Gloves Off

1. Initial Antagonism Fuels a Marriage of Convenience

I cannot fucking stand Dr. Georgia Greene.

Mutual disdain. Alexei Volkov, a seasoned NHL defenseman, and Dr. Georgia Greene, the team's athlete recovery specialist, share an intense, mutual dislike. Alexei views Georgia as a superficial, spoiled brat, while Georgia sees Alexei as an arrogant, controlling "dick." Their interactions are characterized by sharp insults and thinly veiled contempt, a dynamic that paradoxically binds them.

Practical necessity. Despite their animosity, both find themselves in a bind that only a marriage of convenience can solve. Alexei, an immigrant, faces potential deportation if his Canadian citizenship isn't fast-tracked, a process significantly aided by marriage. Georgia needs to be married to access a substantial inheritance, which she intends to use to fund her groundbreaking athlete injury recovery program at the hospital.

Unlikely alliance. Driven by these urgent, self-serving needs, they reluctantly agree to a fake marriage. Their vows are a private exchange of mutual disinterest, setting the stage for a year-long charade. This arrangement, born of necessity and mutual antipathy, ironically forces them into an intimacy neither anticipated.

2. Public Scrutiny Forces a Performance of Love

I don’t love you and I never will.

A public spectacle. Their courthouse wedding is a minimalist affair, but the team throws a surprise reception, forcing Alexei and Georgia into the spotlight. They are compelled to perform as a happily married couple, enduring games like "Newlywed Trivia" and a first dance, which highlights their lack of genuine connection. This public performance, however, begins to subtly chip away at their carefully constructed emotional walls.

The infamous kiss. During the reception, a challenge to kiss leads to an unexpectedly intense moment. What starts as a performative act quickly becomes a charged encounter, leaving both stunned by the undeniable physical chemistry. This kiss, initially dismissed as a mere act, plants a seed of confusion and desire that neither can easily ignore.

Public perception. The team and media quickly embrace their "love story," with photos and comments circulating online. This external validation of their fake relationship creates a new layer of pressure, pushing them further into their roles and making it harder to maintain their emotional distance. The world believes they are in love, even if they don't.

3. Unveiling Hidden Depths and Challenging Assumptions

I thought I hated Dr. Georgia Greene, but I think I may have been very, very wrong.

Dismantling stereotypes. Living together forces Alexei to confront his preconceived notions about Georgia. He discovers her "boyfriends" are actually pet rabbits, and her "shopping addiction" is a facade. He learns she grew up with working-class parents, not the wealthy Greenes he assumed, and that her passion lies in her demanding career as an athlete recovery specialist and soccer coach for injured teens.

Alexei's hidden layers. Similarly, Georgia begins to see beyond Alexei's gruff exterior. She learns about his kind, working-class parents, his talent for cooking, and his deep-seated fear of retirement. His thoughtful gestures, like sending flowers with specific meanings or coaching her soccer team, reveal a softer, more caring side she never imagined.

Mutual respect. These revelations lead to a grudging respect, slowly eroding their initial animosity. Alexei apologizes for his past insults, acknowledging his misjudgment. This newfound understanding, born from shared living and unexpected vulnerability, lays the groundwork for a deeper connection.

4. Physical Tension Erupts, Blurring Boundaries

Best fuck of my life, I realize with alarm. That’s not good.

Unignorable chemistry. Despite their agreement to keep things platonic, the intense physical attraction between Alexei and Georgia becomes undeniable. A "hate-fuck" at a hospital benefit, fueled by jealousy and competitive banter, shatters their boundaries. The encounter is raw, passionate, and leaves both reeling from its unexpected intensity.

Sleepwalking intimacy. Georgia's stress-induced sleepwalking leads her to Alexei's bed multiple times, creating an intimate physical closeness that further complicates their relationship. Alexei, initially annoyed, finds himself enjoying her presence, experiencing the best sleep he's had in years. This unconscious intimacy deepens their bond, even as they try to deny it.

Playing with fire. Their interactions become a dangerous game of push and pull, filled with teasing, flirtation, and escalating sexual tension. Alexei's possessiveness, particularly regarding Georgia's "fuck-me heels" and other men, becomes evident. This constant dance of desire and denial pushes them closer to acknowledging their true feelings.

5. Confronting Past Traumas and Finding Shared Vulnerability

I’m not cut out for marriage. Maybe that’s why this is working so well.

Shared past hurts. During a candid conversation, Alexei and Georgia reveal their past relationship traumas. Alexei was left at the altar by his wealthy ex-fiancée, Emma, who deemed his family unsuitable. Georgia's controlling ex, Liam, unenrolled her from medical school, attempting to dictate her life. These experiences left both wary of marriage and commitment.

Understanding motivations. These revelations provide crucial context for their current behaviors. Alexei's initial judgment of Georgia stemmed from his painful experience with Emma, while Georgia's fierce independence and aversion to control were a direct result of Liam's manipulation. This shared vulnerability fosters empathy and a deeper understanding between them.

A new foundation. By acknowledging their past wounds, they begin to heal and build a new foundation for their relationship. They realize their "fake" marriage, free from the expectations and pressures of a traditional courtship, has allowed them to connect on a more authentic level. This honesty paves the way for genuine affection to grow.

6. Mutual Support Fosters Unexpected Affection

I’m not ready to retire but, I don’t want to be left with nothing when I do.

Career crossroads. Alexei grapples with the looming end of his hockey career, a prospect that fills him with dread. He confides in Georgia, expressing his fear of being "left with nothing" once hockey is gone. Georgia, understanding his passion, offers genuine support and guidance, helping him find new purpose in mentoring rookie Luca Walker.

Georgia's program. Alexei, in turn, becomes a staunch supporter of Georgia's athlete recovery program. He helps her coach soccer, organizes ice-skating sessions for the girls, and even makes a significant donation to secure its funding. His actions demonstrate a deep care for her passions, mirroring her support for his.

A growing bond. This mutual support extends beyond their careers, encompassing their personal lives. Alexei's parents embrace Georgia, and their friends witness the undeniable shift in their dynamic. They find comfort and joy in each other's company, realizing their lives are richer with the other in it.

7. Love's Confession Transforms a Fake Marriage

I love you, then. I want you. This is real for me, Georgia.

The breaking point. Alexei's severe concussion during a game shatters Georgia's composure. Witnessing him motionless on the ice, she realizes the depth of her feelings. Her frantic reaction and subsequent care for him make it clear that her emotional detachment is no longer sustainable. Alexei, seeing her distress, makes the difficult decision to retire from hockey.

A heartfelt admission. On Christmas Eve, with Alexei's citizenship approved and Georgia's inheritance secured, the practical reasons for their marriage dissolve. Yet, neither wants it to end. Alexei, having driven through a blizzard to be with her, confesses his love, revealing the true meaning behind his flower gifts. Georgia, overwhelmed by emotion, admits she loves him too.

A real commitment. Their confessions transform their fake marriage into a genuine commitment. They acknowledge their fears and the challenges ahead, particularly regarding Alexei's retirement and Georgia's career. However, they choose to face these obstacles together, promising to find solutions and build a life based on mutual love and trust.

8. A Future Forged in Trust and Shared Dreams

I am never letting her go. I’ll give her all the time and space she needs, but I will never give up on the woman I love.

Embracing intimacy. Their honeymoon in Silver Falls solidifies their bond, filled with passionate intimacy and shared moments. Alexei's tenderness and Georgia's willingness to explore new aspects of their sexuality deepen their connection. They discover a profound trust and pleasure in each other's company, realizing their compatibility extends far beyond their initial antagonism.

Symbolic gestures. At Rory and Hazel's wedding, Alexei gets a tattoo for Georgia, a permanent mark of his devotion. Georgia, in turn, considers changing her last name to Volkov, a significant shift from her previous aversion to marriage. These gestures symbolize their commitment to a shared future, moving past their individual fears and past traumas.

Building a life. They begin to openly discuss their future, including having children. Alexei expresses his desire for a family with Georgia, promising to be a supportive partner. Despite the challenges of balancing their demanding careers, they commit to building a life together, one where they are partners, equals, and deeply in love.

Last updated: September 2, 2025