The Pucking Wrong Man: A Hockey Romance (The Pucking Wrong Series Book 4)
Chapter 38

ONE MONTH LATER

The lights dimmed, and the hush of the audience settled over the theater. I took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. Rudolf stood beside me, his presence steady and reassuring.

Considering we’d had such a short time to practice together, I’d never been more confident in one of my partners.

I’d also never been more confident in myself.

The music began, soft and haunting, and we moved as one, our bodies perfectly in sync.

As the first notes filled the theater, I felt the music seep into my bones, guiding my every movement. Rudolf and I began with a series of graceful, sweeping steps, our feet gliding effortlessly across the stage. The connection between us was electric, every glance and touch filled with the story of Giselle and Albrecht.

Rudolf’s hand found mine, and he spun me out, our fingertips brushing as we separated. I twirled, my tutu fluttering around me like petals in the wind. As I came back to him, he lifted me high into the air, the spotlight catching the sparkles in my costume. For a moment, I felt like I was flying, weightless and free, suspended above the stage.

“Beautiful, Anastasia,” Rudolf whispered as he lowered me back to the ground, his voice filled with admiration.

Our bodies intertwined in a series of intricate lifts and turns. I could feel the energy of the audience, their rapt attention adding to the magic of the performance. Rudolf’s hands were strong and sure, guiding me through each lift with ease. The chemistry between us was undeniable, so different from how it had been with Dallon. Every movement was perfectly timed, every expression mirroring the emotions of our characters.

As the music swelled, Rudolf lifted me into a grand arabesque, my leg extending behind me as I balanced on his hand. The world outside the stage faded away, and all that existed was the dance. The emotions of Giselle poured through me—love, betrayal, forgiveness—each one expressed through the precise, elegant movements.

The final sequence was an arrangement of delicate, flowing steps that brought us closer together. Rudolf’s eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a surge of emotion. This was the essence of ballet—the silent communication, the unspoken connection that transcended words. My heart pounded in time with the music, every beat resonating in my chest.

When the final notes played, I struck the last pose, holding my breath, waiting for the audience’s response. No matter if Camden was the only one who clapped for me, I knew it was the best I had ever danced.

There was a beat of silence, and then the theater erupted into applause, the sound washing over me like a flood of warm water. I looked out into the crowd, searching for the one face that meant everything to me.

And then I found him.

Camden’s eyes were shining with pride, his smile wide, our friends seated all around him. He jumped to his feet, leading the standing ovation, and my heart felt like it might burst.

I hadn’t known it was possible to be this happy.

I turned to Rudolf, and he gave me a knowing nod. “You nailed it,” he said, grinning as he pushed his sweaty, dark-black hair out of his face.

As we took our bows, the applause grew even louder. The spotlight was blinding, but I soaked it in, the thrill of the performance still coursing through me. I felt amazing, alive, and utterly triumphant.

The curtain closed, and Rudolf and I left the stage so the crew could clear the props for the next Showcase performance.

“If you aren’t a principal in the next couple of months, that lady needs her head checked,” Rudolf muttered as Madame Leclerc gave us a nod that was as good as a “Bravo” coming from her.

I smiled at him, not really sure if that would happen. My leg was aching, and even though it was doing better than in the past, I had begun to accept it for what it was—I wasn’t sure my leg was capable of performing an entire ballet as the lead.

The realization had come, but I wasn’t as devastated as I would’ve been before. I’d found a new dream.

And his name was Camden James.

Camden stepped out from behind a curtain, his arms filled with the biggest bouquet of flowers I’d ever seen. I swooned for him, just like I always did, and the sight of him filled another hole inside of me.

It was the first time I’d ever received flowers from a loved one after a performance.

He pulled me into a kiss, the flowers pressing against me and filling my senses with their fragrance.

I preferred his scent much more.

He wrapped me in a tight hug, lifting me off my feet. “In awe of you, baby girl,” he murmured, his voice filled with emotion. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”

I held onto him, everything inside me beaming with happiness. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Camden straightened, his arms loosening around my waist. “Want to go see everyone? Geraldine even brought her card group so she could brag about knowing you.”

I huffed, pressing up on my tip toes, my face tipping to his ear. “Not quite. You know how…on edge you get after a game?” I whispered. “Where you can’t wait to tear my clothes off and fuck me…”

Camden stilled, his hand pressing down on my lower back. “Go on,” he urged, his voice suddenly rough.

“It seems ballerinas get that way too…Daddy.”

He growled, licking his bottom lip slowly, hunger in his gaze as I slowly stepped away.

“Anastasia…” he rasped.

I giggled as I tugged at his hand and he followed me with a sexy grin. We rushed past dancers and crew members, ducking down a hallway when we thought no one was looking, opening random doors as we tried to replace a place to go.

Perfect. A cleaning closet.

My heart was racing in excitement as we squished into the little room, stocked with shelves of cleaning supplies, mops and brooms stashed in the corners. Camden grabbed a cart and shoved it against the door. I wasn’t sure that would actually prevent anyone from coming in if they wanted to, though. I also didn’t care.

I needed him.

Camden stalked toward me, pushing me against the wall. A bottle skittered across the floor as he kicked it away.

The darkness heightened everything.

I’d said before that I didn’t like the dark, but I’d gladly be in the dark with him like this…any time. Even surrounded by the scent of cleaning supplies, I was able to let go and succumb to my body’s sensations as his mouth trailed down my neck.

His hand roamed over my breast through the thin leotard I had worn for the pas de deux as he bit down gently in the spot where my shoulder and my neck met.

I moaned, my thighs rubbing together, the seam of my tights straining against my clit, but not giving me what I needed. I wanted his hand, his fingers, his cock inside me. It was the only thing that was going to help satisfy my ache.

“Camden,” I whimpered.

“I know, baby girl,” he soothed. “I want to live inside you. It feels like my life is spent just waiting to fuck you.”

“Yes,” I gasped as he pulled at my top, sliding it past my shoulders and then my waist, grabbing my tutu and my tights so they were down too…until I was completely bared to the chilled air.

He left the tights gathered around my knees, though, so that it was difficult to move.

Camden’s finger slipped into my soaked core.

“Your cunt is so fucking wet, baby girl. I love this.” His finger was agonizingly slow as it thrust inside me, and my fingers dug into his shoulders, trying to spur him on.

I wanted to cry when he pulled his finger out, making a big show of licking it like it was the most delicious treat he’d ever tasted.

“I think I need more,” he growled into my ear.

Camden pushed me against the wall and dropped to his knees. Only then, did I remember how…sweaty I was. I tried to push him away, but he wasn’t having it, burying his face in my core, and breathing deeply.

My eyes squeezed shut as his mouth sealed over my clit, and then he parted my folds with his tongue, licking and sucking until my hips were fucking against his face. I forgot all about worrying, and just thought about how good he felt.

Hungry noises were spilling out of his glorious mouth, and I soaked them all in, my fingers threading through his hair as he jerked me closer.

Camden pushed two fingers in my core, curling them so he could hit that special spot inside of me. “Yes,” I moaned as he greedily sucked on my clit, his fingers pumping in and out, faster and faster.

I was blind with lust, not caring that anyone could come in. I just wanted him to keep eating me like this.

Fisting his hair, my orgasm built, my entire body beginning to convulse as I came all over his face.

Camden pushed his tongue into my slit, growling as he drank me in.

My head fell back against the wall, enjoying his leisurely licks through my folds as I came down from my pleasure.

It still wasn’t enough, though, not even close.

“Turn around,” he ordered, and a dark thrill ran down my spine at the greedy possession in his voice. “Hands on the wall. Arch your back.”

I liked this position, glancing back over my shoulder, he did too. He was staring at my bare ass in rapt wonderment.

“This fucking body,” he growled, his hands massaging my ass cheeks for a moment as he continued to stare.

Thwack! I whimpered as he suddenly spanked me before leaning over and soothing the sting with his tongue.

“You were a fucking goddess on the stage tonight,” he breathed against my skin. He straightened, his hands caressing my back. “I can’t believe your talent.”

A moment of doubt flashed inside me at his words. “You would love me without it, though, right?” I whispered as he pulled out his cock and rubbed it through my dripping folds. “Even if I didn’t dance.”

Camden abruptly thrust his cock inside me, and a low moan tore from my chest as he pushed and pushed until his hips were flush against my ass. He slid a hand to my throat, holding it possessively as he arched my back even more, until his lips could brush my ear.

“I would love you no matter what, baby girl,” he growled. “If I had to give up everything to have one day with you—one minute—I would do it. I worship the ground you walk on, not just for your beauty or your talent, but for you. The way you fixed something inside me the second I saw you. The way you complete me in a way I never could have imagined. I love the way you smile, the way you breathe…fucking everything. You own my soul, Anastasia. And if you decided to never dance again right this fucking second…none of that would change.”

His grip tightened on my throat, and a solitary tear slid down my face. Somehow, every day with him was better than the last.

“Do you trust me yet?” he rasped as he slowly slid his dick in and out, root to tip so I felt every single inch of him. “I know I have this body now, but do I have all of this perfect fucking heart?”

He thrust in hard, catching me off guard with the sudden change in rhythm.

“Do I, baby girl?”

My breathing turned ragged and harsh as his hips slammed against mine in earnest. “I own this body, but you own all of me. Everything I do, I do for you, Anastasia. So tell me, please,” he growled, “do I own you too?”

The dark room was filled with the sounds of flesh smacking together. My hips pushed back at him, wanting everything he was willing to give me. His words were like drugs, spreading pleasure through my veins.

His hand tightened on my throat, and I came, my core tightening around his cock, sparks of ecstasy shooting across my skin.

“Answer me,” he rumbled over my hoarse cries.

“Yes, yes, you own me, every part of me,” I gasped.

“Forever?” He thrust hard, one, two more times, and then his low groan filled the room as his cock pulsed inside me, pumping his warm cum into my desperate pussy.

“Forever.” I sank back against him, content for him to hold me up. I’d just put up the performance of a lifetime and then gotten fucked against a wall—my legs, especially my injured one, could use a break.

“I love you,” Camden whispered, and we both moaned as he slowly pulled out of me.

I immediately felt empty without him. I felt the same way that he did, like I lived for the moments he was inside me.

His hand was still around my throat. Camden’s fingers slid through my folds, pushing the cum back inside that had begun to drip out of me.

I soaked in his leisurely movements; the feral edge I’d had, finally sated. I barely moved when he slid his fingers over my asshole, using our combined essence to push inside with just his fingertip.

“I’m going to take this next, baby girl,” he murmured, slowly fucking in and out. “Are you ready for that?”

“Yes, Daddy,” I gasped, a smile spreading across my face at his answering groan.

He gave me another orgasm, this time with his finger in my ass and his lips devouring my breasts. Then he flipped on the lights to make sure my costume was put back into place and my hair was smoothed before we walked out of the closet hand in hand.

Our friends were waiting for us in the lobby, and I swore they all gave us identical grins when we walked in.

“Well, well, well, Anastasia’s performance ended thirty minutes ago. A lot to handle backstage?” Ari hummed, his eyebrows wagging up and down.

I went to make an excuse, but Camden beat me to it. “We were celebrating,” he answered, completely unapologetic. My whole body flushed red as the group burst into laughter.

“You were amazing!” Olivia’s voice said from somewhere. Blake lifted up her phone, showing Olivia and Walker on FaceTime with baby Isabella. “I was crying the entire time!” she squealed.

Walker pressed a kiss against the side of her head. “She’s stopped crying all the time, so that actually is a big deal,” he commented fondly.

I grinned at them, choked up that they cared enough to watch even with the new baby.

Everyone came up to congratulate me.

And they all had flowers.

“Radiuses,” Camden sternly reminded Ari when he stepped up to hug me. He backed up dramatically, his hands up in front of him.

My eyes were shiny as I stared at the new family Camden had given me—by themselves, more than I could have ever dreamed.

Together, though, they seemed like a miracle.

Camden’s arms slid around me, and he buried his face against my neck. “Are you happy, baby girl?” he murmured, his lips caressing my skin.

It was amazing how much I wanted him, even though I’d just had him.

I had a feeling it was always going to be like this. A never-ending desire for Camden James.

I’d laid on that cot all those months ago, night after night, and wondered if life was always going to be like that. If all I would ever know was struggle. I didn’t know when all of me would believe my new life was real.

“How’s your leg?” Camden asked, his arms stroking up and down my back as the elevator began its ascent to the penthouse.

“Pretty good,” I murmured lazily, enjoying the feel of his hands. I’d definitely need to ice my leg before falling asleep, but for now I was okay. “I think I’m ready to get into bed, though.”

“I’m hoping you can wait up for just a little longer,” he said, an edge to his voice as the elevator doors dinged and then opened. I glanced up at his face, but a flickering light caught my attention from inside.

Peering curiously into the penthouse, I gasped, my breath catching in my throat.

The living room was bathed in a warm, golden glow. Candles were set up all over, their flames dancing and flickering from every surface.

Pictures of Camden and me adorned the walls and tables everywhere, capturing months of laughter, love, and the most extreme happiness that was possible.

“Camden?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

I turned to look at him, and he was down on one knee, a small velvet box in his hand. My heart stopped as I stared down at him.

“Anastasia,” he began, his voice soft but filled with emotion. “From the moment I saw you, I knew my life would never be the same. You are the reason I breathe. You’re inside me, I can’t even remember what life was like without you. I can’t live without you.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I struggled to keep my breathing steady. I took a step forward, and then another, eventually falling to my knees in front of where he was kneeling. Because I just wanted to be wherever he was.

He opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled in the candlelight. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to make you happy every single day. Marry me, baby girl.”

“It sounds like you’re telling me to marry you, rather than asking me, Camden James,” I said with a hitched laugh because I was feeling so much.

He grinned, and the sight of it took my breath away. “That’s because the only acceptable answer is yes.”

I was crying then, my body wracked with happy sobs as I stared up at him. “You know you’re completely wrong for me,” I whispered.

He wrinkled his brow, immediately beginning to protest, and I silenced him with a kiss before pulling back.

“But only because I was completely wrong for you…until you made everything right. You’re my hero. Perfectly imperfect. You say you’re obsessed with me, Camden. But I’m obsessed with you right back. All of you.”

“So, I’m assuming that’s a yes,” he growled, rubbing his nose cutely against mine.

“Yes, Camden. Yes, a thousand times, yes.”

He slipped the ring onto my finger, and I threw my arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. He stood, lifting me off my feet, and spun me around as we both laughed through our tears.

“I love you so much,” I whispered into his ear, my voice choked with emotion.

“I guarantee I love you more,” he replied, setting me down gently and pressing his forehead against mine. “I am now the happiest man in the world.”

That was the key, wasn’t it?

Apparently, that was what I’d been missing all those years.

I’d been doing my best to replace my own happiness, and I’d been failing miserably.

I’d tried to do everything right, on my own, thinking it would give me results.

I thought when Camden James came swooping in, that it wasn’t going to work.

I’d been so sure he was all wrong for my disaster of a life.

Evidently, what I’d been missing…

A possessive, intense, overwhelming NHL star willing to battle all my demons in whatever way was necessary.

The pucking wrong man…turned out to be the right one.