登入The Seattle rain hit the windows of our private transport in steady, quiet rhythms as we drove up the winding mountain pass toward the compound.Ever since we left the Savoy in London, Rhys had shifted into a state of hyper-attentive, protective focus. He hadn't let go of my hand once on the nine-hour transatlantic flight. He had personally instructed his head of security to double the perimeter patrols at the mountain estate, and he had checked the climate control settings in the vehicle three times before we even left the tarmac at Sea-Tac airport.I sat beside him on the leather bench, wearing a soft cream knit sweater and dark trousers, looking at him with an amused, affectionate smile."Rhys," I said softly, squeezing his thick fingers. "I'm eight weeks pregnant, not made of spun glass."Rhys didn't relax his grip. He turned his head, his dark grey eyes scanning my face with intense, unyielding tenderness."You're carrying our baby, Sasha," Rhys rumbled, his voice low and g
The executive conference room on the top floor of the Savoy Hotel in London was silent. Thirty European club owners, league governors, and sports executives sat around the massive horseshoe mahogany table. Rain drummed steadily against the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames.At the head of the table sat Jean-Luc Moreau, flanked by four senior French and German delegates. Across from him sat Rhys and me, with Lars Vance positioned directly to our left."This emergency session of the European League Expansion Committee is now in order," the presiding commissioner announced, tapping his gavel. "The docket today focuses on Motion 12: The formal integration of the Vance-Keller Medical Institute across all new European expansion franchises."Moreau stood up from his leather chair, holding a thick leather folder. He wore a confident, self-satisfied smile as he looked around the room at his fellow board members."Gentlemen, before we take a vote," Moreau began smoothly, his
The private reception hall at the Hôtel de Crillon was filled with the heavy hitters of European sports governance. Jean-Luc Moreau had positioned himself in the center of the room, surrounded by three key presidents from the French and German hockey federations.As Rhys and I walked back into the main hall from the terrace, Moreau turned toward us, taking a slow sip of his drink before stepping directly into our path."Ah, Dr. Keller, Captain," Moreau said, his tone smooth but sharp. "My colleagues and I were just discussing the expansion proposal your institute submitted to the European board this morning."Rhys kept his arm steady around my waist, his posture calm and imposing. "I hope you found the terms clear, Moreau. Our integration model has already passed review in Zurich.""The terms are clear, Captain," Moreau replied, turning his gaze toward me. "What is unclear is why an independent medical firm believes it should have final veto authority over player contracts in European
The morning sun over Paris shined through the tall, arched windows of our hotel suite overlooking the Seine, painting the room in soft hues of rose and cream.I stood by the vanity mirror in a soft silk robe, humming quietly as I brushed my hair back into gentle waves. Through the reflection, I watched Rhys come out of the dressing room, adjusting the collar of his navy suit jacket.Even in a formal suit, he moved with the fluid grace of an athlete at the top of his game. But the moment his silver eyes met mine in the mirror, his sharp expression dissolved completely.He walked over, stopping right behind my chair. He placed his broad hands gently on my shoulders, leaning down to press a soft, warm kiss against the curve of my neck."You look beautiful this morning, Mrs. Keller," Rhys murmured, his voice low and rumbly against my skin.I smiled up at him through the mirror, resting my hand over his on my shoulder. "And you look very handsome, Captain. Though I think you're holdi
The Hallenstadion in Zurich was packed to capacity, a sea of navy, red, and silver jerseys filling the steep arena stands.Even though it was an international exhibition game between the Seattle Kraken and the Zurich Lions, the atmosphere felt like a playoff elimination match. The Swiss media had spent three days hyping the matchup, framing it as a clash between European tactical play and North American physical dominance.Behind the visitor bench, I stood in dark tailored trousers and a cream cashmere sweater, holding my diagnostic tablet.I wasn't barking orders or maintaining a rigid, icy posture. My shoulders were relaxed, and when Lars walked past with his clipboard, I offered him a soft, quiet smile."Heart rate metrics look stable across the first line, Lars," I said smoothly, leaning over to show him the telemetry graph. "Rhys’s quad loading is perfectly balanced on the left turn.""He’s playing like he's on a Sunday skate, Sasha," Lars chuckled, glancing over his should
The quiet luxury of our suite at the InterContinental was a welcome contrast to the roaring crowd in the ballroom below. Outside, rain tapped softly against the high glass balcony doors looking out over Lake Geneva. Inside, the only light came from the warm fireplace and the soft glow of my laptop on the desk. I kicked off my heels, letting out a long, quiet sigh as my toes sank into the plush cream carpet. I reached up and took out the pins holding my hair, letting dark waves spill down over my shoulders. "Feet hurting, doc?" Rhys walked out of the bedroom, having already stripped off his tuxedo jacket and bowtie. His crisp white dress shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up to his forearms. He looked relaxed, impossibly handsome, and completely focused on me. I smiled, sitting back on the edge of the plush velvet sofa and looking up at him with a soft, affectionate expression. "A little," I admitted softly, a gentle laugh escaping my lips. "Standing in four-i







