpions. She thought they were all muscled brainless men too, before meeting Jody. Just keep an open mind.”

  “Okay. If you vouch for him, I’ll try not to judge him on sight. Anyway, we need to get back to planning dinner. Ten people. Should we do two turkeys or something else?”

  “Well, I was thinking. How about we do a turkey and a ham? The fixings for both go together.”

  We discussed all the possible dishes and got busy making a shopping list—that Magnus insisted on paying for, no matter what we decided on.

  With our lists finalized, we made plans to finish the grocery shopping together. I’d already bought a turkey and most of the things I needed for the side dishes, but we needed to add more food now and buy a ham. Hitting the food store after work the day before Thanksgiving was going to be tough, but we’d handle it. We were already planning on cutting out of work early.

  “Okay. I’m gonna get out of here.” Izzy’s place was within walking distance, so she bundled up in her winter coat and scarf and set off. “Oh, wait! Aren’t you going to be in the locker room after the game on Thursday?”

  “Nope. I got the day off. Tony’s doing it and he’s not happy about it.” Tony was the newest reporter in our bunch, but because he was middle aged, he thought he should have seniority over us young’uns, as he called us.

  Izzy’s smile was full of mischief. “Oh, I wish I was there when he found out he had to work the holiday.”

  “Me too, but I heard he actually stomped his foot.”

  “Poor guy. Well, I’m off. See you later, Jen” And then she was gone.

  ***

  It was almost ten thirty at night when Magnus texted me.

  Magnus: Hi, Jennie. I hope it’s not too late. I just got home from one of those team building things. We went to that indoor rock climbing park.

  Me: Hey, you. That sounds like fun. A lot better than bag skating or something.

  Magnus: Coach only makes us kill ourselves with that exercise when we’re being punished. Haven’t had to do that in a while, thank God. I don’t care how great a shape you’re in, bag skating sucks.

  Me: I’m sure. Heck, I can’t even skate. Hey–I have an idea. Do you have Skype or something? That would be a lot easier than all this texting.

  Magnus: I do have Skype. Great idea. Give me a couple of minutes to get my tablet plugged in. I know it’s dead.

  Me: Sure thing. My name is HarleyGirl_53

  Magnus: 53? Is that a coincidence?

  It was not. I may have noticed Magnus Eriksson years ago. So I picked his number. No big deal.

  Me: Must be.

  I fired up my laptop and opened Skype. I didn’t have to wait long until I saw the alert on my screen. Blueliner53 had sent a request. Belatedly, I realized I hadn’t taken the time to do my girly things. I was sure my hair looked less than stunning, and I’d long since taken off my makeup. It was too late now.

  Nice to see you, Harley Girl 53. You look cute. He squinted, making his eyebrows point inward. What is that on your pajamas?

  Oh, Lord. I hadn’t given a passing thought to my PJs.

  Oh. Well, I was cold so I pulled out my fleece onesie. I know it’s not Christmas yet, but really, when are Rudolph and the abominable snowman not appropriate? Ah, it was nice to see his smile again. I’d missed him over the past couple of days. More than I would have liked to at such an early stage of our relationship.

  He sat back, grinning. You’re right, of course. I can’t argue with that. I guess it’s safe to assume you also like Harleys?

  I do. I actually just got mine out of the shop. In hindsight, I wish I’d waited until spring, but I had some mini ape hangers put on her. The ones she came with were uncomfortable. Too straight. The new ones are awesome, but it was a damn cold ride home.

  Magnus jerked his head back and barked out a laugh. I wasn’t sure if I should be annoyed or amused. I chose amused and let a smile play around my lips. You find that comical? I’m an excellent rider.

  His lips pursed and he shook his head. I find it sexy as hell. You have a Harley. Jennie, that’s just hot.

  I stretched back on my bed a bit and crossed my arms. If you play your cards right, I’ll give you a ride someday. By the smirk that appeared on his face, I knew he’d moved on from thinking about my bike, but he kept that thought to himself.

  Can’t do it. It’s in my contract. No motorcycle riding for me.

  Are you serious? That stinks.

  I’m very serious. Can’t take chances with the moneymaker, right? I’d love to see you riding, though. Did I mention that’s hot?

  I wiggled my eyebrows at him. I think you may have. Okay, back to Thursday’s dinner.

  Do you wear leather chaps and one of those skimpy biker shirts that leave little to the imagination? Maybe with a studded leather jacket and don’t-fuck-with-me boots?

  I should have expected that. Men sure did love the idea of a biker chick. Worked for me. I leaned forward and placed my hands on my knees. Some of that yes, some no. And back to dinner? I couldn’t hold my amused smile in.

  Right. Dinner. So, did you and Izzy get everything you needed?

  We’re close. Our lists are in order. We’ll finish our grocery shopping on the way home from work tomorrow night. Just a couple of stops to make.

  Mags’ brows shot up. You’re going to shop tomorrow night? That’s the night before Thanksgiving. Are you crazy? Why don’t you let me go for you? It’s the least I can do. We have practice at nine, then I have to hit the gym for a few hours, but I could go after lunch sometime.

  He had to go to the gym after practice and workout for a few hours? Yuck. I didn’t address that comment, but I did decline his offer to shop for us. Trust a man who doesn’t cook to get key ingredients for a holiday dinner? I didn’t think so. No, thank you. I can’t take the chance.

  You know, Jennie, if I knew how to cook or what all those fancy things were in the grocery store, I might be offended. But I don’t, so I can’t be. How about if I come over to your place when you get home? I could help you out for a while if you want.

  I really didn’t need any assistance, but I did want to see him. Great. You can help me make the pumpkin pies. I saw it in my mind’s eye. A one-of-a-kind picture of big, alpha male Magnus in an apron, his hands coated with flour and holding a rolling pin.

  You’re on, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about my lack of kitchen skills. See you tomorrow, Harley Girl. He kissed his fingers and tapped the screen. I returned the gesture.

  Sweet dreams, Magnus.

  ***

  My workday crawled. Izzy had asked me twice if I was ready to go yet, but I had to finish my current article. There were a few big trade rumors going around the league, and I needed to get my thoughts down in an articulate, non-biased manner. I genuinely didn’t believe any of them would come to fruition, but an article outlining each trade needed to be put up on our daily blog.

  For the third time, my door opened just wide enough for Izzy to stick her head through. “Are you done now?”

  “My God, you’re a pain in the ass. You know that, right?” She was lucky. I had just sent my completed piece to the blog editing department. “If you
had offered to edit it for me as I wrote it, I could have gotten done earlier.”

  “Hell, no. I’m not taking responsibility for the blog editors. You know I’d just show them up anyway, right?” There was friendly—and sometimes not-so-friendly—competition between the blog editors and the newspaper editors. I didn’t quite understand the why of it. An article was an article to me, whether it was on a blog or part of the actual newspaper; but that was her issue, not mine.

  “Whatever you say, Iz.” I looked at the clock. It was only three, so I hoped that would leave plenty of time to get the little bit of shopping we had out of the way before the after-work crowds got too big. “Let’s go.”

  We drove back toward Ocean City and stopped at a large liquor store at the base of the Ninth Street bridge. O.C. was a dry island, but there were plenty of places to get your alcohol right outside of the city borders.

  “I want to make margaritas.” They were one of Izzy’s favorite drinks. “What else are we getting?”

  “I didn’t ask and Magnus didn’t say, so I’m getting a couple of different beers and some wine. Maybe some Jack and Coke?”

  “Yeah. That’s always a safe bet. I’ll get a cart.” Our cart filled quickly, and we made our way toward the cash registers. As we were passing the bouquets of fresh-cut flowers by the wine section, I saw Magnus, colorful arrangement in his hand.

  Izzy pointed him out first. “Busted!”

  I grabbed her finger and lowered her arm. “Behave.” I almost tried to sneak out of the store without him seeing us, but he turned around too soon. The joyful smile that broke over his face made his sculpted cheekbones even more pronounced. He was swoon-worthy.

  Without missing a beat, Magnus walked over to us and kissed me. And then he kissed me again, snaking his free hand around my waist. Before we got carried away, as we were given to do, I pulled back and waved a hand to a grinning Izzy.

  “Magnus, this is my friend, Izzy.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Izzy. Thanks for helping put our Thanksgiving dinner together. That’s very nice of you.”

  When she remained silent with a simple look on her face, I elbowed her in the ribs.

  “Oof.” She continued to stare at him with the same goofy smile, but extended her hand all the same. “Nice to meet you too.” She turned to me and whispered, “He’s even hotter in real life.”

  I signed for Magnus as I talked to Izzy. “Don’t whisper, it’s rude.”

  “That’s okay,” Magnus said. “You can have a pass this time. Don’t forget though, I read lips. You have to turn fully away from me if you don’t want me to know what you’re saying. And thank you. You’re pretty cute yourself.” He charmed her just like he did me.

  “Oh. Geez. Sorry about that. I think I forgot you can’t hear for a minute there.” She shrugged. “I’m going to go take this stuff to the counter. I’ll meet you up there.” She gave us both a wave and strolled off with the cart.

  What did she say? I missed that last part.

  She just said she’d meet me up there at the counter. I looked pointedly at the flowers he held and clasped my hands behind my back. So, who are the pretty flowers for?

  They’re for a very special lady I’m going to see later. He held them toward me for my inspection. Do you think she’ll like them?

  I think she’ll love them. I reached for them only to have Magnus snatched them away.

  Thanks for your vote of confidence. Now tell me, is all the stuff in that shopping cart for tomorrow?

  All but a six-pack and bottle of Grey Goose. They’re for me.

  His arm reached out and curled around my waist again as he led me over to Izzy and the cashier. Before I could stop him, he handed her the flowers and then swiped his own credit card for payment. “I told you I’d pay for the dinner stuff.”

  I decided not to argue over it. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He retrieved his card and then tapped Izzy on the shoulder, who had been busily looking through a gossip rag. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Izzy. Thanks again.”

  She sighed. “See you, Eriksson.”

  Poor hockey guys. They were always more known by their last name. Magnus just let out a chuckle and walked out the door.

  “My God, Jennie. His voice. That deep, raspy timbre.” She exaggerated a shiver. “Mmm.”

  “I know. Feel it all the way to your toes, don’t you? And he doesn’t even know how sexy he sounds.”

  She gave her head a shake. “That sucks. Him being deaf, I mean.”

  “It does, but don’t waste time on pitying him. He gets along just fine. Just like my grandmother did.”

  “I know. I just can’t help feeling bad for him. I don’t know what would be worse—never having heard anything or knowing what it’s like to be able to hear and then to lose it.”

  I slipped my arm through hers as we pushed the cart out to the car. “I don’t have an answer to that. Now enough. Let’s go hit the Shop Rite and tackle the rest of our shopping.”

  “Done deal.”

  Chapter 9

  Magnus

  Eight Ball was none too happy with me by the time I got home, and she wasn’t likely to get any happier when I went out again. I tried to head the vengeance she’d wreak in my absence off at the pass by giving her a special treat while I was there. She’d still shit in something while I was gone, though. I was sure of it.

  “Hey, girl. I got you some catnip.” I had snipped a fresh piece off the plant that I kept locked up in my guest room. I’d tried leaving it out on the kitchen counter once. That didn’t work out too well. She didn’t eat it, she just rolled around with it and sniffed it. She’d been high as a kite when I’d gotten home. That was back when I’d attempted to have houseplants. Eight Ball convinced me to give up on that idea right quick. They were the perfect ammo for my welcome home surprise.

  She eyed me with suspicion but accepted my gift. Giddy with joy, she rolled over and over the plant. Every now and then, she’d pick it up, drop it down again, and pounce on it repeatedly. Crazy cat, but she was mine. She was so old it made me feel good to see her act like a playful kitten. Sometimes she acted like seventeen going on seven. I was hopeful that she’d be one of those cats who lived past twenty. As long as she was healthy.

  Knowing the catnip would keep Eight Ball entertained for a while, I slipped back into my bedroom to get changed—and drop a few condoms in my wallet, just in case. It was probably too early in our relationship for her to sleep with me, but by God, if she was willing, I was going to be prepared.

  ***

  I arrived at Jennie’s just before seven that evening. The flowers I’d bought her earlier rested on the seat next to me. When I reached over to pick them up, I wound up missing the stems and sweeping them onto the floor of the cab. I knocked the flowers hard enough for them to be just out of my reach from my position at the steering wheel.

  My foot found purchase on the rest next to the brake and I stretched out, blindly grabbing for Jennie’s gift. I should have been more delicate, because when I hauled them up, about half of them were smashed and missing petals. Shit. I hoped that wasn’t an indication of how the rest of the night would go.

  I wore a sheepish grin as I held the mangled flowers and waited for Jennie to answer my knock. Her hand covered her mouth as she took in the state of the bouquet I presented her with.

  “Wow. These look a little different than they did earlier. Should I even ask?”

  I kissed her cheek and stepped inside. “You’re welcome.”

  She tilted her head to the side and then signed to me. I think you misunderstood me. What did you think I said?

  I got what you said, Jennie. You said thank you for the perfectly beautiful flowers. And that I shouldn’t have, but you’re so glad I did. And that you owe me lots of kisses tonight anytime I want them. Did I leave anything out?

  She fanned herself with her hand as if she’d like nothing more than to lock lips with me again. Nope. That’s exactly what I s
aid.

  I closed the door and then took the ruined flowers from her hand, dropping them on the floor at our feet.

  She stared at them for a second before she looked back up at me. What are you doing?

  I want both of your hands free for this. I pulled her toward me so our bodies were flush and gave her a proper greeting.

  No sooner had my mouth descended upon hers than she parted her lips for me. I took my time exploring every nook of her sweet mouth. When her tongue darted out to tangle with mine, heat filled me. It especially filled parts down yonder to bursting. I thought of those lovely condoms I had right in my back pocket, hoping like hell I’d get a chance to use them soon. Maybe that very night.

  Jennie’s hands wound their way through my hair, just like the last time we’d shared a kiss. The way her dainty fingers pulled at the longer strands lying on my neck proved to me that she was just as caught up with passion as I was.

  I walked her backward until she came up to the door I’d just shut. There was something about pressing her against it and trapping her there with my body that turned me into a caveman. I wanted to scream “Mine!” I wanted to mark her. That kiss made me want to show the world that this woman belonged to me.

  With great effort, I pulled away from her wet lips and traced kisses down her neck. When I reached the curve of her collarbone, I sucked hard. I didn’t need to be able to hear the sounds of her enjoyment at my actions. It was enough that I felt her chest inflate on her gasp of breath. Her hands gripped my head to hold me there as I continued to run my tongue over her. Those spontaneous reactions easily made up for any sensory imperfections I had. I heard it all.

  I made my way back up to her lips. At that moment, our kissing became frantic. We were in a battle that neither wanted to lose. My hands skimmed up her ribs, climbing ever higher so I could cup her full breasts while her hands wandered urgently over my back. She grabbed a fistful of my shirt and yanked it out of my jeans. That’s when it hit me.

  I wanted her more than I wanted my next breath, but this wasn’t the way. It suddenly became all-important to me to seduce her the way she deserved—not backed up against her front door with wilted, broken flowers at her feet.