The arena had emptied out, leaving only the faint echo of footsteps and the buzz of fluorescent lights overhead. The smell of ice and sweat still clung to the air, sharp and cold. Ethan sat on the locker room bench, his hair damp, his gear half undone. The win should have felt clean, a high he could ride all night, but instead it buzzed in his chest like restless electricity.
A soft creak broke the silence. The side door nudged open, and Riley slipped inside, her hood pulled low, her boots barely making a sound on the concrete. She froze when she saw him, a quick smile tugging at her lips.
You’re still here,” she whispered.
Ethan blinked, then grinned, standing up. “You shouldn’t be. If anyone sees you.
She held up a hand, cutting him off. “Relax. They’re gone. Sam made sure of it.
He
