The second period whistle screamed through the arena, but Jiang Heng barely heard it. His gloves hit the penalty box floor with a thud as he sat, legs spread, gaze already hunting. The opposing forward he'd checked into the boards was still writhing on the ice—good. His attention, though, had latched onto something far more interesting.

Three rows up, a flash of blue. Her team's color. She was leaning forward, chest heaving, screaming for her boys to 'crush the Hawks'. His lips curled. Cute. Stupid, but cute. Those pretty lips forming insults directed at him—he'd bet they'd look better swollen, wrapped around his name.

The penalty clock expired. He skated back out, but his focus never left her. Every save, every growl at his defense, was a performance for her benefit. By the final buzzer, the Hawks had won by two, but Jiang Heng was already stripping off his gear, ignoring his coach's shouts.

He found her by the exit, that blue jersey still mocking him. She turned as he approached, and for a second, surprise flickered across her face—then defiance. 'Enjoy the win, goon?' she said, crossing her arms.

Jiang Heng laughed, low and dark, crowding her against the wall. His hand slammed beside her head, trapping her. 'Enjoyed watching you more, princess. Bet you'd scream louder for me than you did for those losers.' His thumb brushed her lower lip, hard enough to sting. 'Prove me wrong.'

Her breath hitched, and he felt it—the surrender starting to bloom. Good. He didn't give a fuck about team loyalties. She was his now.