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A day late but at least we have an update this week. Now on with the chapter ...

Taking a Shot

Chapter 6

~OooOooO~

Thursday couldn't come quick enough. I was oddly excited about Bella being at the game. I was looking forward to playing my best tonight. I wanted Bella to see how good of a player I was. I was confident we could win against Florida.

Coach gave us the requisite pep talk in the locker room before the game-how Florida was good but we were better. We just needed to get the puck in the net and more points on the board.

As soon as my skates hit the ice the adrenaline pumped through my veins. It was the best high in the world to be a hockey player. Once the puck dropped, the game was on and it was a struggle to get possession of the puck.

Florida was playing tough, landing hard hits on our players, and it seemed one player was out to get me, but I had no idea why. I never had anything against Denali, but every time he found me on the ice my shoulder was connecting with the boards.

Midway through the first period Denali got a penalty for roughing and we were up on a power play. Giroux slid the puck across the ice to Schenn who was in the right circle and he one-timed it past Theodore for the first goal of the night.

The fans went wild when the red light lit up behind the net and I could picture Bella cheering along with them. Even though she said plenty of times she wasn't a hockey fan, Bella didn't need to be one to be a Flyers fan. As long as she cheered for my team I could care less if she liked hockey or not.

After a short pep talk from the coach during intermission and we were back on the ice. It didn't take long for us to put another point on the board early in the second period. The rookie, Read, slapped a shot past the goaltender putting us up two goals to none.

Florida didn't like losing and they started putting the hits on harder only to cause themselves more penalties. Hartnell scored on a breakaway putting us up three to nothing at the end of the second period.

With three minutes left in the game I had possession of the puck and was skating towards the net when I was slammed into the boards fighting to control the puck.

"You play like a pussy, Masen. Is that why you were traded to the Flyers?"

"Fuck you, Denali."

I gave him back everything he dished out but didn't let it deter me. I wasn't about to let him land me in the penalty box. I hustled past him going behind the net catching his surprise when I checked him in the boards taking possession of the puck once again.

With Denali hot on my heels I flicked my wrist passing the puck to Jasper as he took off toward the net. Jasper passed the puck to Jagr who fired a wicked slap shot putting us up four goals to none.

We won the game five to nothing giving Bryzgalov his second shutout of the season. After everyone slapped him on the back for a great win, I headed straight for the locker room and a fast shower. I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around Bella and kiss daylights out of her.

The game had been a brutal one and the warm water soothed my aching muscles. My thoughts kept drifting to Bella and I couldn't shower fast enough. I hoped she wasn't too worried about the hits I took. She knew hockey was a contact sport but it didn't make her any less afraid for me.

I quickly dried myself and dressed before I took a seat on the bench to put on my shoes. Jasper slapped a hand on my shoulder as he took the seat next to me.

"How're you feeling after all those hits you took?"

"A little sore. Nothing I couldn't handle."

"What the hell was Denali's problem tonight anyway?"

"I have no idea - never had a problem with the man before. It was like he was deliberately looking to start a fight with me."

"You must have done something to piss him off."

I gave him the finger. Jasper laughed. "We better go get the girls. I'm sure they're climbing the walls after that game."

"I'm sure."

We grabbed our bags and made our way out of the locker room. Jasper was stopped by some fans so I went in search of Bella. Just before turning the corner I caught the tail end of someone's conversation.

"Oh, this is rich coming from you. You're nothing but a cock tease."

I shook my head and rounded the corner prepared to see one of my teammates with any one of the puck bunnies who hung around, only to stop short at the sight before me. Bella's back was stiff and she looked uncomfortable as she stood before Garrett Denali. The same asshole who'd slammed me into the boards who knows how many times tonight.

I had no idea why Denali was talking to my Bella but I had a feeling I wouldn't like it. I sure as hell didn't like seeing her shaky and uncomfortable.

I put a protective arm around Bella's waist and pulled her close, kissing her head. I wanted her to feel safe and loved in my arms.

I tried to hide my dislike for this man as I said, "Everything okay here?"

"I see the rumors are true about you, Masen. Although I thought you'd have more class than to take another man's sloppy seconds."

"Excuse me?!" I sneered.

Bella rubbed on my chest trying to calm me. "It's okay, Edward. Let it go."

I looked down at Bella and saw hurt and guilt in those beautiful chocolate eyes but it wasn't enough to let this go.

"Oh didn't Bella tell you?" I looked up to see the shit eating grin on Garrett's face. "Bella and I used to fuck."

I stared daggers at him but apparently that didn't stop his little rant.

"I have to say Masen, you picked a nice piece of ass who's good in the sack. Bella really wasn't my type; just something to scratch the itch. If you know what I mean."

My hands curled into fists at his crude words. In that moment everything clicked into place. Garrett was the douche bag hockey player that had hurt my Bella; the same one who made Bella think all players were just like him.

Before I knew what was happening my fist connected with Garrett's nose. Blood trickled down his face.

"What the fuck, man?" Garrett gritted out as he threw a punch back at me.

I was ready for his retort and ducked before he could land it. Just as I was standing up, he rounded on me again. I landed another punch, this one to his mid-section. Once again it sent him crashing down to the ground.

"Stop it!" Bella cried. "Garrett! Enough!"

Garrett picked himself up and came at me in a rage. The only thing between us was Bella.

"Baby, get out of the way," I warned Bella. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"Edward … please, can we just go?"

I turned back to Garrett.

"Stay away from her. Don't even think about her. She's far too good for you and your whoring ways," I grumbled.

"This isn't over, Masen. When I'm done with you – you may have this bitch if you're lucky, but you won't have a career."

"Threatening my players won't win you any brownie points with the league either, Denali," Coach warned.

Garrett sneered and backed away, his hands balled into fists.

Coach turned to me. "You all right, Masen?"

I nodded.

"Good, take your girl home, she looks upset."

I turned to Bella who was wide eyed and shaking.

"Bella … baby?"

Bella looked at me like a scared kitten. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her to me.

"Bella … it's all right."

"Are you okay?" Bella asked, her hands roaming across my own before moving up to my face.

"I'm fine, Bella. I'm more worried about you."

We made our way to the car and I opened the door and helped her in.

Bella was quiet as we drove home and her movements were almost robotic as we walked into my apartment. We went straight to the bedroom – I couldn't wait to get out of my suit. Bella stood in front of the dresser taking off her watch. I stood behind her and ghosted my hands up her arms, resting them on her shoulders and gently massaging her stiff shoulders.

"Talk to me, baby," I whispered against her neck, kissing it lazily.

"He hurt me," Bella whispered.

"He can't do it again, Bella. I won't allow it."

"Promise?" Bella asked turning toward me.

"With everything that I have. He won't come near you again, Bella."

She nodded and melted further in my arms. I only caught the tail end of what Garrett was saying to her but I heard enough to know that it was something she never needed to hear. The beautiful woman in my arms needed comfort, love and reassurance. I held her tightly, allowing her to rest her head on my chest. It seemed like the sound of my breathing was helping her to relax.

After a few moments, Bella pulled away from me and looked up at me through her long lashes.

"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't even let you get changed."

I chuckled and pulled her back to my chest.

"It's okay, I have plenty of time."

I felt Bella's fingers working on unfastening the buttons on my shirt. Her touch was so gentle and reverent as she worked her way down to the waist of my slacks.

Bella looked beautiful – wearing skinny jeans that hugged every curve of her shapely legs and a thermal shirt with a Flyers shirt over it with my number on her back. I had a hard time putting into words how Bella wearing my number made me feel.

She worked her fingers under my shirt, pushing it off my shoulders and guiding it down my arms. When it fell to the floor, my hands found the warm curves of her hips before pulling Bella's shirts up and over her head. My lips found hers as she lowered the zipper of my pants and pushed them down my legs. My hands found the sweet curve of her ass and lifted her up. Bella instinctively wrapped her legs around my waist and I carried her over to the bed.

"I need you, Edward," Bella whimpered.

"I'm right here, baby, and I'm all yours," I reassured her.

The rest of our clothes fluttered to the floor and I found myself hovering over Bella. Her eyes were dark and needy. Once our kisses began, we were hard put to stop. Soft and sweet, slow and sloppy – spoke volumes as to how much we needed each other in that moment.

"Please?" Bella begged.

I slowly slid into her warmth and began to move above her. Quiet moans and soft whimpers filled the room as I slid my cock in and out of her warmth. The pace I set kept her wanting more as she dug her heels into my ass.

"Oh, Edward … Jesus … that feels so … ung."

"Does it?" I asked rhetorically.

Bella was so wet and felt so tight wrapped around my cock. I loved the feeling of being inside her – the feeling of being so completely consumed by her and everything we were.

"Shit, Bella … I'm gonna … come."

I thrust twice more before spilling violently inside the condom. I could feel Bella clench around me and she whimpered with her own release while holding onto me tightly.

"I love you, Edward," Bella whimpered, still shaking from the aftershocks of her orgasm.

"I love you too, baby." I whispered, kissing her softly.

I pulled out of her as gently as I could and disposed of the condom. Bella was curled up on her side facing away from me and I crawled in to bed behind her and pulled her to my chest. She hummed in contentment.

"Mmm … this is my favorite place in the whole world," Bella murmured as she burrowed into my chest, laying her head just above my heart.

For the moment, we were safe and happy in our little bubble – free from the drama of Garrett and the real world.

A/N: HUGE thanks to Evilnat for nominating Taking a Shot for Fic of the week at tehlemonadestand. Our story didn't win top 5 fics of the week but Kare831's story When You Least Expect did. You have to check it out!

Even though we haven't been responding to reviews doesn't mean we haven't read each and every one. We've been busy trying to get chapters to you so have slacked on review replys but we didn't think you'd mind.

Both Karen and I are going to the midnight show of BD2 tomorrow night. Who can't wait to see the move? What are your plans and when are you going? We'd love to hear how your celebrating the last movie in the Saga.

Last we are donating a new o/s to the Christmas Wishes Compilation as well as an Irishward outtake to the Hurricane Sandy compilation. Make sure to check out our blog for updates and teaser at twotwimoms . blogger . com