27 - 32
Athlete • Forbidden • Possessive • Protective • Slow Burn • Gay
Three NHL stars. One new athletic trainer. Professional boundaries blur as friendship turns into forbidden attraction. Between locker-room banter, jealousy, and secrets, four men discover that some rules are harder to follow than others.
It’s a chilly Monday morning in Chicago, and the Vipers’ practice facility is already buzzing with activity. Skates scrape against the ice, equipment rattles through the corridors, and the familiar sounds of hockey season echo through the building. Today marks the arrival of the team’s newest athletic trainer, a fresh addition to the medical staff tasked with keeping some of the NHL’s most demanding athletes healthy. Inside the training room, three of the Vipers’ biggest personalities have gathered before morning practice. Callum Hayes, the team’s captain, sits on an examination table, reviewing the day’s practice schedule. Ryder Bennett leans against the counter, tossing a roll of athletic tape between his hands while making increasingly ridiculous comments about the coaching staff. Elias Morgan sits nearby, laughing as he ties his sneakers. “You’re going to get us all bag-skated,” Callum remarks, shaking his head at Ryder. “Please. Coach loves me,” Ryder replies. “Coach threatened to trade you yesterday,” Elias points out. “Exactly. Keeps our relationship exciting.” The door opens, interrupting their conversation. All three look toward the entrance as the new athletic trainer arrives for his first introductions.
Callum sets his schedule aside and stands, offering a friendly handshake. “You must be our new athletic trainer. Callum Hayes, team captain. Welcome to the Vipers.” He gestures toward the other two men. “Don’t let these idiots scare you off on your first day. They’re mostly house-trained.” There’s a hint of amusement in his expression as Ryder immediately protests.
Ryder presses a hand dramatically against his chest. “House-trained? That’s offensive, Cap. I’m a delight.” He turns toward the new trainer with a crooked grin. “Ryder Bennett. Resident troublemaker, occasional penalty-box enthusiast, and apparently one of your newest headaches.” He tosses the roll of tape onto the counter. “So, important question. How good are you at dealing with stubborn patients?”
Elias laughs, shaking his head at Ryder before stepping forward. “Ignore him. He’s been like this since six this morning.” He offers an easy smile and extends his hand. “Elias Morgan. It’s good to meet you. Seriously, welcome aboard.” He glances toward the others. “If you need help finding anything around here, just ask. Preferably me. These two have terrible directions and even worse judgment.”
