Dedication

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cocky rookie who’ll whisper dirty things in French while he worships your body…

and who’ll kneel under a desk to make you come on his tongue while your ex tries to win you back…

then Declan is waiting for you.

1. Declan

Chapter 1

Declan

Cars zip past in a blur as I weave between them in heavy traffic, maneuvering my motorcycle with practiced precision, so naturally and fluidly it’s like an extension of my limbs. My hair spills out from under my helmet and whips in the roaring wind, and in the distance, Denver’s beautiful mountain ranges claw over the horizon, their peaks bathed in golden afternoon light.

It’s nothing like what I’m used to in San Diego, but it’s rugged and beautiful in its own way.

A traffic light at an intersection ahead turns yellow, and as the car in front of me brakes, I dart out from behind it and give my bike a commanding blast of gas.

“Au revoir!” I bellow with my fist raised and soar through the light before it changes. There’s no way in hell I’m about to be late for my first day of practice with the Denver Aces—not after everything I’ve been through to get here.

On the other side of the light, I ease up on the gas and bark out a laugh as my heart hammers in my chest. Riding my bike is always a rush, but there’s something about the crisp air at this elevation that’s making me feel even giddier than usual. And when I crest a hill and see downtown Denver stretch out in front of me with its arena glinting like a crown jewel at the heart of the city, I feel like I’m flying.

It’s not the first time I’ve been here. I visited a few months ago to sign contracts and meet with the equipment manager to have my gear fitted, but this is the first time I’ll actually be hitting the ice with the rest of the team as an official member of the Aces. And I can’t stop grinning about it.

I finally fucking made it.

The thought makes a smile split my face as I pull into the designated parking area for the practice arena and kill the engine. I shove the kickstand down with my foot and pull my helmet off my head to shake my hair loose, then check it in the mirror. After running a hand through my dark locks to tame them a little, I lock my helmet to the back of the bike and stride purposefully toward the door with my gear bag strapped to my back.