“Later, man.”
I gave him a fist bump and we parted ways. Time to claim the woman I loved and this time I was going to kiss Zoe into oblivion until she saw the error of her ways.
I’d always hated the smell of hospitals and avoided them when I could. Tonight, however, I all but burst through the doors of Good Sam. A remarkably calm receptionist managed to make sense of my ramblings and directed me to the fourth floor. The elevator couldn’t take me there fast in enough. A quick search for the right number, I pushed open de door. An odd sense of relief washed over me as I saw her lying on the hospital bed. The sulphur lights from the parking lot shone brightly through the glass with a beam of light casting a soft glow in the room. Zoe’s breathing was deep and even as the concave of her waist contracted and expanded with each breath. I tiptoed closer, not wanting to wake her, when she spoke up.
“Where were you?” Her voice, hollow and devoid of emotion, echoed like a siren through the quiet room.
“I had some thinking to do.”
I kept a tight rein on my emotions and remained calm. The guilt crept into my system along with a million ‘what ifs’ as I drove over here to claim Zoe. Thank god things turned out the way they did, otherwise… I shook my head. I didn’t want to consider the alternatives. My heart was lodged in my throat, choking me with fear and untold truths. A new terror sank into my bones. Zoe’s detachment. I could handle almost anything, except for her indifference—that would kill me.
“You promised me you would be back, Ki.” Zoe’s voice cracked.
“I’m sorry.” It was all I could offer now. Actions, not words mattered at this point, or I might as well walk away.
“I’m sorry too, Ki.” Zoe’s voice was barely above a whisper.
The apology hung between us, dangling by tethers threatening to tear us apart once again. I stepped forward and sat on the bed though I make no attempt to touch her. Seeing her lying there, vulnerable yet determined, vanquished all the clever lines I had been meaning to say. The guilt was eating at me for not being around when my angel was kidnapped. Not to mention my mother’s bombshell. I ran a hand through my hair, heaving a sigh. The lies swirling around us exhausted me. I no longer wanted Zoe and me to be our parents’ pawns. I wouldn’t allow them to come between us anymore, but my heart told me Zoe deserved the truth.
“Zoe, I um…” I was at a loss for words, still I pressed on through the mess in my head. “I…We’re…cousins.”
“What?” Zoe laughed.
I hoped my stern expression conveyed the gravity of the situation. “We’re cousins, Zo. That’s why my mother stopped the wedding.”
Zoe’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what? You can’t be serious. Did Vivienne tell you this?”
“Yes.”
“This is just another ploy to keep us apart,” she argued, her tone descending into frustration. “I don’t see why you would listen to any word that woman says!”
“Jed confirmed it,” I told her calmly. In that moment, I saw the truth seeped into her subconscious, staining her reality. The disapproving lines on her beautiful face turned into dejection.
“I…I don’t know what to say. Cousins… How did…? Why…?” Her words carried the hurt that was tearing her apart from within. “Ki, what are we going to do? Is what we’re doing even legal?”
I took her hands and gazed into her eyes. Mine radiated determination that I hoped would drown out her doubts. “You don’t have to say anything, angel. I love you no matter what. Nothing changes that fact.”
“You can’t be serious right now, Ki? The press will crucify us if this gets out. I don’t even want to know what my father will do to keep his precious organization out of the storm.”
Her words cut me deeply. I was filled with shame since I had done nothing to protect her and allowed Jed to treat her so badly.
“Our love is nothing to be ashamed of, angel, and no one can tell us differently.”
I reached out and stroked her soft cheek. Zoe slid her hand over mine and held onto me for dear life. Her mere touch acted like a healing balm to the broken pieces of our lives.
“I never stopped loving you, Ki.”
I gathered her up in my arms and placed a kiss on her lips. Her arms snaked around my neck. She yanked me closer as if she couldn’t get enough of me. A fire ignited between us. Liquid heat coursed through my veins. The world around us evanesced until it was just my angel and me. Nothing else mattered—just the two of us, here in this moment. I needed to show her my love with my body, my mouth, and my hands. I needed her to understand every part of me belonged to her.
Zoe moaned when our tongues thrashed wildly in a mating dance. My body responded instinctually to hers as she melded into mine. The irresistible need to claim Zoe dominated my common sense. I needed to be inside her—to let her know I was hers now and always. My hand skated up her silky thigh followed by my lips that left a trail of butterfly kisses up toward her lacy panties. I pulled her close and spread her thighs wide, caressing her clit through the thin fabric. I relished the heat of her arousal. Each stroke on my part deepened the flush on her face. I watched as she fell apart under my touch. I slipped her panties off and slid my tongue back and forth along her clit. A little moan escaped her lips when I nipped and sucked on her bud, making her head thrash back and forth, fanning out her auburn tresses. Zoe parted her legs wider, surrendering herself to me completely. I positioned my hands over her hips to keep her in place and at the mercy of my lascivious tongue.
“Ki,” Zoe groaned.
“Don’t hold back, angel. Come for me,” I whispered as I lapped up her sweet juices.
Her eyes closed. I pressed my mouth against hers to muffle the sounds of her orgasm when she shouted my name.
“I want you to taste yourself off my lips,” I murmured as I kissed the hollow of her neck then claimed her lips again.
As much as I want to slip myself inside her, I willed my dick into submission and just lay quietly next to her. Exhaustion took over, and I tucked Zoe against me and drifted off to sleep.
Zoe
I was snoozing when I sensed his quiet presence. My heartbeat increased and my chest expanded with stilted, rapid breaths. I’d been out of my mind, speaking to Ki the way I did before they took me away in the ambulance. Despite my words, he had come for me. Granted, not one of my finer moments. I couldn’t shut Ki out of my life any more than stop the sun from shining each morning. Despite our past, he was here fighting for me—for us. Our love knew no bounds. It was infinite and never-ending. I was done with carrying the past around like a weight ready to drown me at any moment.
“Angel,” he nibbled my neck.
I rolled over and we were face to face on the small hospital bed. His eyes were half-lidded and laden with sleep. I ran my hand over the dark stubble along his firm jawline. He playfully nipped my finger then sucked on it, mesmerizing me. His other hand slid up my thigh under my hospital gown. I gasped when his finger glided along my clit, arousing my juices—wet and ready for him to claim me.
“Ki, are you going to finish what you started last night?”
Before he could reply, I unfastened his fly and pulled out his already hard cock. My finger traced over the velvety tip that glistened with precum. Ki hissed at my contact. I leaned down and slowly licked the evidence of his ejaculate while gently cupping his heavy balls and giving his hardness several strokes. He leaned back and closed his eyes, savoring my touch.
“Holy fuck, Zo, your tongue is magical.”
I smiled as my tongue moved up and down his length, licking him like a lollipop. I drew him into my mouth, all the way to the back of my throat, fighting my gag reflex. I was intent on dragging this out. My lips sucked and nipped him tip to root while my hand pumped him. His hand was in my hair and urged me on as my mouth consumed his length like the delicious meal it was. I watched Ki, who was lost in the moment enjoying my lips and hands on his gorgeous dick.
“If you don’t stop, I’m going to come, angel.” His voice
was thick with desire. His lust turned me on.
Before I knew what was happening, Ki pulled me on top of him. I balanced my hands on his shoulders, aligned my core with his tip, and slowly sank down onto him. His eyes held mine as we became one. He gently thrusted up, filling me completely. I shut my eyes and arched my back, enjoying Ki’s slow and languid movements controlling each drive and thrust with precision, reaching the spot that propelled me to another plane. He knew my body so well when he gripped my hips, fusing his body to mine. His lips latched onto my erect nipple, sucking and biting until I could barely hold on longer.
“Oh god, Ki…”
I opened my eyes and saw the chorded muscles in his neck protruding from the exertion as sweat rolled off his brow.
“Come with me, my angel.” His voice strained when he thrusted two more times into me.
“Ahh.” A garbled sound lodged deep in my throat.
I existed on some plane between pleasure and pain. Stars burst before my eyes as the storm built inside me and wrapped me in a euphoric haze. Ki pulsed furiously inside of me, filling me as he chased his own orgasm. The intensity faded away, leaving us panting and breathless. Ki was still inside of me and I rested my head on his chest. His heartbeat was frantic yet slowing as he wrapped his arms around me. I never wanted to leave the comfort of his arms.
“I missed this,” I whispered against his chest and placed a kiss above his heart.
“That’s good because I’m never letting you go.” Ki kissed my temple.
Someone tested the door handle, only to find it locked. My senses jumped to high alert again. The magic spell was broken, and reality intruded on our little world.
“Why can’t they leave us alone?” I sighed.
A voice called through the door. “Excuse me. Please unlock this door. I need to check on my patient.”
“Just a minute,” Ki replied.
We quickly adjusted our clothing. Ki opened the door to allow the nurse in. She gave me a pointed look. My cheeks warmed. Oops.
“I see you dislodged your IV.” She went about reattaching it while Ki chuckled at my embarrassment. I glared at him over the nurse’s shoulder. He then gave me a wink. I cursed him under my breath.
“Did you say something?” The nurse frowned. The lanyard around her neck swung in my face when she tucked the blankets in around me like a mother hen.
“Nope.”
Nurse Ratchet looked over at Ki. “Visiting hours are from eight to five, Mr. Connery. It is only six am.”
It was my turn to snicker. Ki cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment. “Miss Simmons wanted an autograph. I couldn’t refuse an ailing fan, now could I?”
I did an eyeroll. Did he really think she would buy that crap?
“Visiting hours for ailing fans are still eight to five.” Nurse Ratchet didn’t budge, raking her disapproval over him. She checked my vitals and entered everything into the computer. “The doctor will be in later before you are discharged,” she said over her shoulder and left the room.
“You embarrassed me, Killian Connery.” I chucked my pillow at him, which he deflected easily.
“I’ll show you embarrassing, Miss Simmons.”
Ki locked the door and embarrassed me all over again. I loved every minute. For a little while, we held the world at bay.
Chapter 9
Ki
I sat and stared out the window overlooking downtown San Jose. The setting sun cast a fireball glow across the scenic skyline. It had been a few days since Zoe came home from the hospital and we had fallen into a routine like we’d never been apart. Yet, so much had changed. We both knew she couldn’t return to the townhome as long as it was considered a crime scene. I had been ditching practice without a single word from Coach Burrell or Jed Simmons. Burrell never allowed anyone to slide on his watch. Zoe must’ve had something to do with getting me off the hook from practice since it’s a bye week for the team. My downtime came at the perfect time. Right now, I couldn’t give a shit. My only concern was Zoe. I had the two things I craved most in my life—Zoe, and some peace. I knew our little bubble wasn’t going to last long since life would encroach on our time eventually. I wouldn’t change a thing about our time together, however. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
Zoe was sound asleep in my bedroom. I fought a grin at her exhaustion. Since coming home from the hospital, we had fucked each other in every room and on every surface in the place. I’d need to alert my cleaning service to do some extra scrubbing on their next scheduled visit. For now, I would sit and enjoy my sated body and mind. I heaved a sigh of contentment.
Zoe’s phone buzzed. I got up and looked at the display. It was Bryan Benson, the detective from the Santa Clara Sherriff’s Department.
I hit the green icon and answered the call. “Ki Connery.”
“Mr. Connery, it’s Detective Benson. Sorry to interrupt, but I have some news.”
Damn.
Detective Benson was the liaison between us and the FBI. We’d been receiving periodic updates about the investigation over the last week. Nothing major had turned up so far. His tone today set my nerves on edge, however. I regretted answering the call.
“Spit it out, detective,” I said between clenched teeth.
“The FBI retrieved a device from Miss Simmons’s home which they believe might be associated with the kidnapping.”
“I don’t understand. What type of device?”
“Someone planted a micro camera on the premises.”
What?! Some sick fuck had been spying on my angel. I felt a dark pit in my stomach. “What did this device look like?” I pinched the bridge of my nose, willing the headache that began to throb to go away.
“A ceramic angel,” Benson said. “I’m glad you answered the call because I needed to speak with you. During my investigation, I spoke briefly with Miss Simmons and she indicated you gave her the angel. She mentioned the figure alluded to a nickname of hers and that it was some keepsake you sent her. Is that true, Mr. Connery?”
His implication was clear enough. Benson and his buddies considered me a prime suspect in the investigation. Of course, they knew better than to accuse a top hockey player and media figure outright. Thoughts whirled in my head a million miles a minute. Jesus, I needed my lawyer before I opened my mouth and incriminated myself. I was royally fucked. The worst part of this entire conversation was that Zoe had fucking sold me out like some two-bit criminal and didn’t mention one thing to me about this angel Benson was going on about. I’d never seen the damned thing. Were the kidnapping and angel even related? Either way, this painted me in a very bad light.
“I’m not sure how to respond to any of this. I should consult with my lawyer before answering any more questions.”
Benson could probably sense the dread in my voice, and I wasn’t doing my image any favors by lawyering up, but there was no chance in hell I was going to jail over some damn figurine.
“They’ve sent it off to their forensics lab for evaluation. It’s just a matter of days before they get the results. Meanwhile, the Bureau would like to interview you and get a statement. When can you meet with agent Bond?”
“Bond? Are you fucking kidding me right now?”
“Listen, Connery. I know you think you’re some sort of bigshot, but we can do this the hard way. You know, public arrest. Full-blown media coverage. The works. It’s your call,” Benson snapped.
“How much time do I have?”
“The Bureau is willing to give you until nine a.m. tomorrow to surrender yourself. I suggest you get your affairs in order, Mr. Connery.”
Surrender myself? What the fuck? How did this conversation go from an update to me being their number one suspect?
“Is that a threat, detective Benson?” I grounded out.
“Just stating a fact, Mr. Connery. Remember, nine a.m. sharp at the federal building on First Street, 11th floor. Don’t be late.”
As Benson hung up, I flung the phone into the nearest wall. It smash
ed, sending debris everywhere. I scrubbed my hands through my hair in frustration. What the fuck is happening?
“Ki, what’s wrong?”
Zoe’s voice snapped me out of my shock. She was standing in my bedroom doorway wearing an oversized shirt that just barely reached above her knees. Sensing my mood, she stayed rooted to the ground. The look on her face pierced me wide open. She seemed genuinely concerned. Did she even realize what she had done to me? Despite my anger, my cock twitched at her mere presence. Her long legs poked out from my shirt. They were practically begging me to have her wrap them around my waist and fuck her brains out against the wall. My mind and body were at odds with each other, and I couldn’t shut down even if I tried.
“It seems I’m expected to report to the FBI tomorrow at nine sharp with my lawyer. Benson’s words not mine.”
Her eyes went wide. “I don’t understand.”
“It means I’m a fucking suspect, no thanks to you.”
Unexpected anger flared within me. Zoe flinched. I’d never lost my temper with her before. But unlike past events, I wasn’t under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as I was now. Anxiety’s grip tightened, flooding my veins like poison.
I glared at Zoe and watched as tears filled her terror-stricken eyes which only hours before had been shining with love for me. Some irrational fear welled up in me. I felt possessed and helpless at the same time. I needed so much right now. I needed to call my lawyer, I needed an explanation from Zoe, and I needed to figure out what the hell I was going to do. I still couldn’t believe she had betrayed me. And even though we’re both standing only a few feet apart, it might as well have been miles.
Adrenalin and fear fueled my restless energy as I began pacing back and forth like a caged animal. I wanted to escape this place and Zoe. But where would I go? I had to report to the goddamned Feds first thing in the morning, and I realized I still hadn’t contacted Sid Sogolow, my shark of a lawyer. Granted, he was a sports lawyer though he had done a six-year stint as an attorney with a stellar record for the Santa Clara District Attorney. He often bitched he hadn’t been making enough money to keep criminals from serving time. Did I mention he was also a greedy bastard too? He earned a hefty portion of my salary to get me the best negotiated contracts in the entire National Hockey League. The man could do circles around the Otters’ franchise lawyers. Compared to Sid, they looked like a bunch of amateurs. Many were fooled by his diminutive stature, only to have their hearts carved out and eaten in front of them. Sid was that brutal and that effective. He was just the one I needed in my corner to have the FBI back off.
On Ice, A Hockey Romance Page 8