Page 78 of Heart of Thorns

I shout back to her while staring at the opening on the field that I know Shadow Valley is seconds from running through, “I have a job to do.”

Unfortunately, this is just the beginning.

My throat is sandpaper.

It’s like I’m back on the ice with my team, screaming for us to get our shit together to win the game.

Shadow Valley is one field goal ahead of Wilder U, and the clock is ticking. One of the Wilder U players gets injured, and I take that as my opportunity to rush to the restroom before I head to the field with the pass that Thorne gave me.

“I’ll be back. I’m going pee,” I say to Lydia and Marley. “If the clock ends before I get back, I’ll see you later.”

Lydia squeezes my hand. “Good luck at dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Priss.”

I laugh and turn, heading in the opposite direction.

It takes me longer than most because of the soreness in my leg. Thorne has created an entire strengthening regimen that I follow to build the muscles along my legs to help support the pain in my knee. It’s working, even if my thigh feels strained from all the toning I’m doing.

I slip inside the restroom. There isn’t a line for once, so I finish my business in record time. After I run my fingers through my wavy hair and apply some lip gloss to prepare for a full-body examination from Thorne’s parents, I leave and rest along the chain link fence near security.

I show him my pass, and he nods, letting me stay near the opening of the field.

I find number thirteen right away, and it doesn’t go unnoticed that I have butterflies.

He’s standing on the sideline, more focused than I’ve ever seen him. The edge of his jaw grows sharper when Wilder U gets the first down. I nibble on my lip and glance back and forth between the game and his rigid stance on the sidelines.

Wilder U makes it to field goal range, and there’s a collective sigh from Shadow Valley fans.

I don’t even have to look on the field to see that they’ve gotten a field goal. I can tell by Thorne’s frustrated posture. He pulls his helmet back on with force.

“Thorne!” I shout.

The security guard shakes his head. He likely thinks I’m some jersey chaser, trying to garner the quarterback’s attention.

But I’m not.

I’m his girlfriend.

Or his fake girlfriend.

Whatever.

When Thorne finds me, he pauses. Surprise replaces his frustration, and I smile.

“Remember that pre-game ritual, baby.” I wink.

I watch him try to hide a grin. He chuckles and points at me, winking right back.

My cheeks are warm to the touch. I shuffle on my brand-new boots and flick my chin to the field.

Get out there and win.

As if he can read my mind, he nods.

Before he heads out, he glances over my shoulder, and his smile falls.

My heart races.

I don’t know why I expect it to be my arsonist, as if Thorne would even know about that, but I’m on edge anyway.

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