Iron Cross: The Dartmouth Cobras #6 (36 page)

She stripped. Turned the shower on and stepped under the spray. Mistress liked her nails clean. But she couldn’t seem to get the crusty blood out from under them. And there must be some on her face. On her body.

She could smell the blood. And taste the gunpowder. God! It saturated every inch of her. No wonder, since Pepper had been on top of her when she’d killed him.

Killed him
…

She turned down the cold so the heat from the shower sliced at her. Her tears went down the drain with the steamy water and the soap she’d covered herself with. A hand on her shoulder made her jump. Her eyes widened as Mistress stepped under the spray with her, lips thin as she adjusted the temperature.

“You told us you were fine. You weren’t.” Chicklet smoothed the wet strands of hair from Laura’s cheeks. “Do you know what that means?”

I do. Or I hope I do
. Laura chewed on her bottom lip. “You’ll punish me?”

Chicklet sighed, cupping Laura’s jaw in one hand and studying her face. “You need it, don’t you?”

“If it pleases—”

“Do. Not. Complete that sentence unless you intend to piss me off.” Chicklet’s fingers dug into her flesh with bruising pressure. “Do you need it?”

Only one answer. Two words. “Yes, Mistress.”

Chicklet’s lips twitched in a soft, approving smile. “Good girl.” Her small breasts rose and fell as she rolled her toned shoulders. “Wash my hair, then go to the backyard. Quickly, since it’s still cold and you’ll be in nothing but a towel. Fetch me a nice switch and I’ll take care of you.”

Laura nodded, then picked up the shampoo that smelled like all things fresh and green, with a touch of mint that tingled her senses. She lost herself to washing her Mistress’s hair, stepping out of the shower moments later to hold out a towel. She was calm when she left the steamy room and crossed the hall and the kitchen to go out back. But the laughter, the laughter of the men stopped her short. Tyler had his friends over. More boys to invade their home and act like fools.

She ground her teeth and strode out, not willing to let him stop her from obeying her Mistress. Hers, not his. He was messy, rowdy, and stupid. As she tore a limb from a small tree in the yard, her lips twitched into a crooked smile. Maybe she could go in there and “accidentally” hit him with the switch. In his cute little face. Really hard.

No. Mistress will be angry if you ruin her toy
.

Laura nodded. Very true. He was only a toy. Mistress made that clear by letting him off his leash to run wild all the time. She wouldn’t if she really loved him. Like she loved Laura.

And he’ll be gone soon
.

Biting her bottom lip, Laura hurried back up the stairs, hoping the guilt didn’t show on her face. Mistress wouldn’t be happy if she found out how hard Laura was working to make sure Tyler would be out of both their lives before long.

But she never needed to know.

* * * *

Chicklet stood in the hall, watching Tyler sprawled out on the floor, half his attention on Luke’s phone where they were watching a clip of Luke’s puppy pawing at the fridge until he got it open. Scott was in the kitchen, cooking something that smelled delicious. Raif sat on the floor to one side of Tyler, idly playing with his curls while studying her face, likely trying to decide how he could help her with the latest dilemma.

She’d texted Raif to let him know she and Laura were on their way home. He’d mentioned some “unpleasantness” from last night and told her Luke and Scott were over. She’d hoped that would be enough to distract Tyler, but she’d asked Raif to make sure Tyler didn’t run right to Laura and start fussing over her.

Tyler hadn’t moved when they came in, and Chicklet was glad she’d been able to get Laura right to the shower. But she could tell he was tense, his laughs were forced, and he needed to see for himself that Laura was okay.

She wanted to give that to him, but she wasn’t sure Laura
was
okay. She’d looked it until Chicklet had seen her in the shower, scrubbing like she’d never get clean. Giving her a task had gotten through to her, but she couldn’t let Laura hide in the sub zone forever. But now wasn’t the time to force the issue. Laura was looking to Chicklet to keep her whole. There would be therapy and a whole lot of shit to go through before Laura could manage on her own.

Until then…fuck, Chicklet felt like she was juggling all the pieces of her life as they continued to fall apart. They were all up in the air, and she couldn’t tell which piece she’d have to catch next.

The back door dragged open. Closed softly. Laura came to her side.

Raif rose from the floor, glancing at Chicklet before he approached Laura. His tone was soft, soothing as he lifted a wet strand of hair from Laura’s shoulder. “You look well. I was hoping we could see you before we are away for two weeks. I look forward to letting you know how the game went.”

“Game” not games. Chicklet did her best not to react, since she wasn’t supposed to know they were discussing anything other than the Cobras’ play on the ice.

The passive expression Laura’d had fixed on her face from the moment she’d stepped out of the shower shifted a little. Her lips curved slightly and her eyes lit up. “I am well, Sir. And you know we’ll be cheering for you.”

“I should hope so.” He met Chicklet’s eyes as he stroked Laura’s lips with his fingers. “Should I expect a reward if
we
succeed?”

Damn you.
Chicklet ground her teeth and dropped her gaze as she saw Laura nod. She was tempted to take the switch and give it to Raif, only she had no delusions that he was enjoying himself. He was letting Chicklet see for herself how determined Laura was to follow through with her plan to get rid of Tyler. As messed up as Laura was, her main goal hadn’t shifted.

This was Chicklet’s household.
Her
subs. She lifted her head and put her hand on the back of Laura’s neck, her lips curving as she brought her girl closer to the Dom she’d let into their lives. “Kisses to our boys, pet. For luck.”

Raif pressed a soft kiss to Laura’s lips. Then stepped aside as Chicklet beckoned Tyler forward.

Tyler swallowed hard, smoothing Laura’s hair away from her face, taking a deep breath as though he needed a few seconds to let it sink in that she really was alive and well. His kiss was so tender Chicklet wanted to pull him away from Raif and Laura and put him somewhere where no one could ever hurt him. Laura being in a bad place now didn’t make what she’d done okay.

There was no way she could use the switch on Laura, not with how angry she was. But she’d already decided on a much better way to punish her girl. A way that would satisfy Chicklet and leave its mark in the long run.

She waited for Tyler to back up before tightening her grip on Laura’s neck. “All of them, sweetness. We’re on a play-off run. This win is
very
important, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Mistress.” Laura wet her lips. She understood what Chicklet wanted, but Luke was still on the floor, playing with his phone, completely oblivious.

Making a mental note to call Ramos and give him a brief explanation without revealing too much, Chicklet used the voice she knew would not only bring Luke to his feet, but have Scott in here to see what was going on. “I’m not accustomed to being ignored, boy.”

Luke dropped his phone and scrambled to his feet. He blinked at Chicklet as though she’d shouted at him in some alien language. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Scott approaching.

She gave Luke a big smile, baring her teeth enough to make sure he wouldn’t argue with her. “Laura wants to give you a kiss for luck. I think you should thank her.”

Laura stiffened. “Mistress—”

“Hush, pet.” Chicklet crooked a finger at Luke when he looked over at Tyler, who was frowning. “Come, boy, you had no issue kissing my other sub and I hadn’t offered him.”

Cheeks red, Luke took a step forward, then back, staring at his socked feet. “I didn’t know you were mad about that.”

“I won’t be if you do as I ask.”

He nodded and inhaled roughly before kissing Laura. The boy did nothing halfway, she had to give him that. His kiss was long and deep, and she was thankful that Scott had been there when he’d kissed Tyler. Who knew how far it would have gone otherwise. Laura let out a soft sound of need as Luke pulled away.

Now for the difficult one. Chicklet arched a brow at Scott.

He shook his head. “No. I don’t know what the fuck you’re doing, but count me out. I didn’t kiss Tyler.” He stared at Luke, retreating to the door, grabbing his shoes without putting them on. “I don’t owe you shit.”

After he was gone, Luke mumbled some excuse and quickly followed. Chicklet had a feeling she’d gone too far, but she couldn’t find it in her to care. She released Laura, instructing her to wait in the bedroom. Then she fisted Tyler’s hair in her hands, kissing him until she was sure she’d bruised both their lips. She had to let him go. Had to trust Raif to make sure he remained untouched by the lies and manipulation. But first she had to make sure he had no doubt this was where he belonged. Where he’d
always
belong.

“I love you so much.” She released his hair, laughing as she ran her hands over it. “Fuck, you trimmed it. How did I miss that?”

“You had a lot going on with your dad. It’s okay, Chicklet.”

“Play your heart out, angel. I won’t miss a single game. And I expect to hear from you every morning.” She buried her face in his hair, relaxing as she felt the strength in the arms he wrapped around her waist. She may call him “boy” during scenes, but he was a man. Her man. “Don’t fucking change. Don’t get in too much trouble, but get in a little.” She smirked at Raif. “I’ll be disappointed if you don’t drive him a little crazy.”

Tyler snorted, casting Raif a sideways glance. “I will be on my
best
behavior.”

She inclined her head and winked at Raif. “Consider yourself warned.”

The men decided they might as well get ready for the trip, and both said goodbye, Raif lingering after Tyler brought their bags to the car to whisper in her ear, “Don’t forget—I’m not the enemy.”

The reminder shouldn’t be necessary, but it was. And she felt herself relax a little as she let it sink in. He’d been there at every turn, for her, for Tyler. Even for Laura. She didn’t always like what he had to say, but he’d kept the playing field level.

What better reward than to make sure he was still having fun? She nipped his ear and chuckled. “A video, Raif. That’s all I ask.”

He smirked and nodded as he backed out the front door. “Consider it done.”

Things weren’t good, but they were better. She took her time going to the bedroom, discarding her towel before she climbed into the bed as though she didn’t notice Laura, kneeling on the floor with the switch held out in offering.

A punishment might help Laura get past some of the things haunting her, but in giving it to her, Chicklet was handing over control. Letting Laura call the shots. And they’d both had quite enough of that.

“Come to bed, Laura.” She saw Laura stiffen when she used her name, but she refused to let it sway her. If Laura loved Chicklet so much that she’d do anything to have her alone, she’d get her wish. Maybe only for a little while, but not on her terms. Laura would get the woman she’d claimed to love, or she’d get nothing at all.

Laura came to the bed, still holding the thin branch in her hand.

“Drop the switch.” Chicklet held up the blanket and waited for Laura to join her. “I don’t need it after all.”

R
aif took a long shower after the short practice, the burn in his muscles and the cool water raining down on him almost enough to distract him from Tyler, who was humming and washing his hair only a few feet away. He grinned as he recognized the song, even before Carter started singing ”I’ll make a man out of you!”

A few of the men with children laughed and joined in. Apparently, going along with any song that Tyler had in his head would be a new team tradition, though Raif had a feeling they would still play “Son of a Preacher Man” before the games. And after if they won.

Every single player was important to the team, and they meshed well on the ice most of the time, despite personal issues, but Tyler was the first rookie to come up who had really made a difference. He could be a handful, and his bursts of energy could leave others scrambling to catch up, but when he was on his game, he was unstoppable. Raif was a legend in his own right for his skill, but he had a feeling Tyler would surpass him before long.

Which made him the team’s golden boy, but that wasn’t what Raif saw when he looked at him. He saw a young man who looked at his Mistress as though she could walk on water. Whose smile could erase every troubling thought from Raif’s mind. Who loved so deeply he only saw Laura as a strong woman who needed him to keep things light and carefree when she came home from a job that could kill her.

He saw the best in everyone and forgave far too quickly. When Tyler left the shower, Raif followed him, well aware that there was still some tension between his boy and their starting goalie. But after watching Bower pull Carter aside, speaking to him seriously, then laughing when Carter hugged him, Tyler went right over and hugged them both.

Raif didn’t get too close because he didn’t want to intrude, but he smiled as Bower sat on the bench in front of his stall and gave both young men a sheepish grin. “I was a complete jerk. I guess, being a daddy and thinking of my little girl with a guy like you… Luke, I wouldn’t need to hurt him, you’d do it for me.”

“If Amia met a guy like me?” Luke snorted. “Hell yes! But I’d leave you a piece of him, just on principle.”

“I should apologize to Scott. He’s my brother now, you know? I’m lucky to be here today because Becky could have killed me last night. And I don’t blame her. I didn’t know shit, and I shouldn’t have run my mouth.” His eyes narrowed as he spotted someone through the crowd of men moving around the locker room. “Luke, Dean might not ever say yes, but I’m cool with having you as a stepson-in-law. Or whatever you want to call it. You’ll take good care of Jami. But my
official
‘brother-in-law’ better watch his back.”

Zach had just walked in, and apparently what Tyler had shared in Richter’s home wasn’t a secret anymore. The players had suspected something before, but now that they’d had “confirmation,” they completely shunned Zach. Thankfully, half the team was either still on the ice or had opted out of the optional practice, because the coaching staff wouldn’t tolerate another scene in the locker room. Raif sighed as Zach came over to him, nodding as Zach jerked his chin toward the equipment room. He was well aware that Tyler was watching him, but he would explain things to his boy later. Raif still considered Zach a friend, despite—or maybe
because
of—their past. And Zach needed all the friends he still had.

“I know I shouldn’t ask you this, but—”

Raif held up his hand and shut the door. “How bad is the mess you’ve made for yourself? They do not know you, but I do. And it’s not another man.”

“Not exactly—”

“Not at all. You need my help, and I will do what I can. But do not lie to me.” Raif put his hands on Zach’s shoulders and shook him, not sure how else to get through to him. “The fucking team is turning on you. You’re losing Scott, and soon you’ll lose Becky as well. What could be worth all that?”

“I’m doing whatever it takes to keep my family safe.” Zach
’s eyes were bloodshot, and he appeared absolutely beaten down by exhaustion from whatever he was hiding. “Damn it, Raif, you say you know me? Don’t you think I would tell them if I could?”

“Then tell me!”

The door swung open. Zach rubbed his eyes, moving fast as Becky spun away from him. “It’s not—damn it, Becky, please listen to me!”

“Listen to you? I have to come here to fucking
find
you! And I think the only reason Sloan let me in here was because everyone’s fed up with your bullshit!” She looked from side to side, fixing on a nearby water bottle. She threw it at Zach. A roll of tape followed. “You were with him last night, weren’t you? You’re not even bothering to hide it anymore!”

The next thing Becky had in her hand was a goalie stick, courtesy of Hunt, not her brother. Bower had wisely decided to stay out of it.

Raif stepped forward, snatching the stick from her before she could hit Zach with it. “We had things to discuss. I asked Zach to meet with me because of what came up last night. I apologize for keeping him out so long.”

Callahan took Becky’s arm, gently drawing her aside. “Come finish this in my office, Becky. Just you and Pearce.”

She nodded and soon she and Zach were out of sight, though her raised voice could be heard from time to time. Raif went over the little Zach had told him as he sat at his stall in only a towel, not looking up as he felt Tyler’s presence. He’d made his choice to stand by Zach, and that might have just cost him his relationship with his boy.

The assistant coach cleared his throat, and this time Raif looked up. “The GM would like a moment of your time.”

Wonderful.
Raif inclined his head and quickly dressed. He finally looked over at Tyler as the young man stood, surprising him by squeezing his arm and giving him a bracing smile. “You’re
Raif Zovko.
The Midas. He won’t keep you out of the lineup, but he might yell at you a bit. It’s no fun, but not too scary so long as he ain’t got a whip on him.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Raif wasn’t terribly concerned that Richter would beat him, but he didn’t share Tyler’s perspective on his value with the team. Richter might very well decide Raif was the cause of too many rifts between the players. But Tyler’s faith made the whole situation that much more bearable. Though he didn’t understand why Tyler hadn’t turned on him like the others. “With what I said, why—”

Tyler folded his arms over his chest. “You were with me last night.”

A few of the men glanced over. Tyler didn’t speak quietly. Even Callahan’s eyes narrowed as though he was trying to figure out what to believe.

“Perhaps I slipped out while you were sleeping.” Raif gave Tyler a pointed look. “You shouldn’t drink so much.”

Rolling his eyes, Tyler went to his stall to fill his sports bag. “Sure. That must be it. Every guy on this team knows I’m a light sleeper, so you might want to think up a new story before you go see the boss man. Me? I’m hoping we can leave all this shit here, because if we don’t win most of our road games, we better hope for some luck in the draft lottery.” Tyler smiled pleasantly at the players in the room. “That man right there is my fucking hero. If he’s lying for Pearce, there’s a damn good reason. Either believe that or give them the fucking respect they’ve earned as your teammates.” He took a deep breath. “And that’s my speech for the day. See you all on the bus.”

“Wait up, kid.” Luke walked by Raif, winking and punching his shoulder. “If Richter hasn’t killed me yet, you’ll make it out of there alive. Tell him you like his tie. That usually puts him in a good mood.”

Hunt followed them without giving Raif more than a nod, but it was enough. He received a few more pieces of advice on how to get through the meeting with the GM. Callahan was the last to approach him, his tone very different from when he’d informed Raif about the meeting.

“I wouldn’t want to be in your place, but I think I get it. Be as honest as you can with Richter.” Callahan’s lips thinned as Becky left his office. Without Zach. “And for fuck’s sakes, tell Pearce to get his shit together.”

The equipment manager took Raif’s bag after he’d packed it, and Raif quickly made his way to the elevators to go up to the office level. On a Monday morning the offices were all full, and people walked briskly down the hall, hardly acknowledging him as they passed. To one side he heard raised voices and saw all three Delgado siblings in a heated discussion in Ford’s office. He turned to rap his knuckles on Richter’s door and couldn’t help overhearing their conversation as he waited for the GM to answer.

“Silver, you cannot bet your promotions budget on the team making the playoff.” Oriana sounded like she was tired of the conversation. “Ford, you can’t take the bet. You’re supposed to be rooting for our boys.”

“I am. Next year will be great. Silver doesn’t get that we’re in the
building
stages. Keane won’t approve a big play-off budget when we’ve got less than a twenty percent chance of making it.” Ford’s words slowed, as though he was speaking to a stubborn child. “Stop sulking,
princess
. You know I’m right.”

“Don’t call me princess, jerk.” Silver snapped. “Landon can—”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. He can carry the whole team. He’s on fire. And in his spare time he leaps from tall buildings and rescues small children. Let me know when you come back to reality to hang out with the rest of us. Next year—”

“The season’s not over! Ugh, I love you, Ford, but I’m going to hurt you!”

Ford laughed. “Yep, that will send them on a winning streak. Hey, why don’t you stop shaving your legs until they clinch a spot? Could be lucky.”

“How about we change the bet, since you’re so convinced they won’t make it?” Silver’s tone became sly, as though she was certain he’d back down. “If they make the
playoff this year, you have to sing at my wedding this summer.”

“Deal.” Ford said, and Raif couldn’t help but glance over at Ford’s next words. “Silly girl, I would have done it anyway if you’d asked.”

The two hugged and Raif looked away, heat rising up the back of his neck as he faced Richter, who stood in the open doorway. Richter waved him inside without comment, then motioned for Raif to take a seat as he settled in behind his desk.

“This has always been a family team, Mr. Zovko, but not as close as it is now. I consider the people you just saw my family, along with several of the players. Winning games is important, but it’s what we have left when we don’t that really matters.” Richter folded his hands in front of him on the desk. He was a handsome man, always well put together in suits much like the dark gray one he wore now, his dark brown hair neatly styled, his face clean-shaven.
It wasn’t difficult to see why some of the younger players would be intimidated by him. The disappointment in his hazel eyes would nail Tyler to the floor. But Raif simply gave the man his full attention as he continued. “Your play is impressive, but I think we can both agree you haven’t made much of an effort to become a part of this team. In fact, many of your actions have almost guaranteed you never will be.”

“My actions…” Raif nodded slowly, looking up at the ceiling, wondering if now was a good time to ask for divine guidance. Perhaps he should take Callahan’s advice, but first he had to know if Richter wasn’t referring to something else he’d done that he wasn’t even aware of. “You mean Zach—Pearce.”

“He’s a married man, Mr. Zovko. And you are aware he’s in a committed relationship with one of your teammates?”

“I am.” Raif braced his hands on his knees, leaning forward. “I’m not having an affair with Zach.”

“That’s not what it seemed like when Mr. Vanek brought the situation up in my home. Not even twenty minutes ago, my sister-in-law confronted you in the locker room. If you’re not having an affair with him, you’re certainly making little effort to defend your ‘innocence.’” Richter laid his hands, palms up, on the desk. “The last thing I want to start discussing while we’re still on a play-off run is a trade, but unless you explain yourself to me, I’m left with little choice in the matter. I’m not sure you’re more of an asset than a hindrance to us at this point.”

Raif inclined his head. The drama in the locker room was unacceptable. He knew this. But he wasn’t sure he could do anything to avoid it. Zach thought he was protecting his family and…and maybe it was time he wasn’t forced to do so alone. “Zach trusts me, so I’m not sure whether I should be sharing this, but it’s gone beyond keeping secrets for my friend. He told me he’s protecting his family. It’s serious enough that he’s willing to hurt them to do so. He’d rather they believe he’s with me than…wherever else he is going.”

Richter stood. “And you were willing to risk your own position with the team to cover for him?” He slammed his fist on the desk. “Damn it, what if he’s in danger? What if Becky or Scott—their daughter is six years old!”

Standing, Raif faced Richter across the desk. “I know that! Zach only began to tell me how serious it was today. I had thought he may be sick, or have money trouble somehow—” Which was ridiculous, Zach had always been careful with money. But hopefully, whatever the issue, Richter could find a way to see that Zach and his family were safe. That alone would make betraying Zach’s trust worth it. “Do what you want with me. If I can’t play, so be it. But he’s afraid for anyone to discover what he’s doing, and there has to be a reason.”

“I agree.” The way Richter regarded Raif changed, as though he was seeing a different man than he’d expected to. “You’re playing. And I think you’re good for Vanek, though I can’t say the team won’t collectively destroy you if you hurt him. They need a new center of gravity since—” His tone hitched, and Raif knew he was thinking of his brother. “The point is, I appreciate your honesty. I will increase team security and make sure Pearce doesn’t have to worry about his wife and his daughter during the road trip. But we will keep this quiet until we have a better understanding of what exactly is going on.”