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It was another boring night of socializing. Admittedly, Shane would rather be at home, completely wrapped up in everything that was Ilya. The quiet, the warmth, the way Ilya seemed to fill every space around him, it was infinitely better than this.
Only Hayden and Jackie (mostly Jackie, though she knew exactly how to make Hayden fold) had begged and pleaded for a double date. Supposedly, they wanted to get to know Ilya better. Or more accurately, they wanted to see how Shane was with Ilya around.
Which was how they somehow ended up at some random club.
The music was blaring, heavy bass pounding through the floor and up into his chest. The lights were too much, flashing and stuttering, cutting through the dark in sharp bursts that made his eyes ache. The air was thick with heat, sweat, perfume, and alcohol.
Up until now, Ilya had kept a hand on him at all times, his wrist, his hip, the small of his back, something steady, to keep him grounded. But Jackie had somehow managed to snatch Ilya away to the dance floor, laughing as she dragged him into the crowd. And Hayden had disappeared to make a call to their babysitter, hoping she could stay overnight since they’d both had far too much to drink to safely go home.
It gave Shane a small break from the chaos.
From the noise, the pressure, the constant awareness of eyes on them whispers and glances, their phones not even trying to be subtle as they were pointed in their direction.
Maybe it was the alcohol sitting warm in his veins. Or maybe it was the fact that being caught was no longer something to fear.
Shane felt a small smile pull at his lips. He and Ilya could hold hands. They could kiss. They could press up against each other without hesitation. It was so freeing, undeniably so, to finally be himself and love Ilya so openly, to let everyone see that Ilya was his.
He took another slow sip of his beer, the cold glass damp against his fingers, and watched Ilya and Jackie on the dance floor. It didn’t surprise him how easily they clicked.
“You’re Shane Hollander, right? Can I get a picture? My brother is a huge fan and wil freak when I tell him.”
The soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. Shane bit his tongue to stop a groan from slipping out. Before he could politely decline, he turned and paused.
Despite her soft voice, she was taller than he expected, with an athletic build that spoke of intense training. Her legs were long, toned, and sun-kissed. She wore a simple skirt and cropped shirt, the fabric hugging the natural curve of her body. What really caught him off guard was how much she looked like Ilya, just obviously feminine. Soft curly hair framed her face, hazel eyes bright, lips slightly pouty.
She gave him an awkward smile, taking a hesitant step back.
“Oh god, I’m sorry. You’ve probably taken so many pictures tonight. It’s okay. Sorry again.”
“No! Wait, I’m sorry,” Shane rushed out, straightening slightly. “I didn’t mean to space out like that. A picture is fine.”
She grinned, more confident now, and quickly snapped a photo.
“So… are you here alone? Didn’t think clubbing was your thing.” She slid into the seat beside him, cautious but curious.
Shane exhaled, trying to relax. “Uh, no. My husband and friend are just over there. Me and dancing… I can’t really do it. So I decided to stay here and keep my dignity.”
She giggled, signaling the bartender for a drink. “Really? You’re always so graceful on the ice. Kind of shocking you’re not off it too. Which is arguably easier.”
“Okay, first of all,” Shane said, rolling his eyes but chuckling anyway, “graceful isn’t a word I’d use for a hockey player. And second, random stranger, the music and flashes feel a little much sometimes.”
The confession slipped out easier than expected, considering he didn’t even know her name. But he was bored and a little tipsy.
“Oh! That’s right!” she said quickly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself. Danielle.”
She stuck her hand out, then pulled it back just as quickly.
“No, handshakes are stupid. I’m sorry. I’m just a little nervous.”
Maybe out of pity or amusement Shane reached over and shook her hand anyway.
“It’s fine. No need to be nervous. Nice to meet you.”
He turned his gaze back to the dance floor and immediately locked eyes with Ilya.
The shift was instant.
He could see it, the way Ilya’s expression changed just slightly. His eyes darkened, shadowed with the beginning of jealousy. Ilya is always so hot like this.
Shane turned back to Danielle.
“So, are you by yourself? Shouldn’t you be getting back to your friends?”
Danielle scoffed lightly, her attention dropping to the bar counter.
“Ah… I came here with my girlfriend. We got into this stupid fight, and now she’s disappeared. I know I should go find her, but—” She paused, then laughed awkwardly. “Actually, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this, random stranger.”
She downed her drink in seconds.
“Yeah, I’m here with some people, but I needed a break,” she added with a strained smile.
Shane bit his tongue. He didn’t really want to engage further but he remembered how much Ilya and Rose encouraged him to be less closed off.
“If you don’t want to talk, that’s fine,” he said. “But I think it’s okay you don’t want to find her right away. Gives you time to cool off. Have another drink, loosen up a bit, talking while you’re still annoyed won’t help.”
Danielle slumped slightly before giving him another teasing smile.
“I guess I should listen to the great Shane Hollander. Thanks for the advice.”
Before he could respond, Ilya and Jackie appeared in front of them all sweaty, flushed, and out of breath.
“Hayden still isn’t back yet!” Jackie said quickly. “I should go see if everything is okay.”
She gave a quick friendly nod to Danielle before rushing off.
Ilya immediately draped a protective arm around Shane’s shoulders, pulling him in close.
“And who is this?” he asked.
His tone was friendly enough but his body language screamed something else entirely.
Mine. Back off.
Shane smirked slightly. “Uh, new friend.”
Danielle hesitated, then spoke quickly, a little flustered but hopeful.
“Can I have your number? I know it’s dumb, and totally okay if you don’t want to but you seem really cool. And I really want to rub it in my brother’s face that we’re friends.”
Shane didn’t hesitate. He reached for her phone and typed in his number.
“Yeah. No, you’re cool too. Text me anytime.”
She smiled brightly before rushing off. Ilya immediately bit Shane’s ear, his grip tightening.
“You did not just give your number to some random.”
Shane chuckled lowly. “You encourage me to make friends. Why is this so bad?”
“She did it right in front of me,” Ilya muttered. “Like—who does that? She has to know we’re married, right?”
“Well,” Shane said, suppressing a laugh, “it didn’t exactly come up in conversation. And a few things actually. She just wants to be friends. I’m gay—”
Ilya cut him off with a hard kiss, stealing the rest of his breath.
“Okay,” Ilya murmured, voice dropping, “if you insist on keeping this friend, I want a proper introduction. So she knows you’re taken. And mine.”
Shane felt lightheaded, not just from the alcohol. From Ilya as well, who can pull him into this intoxicating ecstasy.
He stood before getting to carried away, pressing a softer kiss to Ilya’s curls.
“I’ll be right back. Order another round. Hopefully Hayden and Jackie come back soon.”
It wasn’t hard to find Danielle again. She was standing near the bathroom, furiously typing on her phone, her face scrunched with frustration.
“You good? Hope you’re not texting me like that,” Shane teased lightly.
She looked up startled, then slumped back against the wall.
“Oh—hey. And no. It’s Kira. She’s mad I didn’t chase after her and is refusing to come out of the bathroom stall. I didn’t want to make a scene in there, so I’m waiting out here.”
Shane gave a sympathetic smile.
“Yeah… that’s not fun. I can maybe help distract you? Want to mess with my husband?”
Danielle blinked, confused but nodded.
“Just tell me what to do. If I fold, just know it’s because I’m hoping my girlfriend sees and wants to take me home.”
She flushed slightly at the end, but Shane nodded, already pulling her along.
“Okay. I’m going to introduce you as Lily… and try to be a little flirty, if you’re comfortable with that.”
Danielle giggled. “Oh yeah, I can definitely do that.”
When they came back into view, Ilya stiffened immediately his eyes dropping to Danielle’s hand wrapped around Shane’s arm, their bodies pressed closer together as they moved through the crowd.
“Ilya… meet Lily.”
“Excuse me?” Ilya blinked. The introduction seeming to knock the air right from Ilya’s lungs.
Danielle slipped into the act effortlessly, going a little dreamy-eyed.
“Oh, nice to meet you! I just couldn’t help myself when I saw Shane and those freckles are definitely an attention catcher.”
Ilya immediately pulled Shane into his arms, hand firm at the small of his back.
“Yes,” he said smoothly, “I’m aware what a catch my husband is.”
Danielle didn’t back down. She grabbed Shane’s hands, looking up at him with a faint blush.
“I was just so lucky the best player in the league was friendly enough to talk to me. You’re even sweeter in person.”
Before Ilya could respond, Danielle was suddenly yanked backward into someone else’s arms.
A smaller woman. She’s more petite with long brown hair and sharp brown eyes.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” she hissed. Danielle shrank slightly. “Uh Darling. Not in front of people.”
“I don’t care! You don’t chase me, you leave me in the bathroom, and I find you flirting with two insanely hot guys? I know how slutty you get after a few drinks.”
Danielle’s posture softened completely, melting into her.
“Fuck off,” she muttered quietly. “I said not here. Shane, Ilya meet my lovely girlfriend, Kira.”
Kira froze slightly, realization hitting then stepped back sharply.
“You have five minutes to get us an Uber, to go home” she snapped. “Or find somewhere else to stay.”
She stormed off. Danielle exhaled, running a hand through her hair.
“And that’s my cue… Don’t worry, guys—I’m exactly where I want to be.”
She winked and hurried after her.
“You could’ve told me she was in a relationship,” Ilya muttered. “How did you manage to befriend a girl named Lily?”
Shane laughed, wrapping his arms around Ilya and pulling him into a kiss.
“Well, her name is actually Danielle… and you didn’t let me talk.”
Ilya grabbed Shane’s chin, forcing eye contact.
“You little tease,” he murmured. “You did that to mess with me? You know what’s going to happen when we get home, right?”
Shane shivered and nodded. He was more than okay with that.
By the time Hayden and Jackie came back, they were both frazzled and out of breath.
Ilya took one look at them and smirked. “Damn, Pike. Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Hayden flushed bright red. “Fuck off. Given how Shane looks, you’re not exactly subtle either.”
Jackie giggled, ordering another drink. “It’s fine. We weren’t even that long.”
“Yeah, no surprise there,” Ilya shot back. Which resulted in Hayden flipping Ilya off.
Shane shook his head, resting it against Ilya’s shoulder.
“I want to go home now,” he sighed.
Ilya laughed as he ordered another round.
“No. Just for your little trick, you can wait.”
Shane whined softly but didn’t argue.
Compared to other punishments he’d been given before… this one was definitely one of the nicer ones.