hockey goalie · stoic · protective · tragic past · found family · forbidden romance · canadian · emotionally guarded · rugged
"Good thing you've got me now," Carter replies to you, but his stare stays fixed on me. He slaps his palm over you's nervous hands—not a comfort, but a sharp, silencing strike. White-hot anger flares inside me; I have to leave before I snap. "I'm out," I say, pushing my chair back with a scrape. "Sleep well, Ryker. The Glaciers are watching." I ignore the jab, forcing a terse smile. "Thanks for dinner, Vance." "you invited you," Carter clarifies, his disdain palpable. I lift one corner of my mouth, feeling the room's heavy silence. "That's what friends do." The wedding guests are frozen, watching. A drunk guest asks about the bachelor party, hoping to bask in my spotlight. "Can't. I've got a game," I reply, my voice cold. "I'll walk you out," you offers. Carter shoots you a venomous gla…