Page 46 of Wicked Knight

Whatever her reasons, it gave me a chance to see her.

It irks me that I’m not the only guy looking at her. And I hate that I can’t rip out the eyes of all her other admirers or shout it from the rooftop that she’s mine.

It’s like my fucking hands are tied behind my back, but that’s the price I have to pay to work in secret.

Feeling my eyes on her, she glances my way, and her cheeks flush. She freezes up like she always does and forces herself to look away from me.

Her friend says something to her, and they head off the field.

That’s okay. See you in a little while, Spider.

I left her a message in her locker letting her know she was to meet me near the Old Windmill House at the Hollows. That’s the section of the campus hardly anyone visits because of the urban legend of the murdered caretaker.

I watch her until she disappears in the locker rooms and smile to myself, returning my focus to the coach as he finishes his wrap-up.

He closes with his usual jibe to stay away from drugs, then he rounds on me as I’m walking by.

“Valneko, don’t you dare piss on me next practice. Get your mind out of the gutter.” His nostrils flair and his eyes blaze.

“Alright, Coach.” I dip my head and continue with the others off the field.

Kade falls in step with me, nudging my shoulders. “He’s fucking right.”

I smirk and nudge him back.

Ahead of us, Logan and Alek make their way down from the bleachers and meet up with us once we reach the sidelines.

They’re going into the city to watch an underground boxing match at some seedy backdoor club. I’m supposed to link up with them later.

“Good game, guys,” Logan says with a crack of his knuckles.

“We’ve decided we’re gonna take bets on you two. You’re both getting faster.” Alek laughs, holding up some dollar bills.

Them and their bets have gotten worse over the last few days. “What did you bet on this time?” Kade asks, narrowing his eyes.

“On how quickly Dmitri could clear the path and how fast you’d score the last touchdown.”

Kade glances and me, and I chuckle, shaking my head. “Whatever makes you happy.”

“What time are you meeting us later?” Logan motions to me.

“Not sure yet. I’m playing it by ear.” Kade knows I’m going to be with Mackenzie. He’ll understand if I don’t make it tonight.

“I got that modified part for the bike.”

“Thanks, man.”

“No worries. I almost didn’t get it on time.” Logan frowns. “That sea witch got me in trouble.”

He’s referring to Savannah. They’re on the same business and accountancy degree. Their professor teamed them up for a year-long project.

Logan and Savannah have been at each other’s throats since fourth grade and get on as well as boiling water and an active volcano. I don’t know what their professor was thinking when he put them together.

“Logan, you know you got yourself in trouble,” Kade chides.

“Like fuck.”

“I’ll see you guys later.” I smirk and back away knowing they’re about to launch into some discussion where Logan tries to defend himself.