Taming the flames

**Maddox's POV**

I never planned on going to Killian's hockey game. The thought of sitting there, watching him skate around the rink like he was still the same guy from two years ago, made me want to scream. But somehow, I found myself sitting in the bleachers that Friday night, surrounded by screaming fans and the relentless cold of the arena.

The crowd roared as the game started, and I pulled my jacket tighter around me, trying to focus on anything but Killian. But it was impossible. He was number 17, the one weaving through the other players with that natural ease that used to make me proud. Now, it just reminded me of how easy it had been for him to leave.

I told myself I was only here because I had some time to kill before my shift at the bar, but that was a lie. Something had pulled me here—maybe the same thing that had made me agree to meet him for coffee. Some sick part of me still wanted to see what would happen.

Killian was everywhere on the ice, cutting through defenders like they were standing still. The crowd cheered louder each time he made a play, and even I had to admit, he was good. Damn good. But I couldn't let myself get swept up in it. Not after everything.

By the time the game ended, I was on my feet, eager to escape before anyone noticed me. I had work to get to, and the last thing I wanted was for Killian to catch me here, like some puck bunny chasing after a player. I shoved my hands in my pockets and slipped out of the arena before the crowd could rush the exits.

---

Coyote Ugly was already packed when I got there, music blaring through the speakers, people crammed into every corner. I weaved through the crowd, finding my friend Jess behind the bar, shaking up some drinks.

"There she is," Jess grinned, sliding a cocktail to a customer before leaning in closer. "You look tense. Let me guess—Killian again?"

I rolled my eyes, tying my apron around my waist. "Don't even start."

She smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Whatever you say, babe. But you're not getting out of dancing tonight. We're putting on a show."

I groaned. Dancing was usually my favorite part of the night, the one time I got to let loose and not think about anything else. But tonight, after the game, the last thing I wanted was to be the center of attention.

Still, when Jess dragged me up onto the bar, I didn't resist. The crowd cheered as we climbed up, the familiar beat of the music pumping through the speakers. Jess wasted no time getting into the rhythm, her hips swaying, arms raised high as she moved to the beat. I followed suit, letting the music take over.

And then I saw them—Killian and his entire team walking through the door.

My heart dropped into my stomach, but I kept dancing, refusing to let him see how much his presence rattled me. He stood at the front, his teammates surrounding him, and for a second, our eyes met. His gaze was intense, like he was daring me to look away.

But I didn't.

Instead, I danced harder, letting my body move in ways I knew would draw their attention. Jess caught on and gave me a wicked grin before she grabbed a bottle of water and—without warning—poured it over me.

The cold shock of the water made me gasp, but the crowd loved it, their cheers growing louder as I moved to the front of the bar, completely soaked. I dropped down, lowering myself until my chest pressed against the bar, my hips raised, the music pulsing through my veins.

I glanced up, catching the wide-eyed stares of the guys in front of me, including Killian. They were mesmerized, and I smirked, my fingers trailing up one of their chins in a teasing motion before moving to the next. The power I felt in that moment—knowing I was driving them crazy—was intoxicating.

I pushed myself back up, flipping my hair over my shoulder, and turned my attention to Killian. His jaw was clenched, his eyes dark with something I hadn't seen in a long time. Desire. Frustration. Maybe both.

But I wasn't going to let him win this round. I danced with Jess like nothing else mattered, teasing the crowd, soaking in the attention. This was my world, and Killian was just another player trying to catch up.

When the song ended, I hopped down from the bar, heart still racing, body humming with adrenaline. Jess laughed, bumping her shoulder against mine. "You were on fire up there."

I shrugged, grabbing a towel to dry off. "Just doing my job."

But as I glanced over at Killian, still standing at the edge of the crowd, I knew it was more than that. This wasn't just about the job. This was about showing him that he didn't control me anymore. Not here. Not anywhere.

If he wanted to be part of my life again, he was going to have to work for it.