Page 94 of Dangerous Play

“It’s good. I started with the strengthening program Liam recommended for the core and some calf exercises, and they’ve been a game changer. I feel so much more powerful when running now, and I’m improving my speed. Like on the days I have short runs, I need to run quite fast miles, and it’s getting better.”

“You look incredible,” Brooklyn remarked from the sofa where she was chilling. My body was indeed changing, becoming leaner with even longer limbs, and the Titans helped me witha meal plan too, to make sure I fueled appropriately. They’ve been a great support, like my little friend group, if I ignored the fact that I only knew them because of Max. “Liam will be happy his PT expertise can finally be put to good use because I hate working out.”

“Unless it’s sex,” Nova added, but immediately shot an apologetic look toward me.

“Trust me,” I sighed. “I’d much rather do sex as cross-cardio than cycling.”

“You can always do that,” Rosie offered. “One-night stands and rebounds are a thing.”

“You should listen to the freshman,” Brooklyn pointed at Rosie with a grin. “They know best.”

I let out a surprised laugh and shook my head. “I’m not too good at this whole sex-without-attachments thing. I get attached. You know... I couldn’t even fake date a guy without attachments.”

“This is good,” Nova grinned at me. “You are making self-deprecating jokes. You are getting better.”

My laughter bubbled out of me in full force, and I had to cover my mouth. The girls all exchanged a look, and they seemed pleased that they managed to make me laugh. It was definitely a first, but as I doubled over to let out all of the laughter stuck in my lungs, I felt like the ache in my chest eased a bit.

Even if it was momentary.

February slowly turned into March, and as April started blooming, I began finding my footing and my place in life again. I settled into a somewhat working routine that didn’t only consist of stalking Max and everything he was doing; instead, I focused on perfecting my skills, looking up potential summer jobs, and exploring start-ups. I wanted to do something withvideo games as those were my passion, but I also enjoyed marketing, so I was searching for a fusion.

The Titan girls became my core group, and despite Max not being present, I was still invited to all the outings. I watched Max’s TikToks on repeat that he only posted whenever there was a sponsor. He was growing comfortable in his skin and really ready to sell himself as a professional who knew how to capitalize not just on his soccer skills but brand himself.

Other than them, I made a point of spending time with Avery and trying to build a friendship with her and her friends, but it wasn’t that easy. We just didn’t mesh outside of school talk well, and it filled me with great sadness every time we hung out. I desperately wanted to fit into Westpoint, but I found myself at Hillview every chance I got. It was time for me to face the fact that maybe I should make the transfer or just accept the fact that I liked the people at Hillview more. There was no shame in that.

I was getting ready to go out to a party the soccer team was having and potentially see Max for the first time since our official breakup. I picked out a short green satin mini dress that complimented my eyes, and Nova said I looked very “fuckable” in it. If I had to see Max, I wanted to give him something to think about when he leaves the next time.

Picking up my phone and ID, I noticed a missed call and a text message light it up. Swiping, I saw that Max was the source of both notifications.

His message was short, yet a thousand emotions awoke in me from reading it.

Max

Can I come over?

I hovered over his message, thinking to reply that I was heading to the party or to allow him to come over so we could have the privacy to talk and hear whatever he had to say.

But a knock interrupted my thinking, and I found myself smiling.

I didn’t think why he needed permission when he knew where I was staying, and if he wanted to see me, he would just come.

I opened the door wide, without thinking, and paired it with a similarly wide smile. “Welcome back!”

“Thank you?” Ander arched his brow as he stared at me.

My hand dropped from the door, and I crossed my arms. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk to you, if you are free for a second. I can tell you are going out.”

My eyes narrowed at him as I studied his sad-looking face and the way he blinked up at me. He was a master manipulator, I knew that, but he did look sad. Or was it my imagination playing with me?

“Can I come in?” He pointed at my room. “Unless you are waiting for someone else.”

My gaze dropped to my phone, remembering I hadn’t texted Max back, and I shook my head. “Not expecting anyone... come in.”

I cursed myself the moment he dropped down onto the empty bed opposite mine and blinked up at me with his brown puppy eyes. His eyes were the same shade as Max’s, but they lacked depth and honesty.

“What is it?” I rushed him to say what he needed so I could get going. It was a bad idea inviting him in.

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