Page 3 of Heartless Mafia Prince

NINE YEARS LATER

RYAH

WALKING BACKWARD, Ipeered at Drew. The sound of my heart pounding thudded my ears.

“Where did you go?”

“To grab my bag from my locker.” I tugged at the strap. The fall breeze swept through my body, causing goosebumps to prickle my skin.

Gripping his football helmet, he stalked toward me. Lust brimmed his dark brown eyes. His teammates ran drills in the distance. Their coach stood at the opposite end of the field, barking orders. My squad, the cheer team, practiced their formation on the sidelines.

My back hit the brick building in the dark corner. Most of the teachers were gone for the day this late in the evening. Student cars were scattered about the parking lot. “We better get back.”

“The guys can wait. Later tonight, I want to see you.” His lips fell upon mine.

Tucking my pom-poms behind my back, I huffed, breaking our kiss. “No.”

“The last time you got carried away. I’m not ready.”

He stepped back and slipped his fingers through his short chocolate hair.

“You’re my woman, Ryah.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m not ready to lose my virginity to you or any other boy.”

“First of all, it’s only me. Come on, baby. Why wait?” He held my hip and crushed my lips a second time.

I bit his lower lip.

“Ah! What the fuck, Ryah?”

“I’ll give you time to cool down. Talk to you tomorrow.” Screw practice. I’d text the co-captain and tell her I was out.

I bounced off the wall and turned to leave. He grabbed my arm, forcing our eyes to meet.

“We’re not done talking,” he snarled.

One kick to the balls would bring him to his knees. I flashed a sweet, vindictive grin.

“Oh, she’s finished.” The familiar deep voice came from the shadows.

Shit.A chill shot up my spine.

Hands clutched behind his back; the giant sauntered toward us.

“Dude, stay out of this. You should be on the field with the rest of the team.”

“Not when this woman’s telling you no.”

His piercing blue eyes sparkled under the night sky.

“She’s not your concern.”

The gladiators stood toe-to-toe, brooding.

I gripped his muscled bicep. “Rocco, drop it.”

He flashed a cocky grin. “Where’s the fun in that, Princess?”

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