Page 48 of Wicked Knight

“I needed to talk to you sooner. And I wanted to catch you before the groupies.”

A low chuckle falls from his lips, and he gives me a sidelong stare. “I don't have groupies.”

Now it's my turn to smile. “Yes, you do. You'll always have groupies, Dimitri Valneko. They'll come by the hundreds when you're pro.”

“Are you going to be one of them?”

My cheeks heat, and something like longing tingles in my heart. “You don’t need me to be a groupie.”

“Maybe I’ll need more than that from you when I join the Patriots.”

“The Patriots?”

He nods but keeps his gaze trained on me.

I hadn’t realized he’d already decided on a team, but it doesn’t surprise me. I’m also not surprised he picked the Patriots. They’re one of the best. I know he's had a hell of a lot of scouts fawning over him. He could have the pick of the bunch, just like he does when it comes to women.

“I’m happy for you.”

“I’m just being a cocky bastard. I haven’t been picked yet.”

“They’ll pick you.”

His tilts his head, and his gaze drops to my lips. “You sound sure.”

“Aren’t you?” I know he’s just humoring me and feigning humility. He’s always been sure of himself.

“I’ll make sure they pick me.” A sly smile slides across his lips. “So, why are we in here, Spider?”

“To talk about the contract.”

“We already spoke about that. There’s nothing more to say.”

“I’m worried your father will find out.” I swallow hard and press my palms into my skirt. “You know he’ll raise hell if he catches me with you.”

“I told you, you don’t answer to him.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Yes, it is.”

No, it’s not. I never left his radar ,and I don’t believe for one moment that he wouldn’t use his position to punish me.

The fact that Maxim looked at me with such disgust suggests he’s still harboring hatred toward me for the loss of his son. As if it was my fault. He’s the only person who blamed me—the victim. “I’m worried.”

“Clearly about the wrong things. Had I been anyone else, you wouldn’t dare ask me to release you.” His voice is a slow drawl, but there’s venom beneath it.

He’s right. “I wouldn’t have gotten myself into this situation if I’d known you’d be involved.”

“What a cruel joke of fate, then, because here you are. Involved with me.”

“Dmitri—”

“No. My answer is stillno.” He pulls his jersey from his pants. “This conversation is over.”

“Won’t you even consider it?”

“What the fuck for?”