Power Pucking Play (Chicago Blades)

29. Epilogue

Gio

Playing in the Stanley Cup finals? A breeze. Facing down the toughest enforcers in the league? Not a damn problem.

I'm even capable of surviving Lexi's attempts at cooking (barely).

But nothing—absolutely nothing—has ever made my heart race quite like this moment.

It's our wedding day. And I am marrying the most beautiful, stubborn, amazing woman in the world.

Our venue—the Chicago Botanic Garden—is in full bloom, just like the love that's filled my heart since the moment I met Lexi.

Cameras flash everywhere I look, capturing every detail of the event that's been dubbed the "hockey wedding of the century". Lexi rolled her eyes when she heard that, but I saw the secret smile she tried to hide.

The suit I’m wearing is custom-made, the tie perfectly straight. But not even the finest Italian fabric can cover up my nerves.

I adjust my bowtie for the hundredth time, catching my reflection in a nearby mirror.

For a former bad boy of the NHL, I've come a long way.

Not bad, De Luca. Not bad at all.

"Nervous, kid?"

I turn to see Sal Carmine, hockey legend and my personal hero, grinning at me. Even after a year of knowing him, it's still surreal to have him here, at my wedding.

"Me? Nervous?" I scoff, aiming for nonchalance. "Please. I eat pressure for breakfast."

Sal chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. "Sure, sure. That's why you're sweating through your tux, right?"

I glance down, horrified, but my suit is perfectly dry. Sal's laughter echoes through the room.

"Got you," he winks. "Relax, Gio. You've already won the hardest game of your life—getting that talented beautiful woman of yours to agree to marry you. The rest is just a victory lap."

I grin, releasing a short breath.

He's right, of course. I've already got the girl.

Everything else is just icing on the cake.

But as another camera flashes in my face, I feel a familiar restlessness creep in. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be marrying Lexi.

But all this pomp and circumstance? The constant scrutiny? It's not really our style.

What I wouldn't give for just five minutes alone with my soon-to-be wife...

And then, like she's read my mind—which, let's be honest, she probably has—my phone buzzes with a text from Lexi.

"Meet me in the east wing, third door on the left. Bring that cute butt of yours. ;)"

I grin, already heading for the door. "Sorry, Sal," I call over my shoulder. "Groom duties. See you in a bit.”

I hear him chuckle as I slip out, dodging well-wishers and cameras alike.

The east wing is quieter, the sounds of the wedding preparations fading as I make my way down the corridor.

And there it is.

Third door on the left.

I take a deep breath, straighten my jacket, and knock.

"Password?" Lexi's voice calls out, laughter evident in her tone.

"Seriously, Brookes? We're doing this now?"

"Hey, security is important. There could be paparazzi everywhere. Now come on. Password or no entry."

I rack my brain, trying to think of what she might have chosen. "Uh...slapshot?"

"Weak, De Luca. Try again."

"Pulitzer?"

"Now you're just guessing."

I lean my forehead against the door, chuckling. "All right, I give up. What's the password?"

There's a pause, and then: "I love you, you big idiot."

My heart swells. God, I love this woman. "I love you too, you flesh-eating journalist."

The door swings open, revealing a small room, with only a single chaise lounge and two chairs. A small table sits in between them, adorned with champagne flutes and strawberries.

And, in the middle of it, there she is.

Lexi. My Lexi.

Looking more beautiful than I've ever seen her.

Her wedding dress is covered with delicate lace accents, hugging her curves in all the right places. Her golden hair is swept up in some complicated updo that I'm sure took hours, but all I can focus on is the sparkle in her hazel eyes and the smile that lights up her entire face.

"Hi," she says softly.

"Hi yourself," I manage, suddenly feeling like that awestruck rookie who first saw her at my sister Gabi's birthday party all those years ago. "You look...wow."

Lexi laughs, pulling me into the room and shutting the door behind us. "Very articulate, Mr. De Luca. I can see why they pay you the big bucks to give post-game interviews."

I pull her close, breathing in the scent of her perfume. "Cut me some slack, Brookes. You've literally taken my breath away."

"Smooth talker. You clean up pretty nice yourself, you know."

"Yeah? Nice enough to maybe convince my almost-wife to engage in some pre-wedding shenanigans?"

Lexi smacks my chest lightly, but she's grinning. "Gio! We can't. The ceremony starts in less than an hour, and if we mess up our clothes or my hair, my stylist will actually murder us both."

"Not even a quickie? For good luck?"

She laughs, the sound music to my ears. "We're already risking our luck by having you see me in my wedding gown before the ceremony. And besides, I thought athletes were supposed to abstain before big events. You know, save your energy and all that."

I pull her closer, nuzzling her neck. "Pretty sure that's a myth. In fact, I've heard that pre-game activities can actually improve performance."

"Oh really? And where exactly did you hear that? The De Luca School of Made-Up Facts?"

I grin against her skin. "Hey, I'll have you know that's a very prestigious institution."

She tilts her head, giving me better access to that spot just below her ear that drives her crazy. "Gio," she breathes, her resolve clearly weakening. "We really shouldn't..."

"Probably not," I agree, trailing kisses along her jaw. "But when have we ever done what we should?"

Lexi laughs, then moans softly as I find that sweet spot.

I'm all smiles as I lift Lexi effortlessly, her squeal of surprise echoing in the room. "Gio! You're going to ruin me before I even get to the altar," she chides, but the sparkle in her eyes says she's anything but upset.

"You say it like it's a bad thing,” I tease, setting her down gently on the chaise lounge, her dress spilling around her like a white waterfall. "Consider it my wedding gift—a preview of your future."

She scoffs, but her laughter is infectious. "I don't remember this being on the registry."

"Special delivery, just for you," I reply, lifting her gown and exposing her smooth legs to the cool air. Her cheeks flush, and I drink in the sight as I drag her hips to the edge of the chaise.

"You're a dangerous man, Mr. De Luca," she murmurs, her voice low with anticipation.

"Just committed, Mrs. De Luca." My grin widens as I fall to my knees, eager to savor every moment, every taste.

I lean forward, my lips making contact with her glistening folds. And God, she smells so good.

I'm lost in the moment as I taste her, the sweet heat of her drawing me in deeper. Lexi’s body responds instantly, hips arching toward me, a needy whimper escaping her lips that drives me wild. My hands roam upward, finding her soft, perfect breasts, and I knead them gently, feeling the weight of them, the silk of her skin beneath her beaded cleavage.

"God, Gio," she moans, her hands gripping my hair, urging me closer. "You're so good."

I chuckle against her, the vibration making her gasp. "I'm just getting started, love." My lips wrap around her most sensitive parts, and I hear her sharp intake of breath.

The sound makes me harder than I thought possible.

"Hmm, I love how responsive you are," I murmur between licks, my tongue drawing soft, teasing circles. Her reflexive shivers are the only encouragement I need.

"Don't stop," she pleads, her voice breathy and seductive, and I have no intention of doing so. With every flick and caress of my tongue, I drive her higher, her body dancing beneath my hands like a live wire.

I revel in her taste, her sounds.

Fuck, the way this woman is utterly vulnerable and fierce all at once needs to be studied by science.

I feel the tremor in her thighs, the way her breath hitches, and I know she’s right on the brink. Reluctantly, I draw back, savoring her whimper of protest.

Rising to my feet, I quickly unbuckle my pants, my urgency spilling over as I shove down my boxer briefs to free my aching cock.

Her eyes follow my every move, filled with need and intensity.

Leaning over, I lift Lexi's legs effortlessly, draping them over my shoulders. Her skin is warm against me. I position myself at her entrance, feeling the heat radiate from her pussy.

"You ready for me, love?" I murmur, my voice rough, filled with grit. "I'm gonna make you feel so good, you'll forget your own name." I align myself with her, teasingly sliding the tip against her slick folds, watching as her eyes flutter shut, anticipation clearly etched on her beautiful features.

I thrust into Lexi, feeling the tight, wet heat of her enveloping me completely. It’s intoxicating, the way she clutches at me, like she can't get enough. My hands grip her thighs, keeping her steady as I plunge deeper, harder, seeking the point where her pleasure and mine merge into something raw and unstoppable.

"You’re so fucking perfect, Lexi," I grunt, each word punctuated by the rhythm of our bodies joining. Her soft moans transform into cries of pleasure, filling the room, resonating with the thud of my heartbeat.

"Tell me how good it feels," I demand, my voice a husky growl, pushing her with every thrust to the edge she's teetering on.

She gasps, responding with a fervor that spurs me on. We both lose ourselves completely, the world narrowing to just us, and the frantic, delicious friction between us.

I'm so hard inside Lexi, it's almost unbearable.

Each thrust is a battle against the urge to let go too soon, but the way she wraps around me, pulling me in deeper, is driving me to the brink.

“Baby, I'm not sure I can hold on much longer," I confess, my voice strained as I keep pounding her, the intensity building with every movement.

She meets my gaze, her eyes blazing with desire, and whispers, "Don't hold back, Gio. I want it all."

Her words are my undoing.

I surrender to the sensation, my climax crashing through me with raw, consuming power. Her body responds in kind, her wet walls clenching around me tightly as she cries out, her release following mine in perfect, breathless harmony.

I gently lower Lexi's legs back onto the edge of the chaise lounge, my touch tender.

Her peachy skin is flushed and glowing, a perfect contrast against the white of her wedding gown.

Carefully, I adjust the delicate fabric, smoothing over the wrinkles we’ve left behind in our heated moments.

Leaning down, I capture her lips in a soft, lingering kiss, savoring the sweetness that carries a hint of daring aftertaste.

I pull back slightly, my breath mingles with hers as I murmur with a sly grin. "I'm so tempted to take you again right now, to taste every last drop of us inside you."

My words are met with a sparkle in her eyes, reflecting the thrill of secret, intimacies that belong to us alone.

Maybe it's the wedding jitters, or the knowledge that in less than an hour, she'll officially be my wife.

Whatever it is, I never want this moment to end.

But of course, because the universe has a twisted sense of humor, that's exactly when there's a knock at the door.

"Lexi? Are you in there? We need to start getting you ready to walk down the aisle!”

We spring apart, both breathing heavily. Lexi's lipstick is smudged, and I'm pretty sure my hair is a mess, but I can't bring myself to care.

"Just a minute!" Lexi calls out, her voice only slightly shaky. She turns back to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Raincheck?"

I grin, pulling her in for one last quick kiss. "Absolutely. We've got a lifetime of rainchecks to cash in, Mrs. De Luca."

She beams at the name, and my heart does that funny little back flip it always does when I realize that this amazing woman is actually going to be my wife.

"I love you," I say softly, resting my forehead against hers. "You know that, right?"

Lexi's smile softens. "I love you too, you big sap. Now get out of here before they send a search party."

I steal one last kiss before slipping out of the room, narrowly avoiding Lexi's stylist who gives me a suspicious look. I just grin, straighten my tie, and head back to where Sal and the groomsmen are waiting.

As I rejoin the pre-wedding chaos, fielding questions from reporters and accepting congratulations from teammates and friends alike, I can't wipe the smile off my face.

In less than an hour, I'm going to marry the love of my life. The woman who challenges me, supports me, and loves me, flaws and all. The one person in this world who sees past the tough guy exterior to the man underneath.

And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life making her happy.