Page 131 of The Striker (Gods of the Game 1)

“Of course. Today is for them.” I tore my gaze away from Scarlett and smiled at the group. They were adorable. “Who wants a picture first?”

After much clamoring and excitement, I finished signing every autograph and taking every photo. By then, the stadium had emptied, but when I checked my phone, I saw a text from Scarlett saying she was by one of the side exits.

I grabbed my duffel bag and headed to meet her. As promised, she was waiting in the area between the stadium and the car park. I didn’t see Vincent, Carina, or Brooklyn, but my anticipation over stealing a few moments alone with her—as well as my warm and fuzzy feelings from interacting with the kids earlier—disappeared as soon as I saw who she was talking to.

Rafael.

CHAPTER 33

SCARLETT

I didn’t expect a casual charity football match to devolve into a brawl.

I didn’t expect my brother and my secret non-boyfriend boyfriend to team up against myex-boyfriend (though that was satisfying to watch).

Most of all, I didn’t expect said ex-boyfriend to seek me out after the match and try to hug me like he hadn’t dumped me faster than yesterday’s trash after my accident.

“Scarlett! It’s so good to see you.” He reached for me. I stepped back before he made contact. His smile faltered, but he recovered quickly. “You’re here to support your brother, I see.”

I responded with a tight curve of my lips. I may have released my bitterness toward him afterextensivetherapy, but that didn’t mean I wanted to talk to him.

Unfortunately, I was stuck here waiting for my brother, my friends, and Asher. Carina and Brooklyn were in the loo, and Vincent and Asher were probably still signing autographs. I hadn’t wanted to sit alone in the stadium like a loser, so I hung around the exit instead.

In hindsight, I should’ve stayed in the stadium. I didn’t think Rafael would be bold enough to approach me in front of Vincent, especially after what happened on the pitch.

How didheescape the people clamoring for pictures and autographs? He wasn’t as famous as Asher and Vincent in the UK, but he was recognizable enough.

“I just wanted to say hi,” Rafael said when I didn’t encourage further conversation. He swept his eyes over me, his attention lingering on my bare legs and chest. Once upon a time, I would’ve been flattered. Now, my skin crawled beneath his scrutiny. “You look great.”

“It’s been five years,” I said coolly. “I’ve changed a lot since the last time we saw each other.”

Rafael winced at my pointed tone.

“How’s Vicky?” I asked even more pointedly. Vicky was the reality TV star he’d started dating almost immediately after our breakup.

“C’mon, Scar. You know I’m not with her anymore.”

Ihatedwhen people called me Scar.

“Actually, I don’t.” I shrugged. “I don’t keep up with news about you. Sorry.”

Rafael’s expression clouded. He was like Teflon when it came to certain things, but jab at his ego and his unflappability punctured faster than tires rolling over a bed of nails.

Despite my desire to get away from him as fast as possible, I couldn’t resist indulging one bit of curiosity. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“I’m in London to take care of some business,” he said vaguely. “An old teammate was participating in today’s match and asked me to be their backup. Good thing I said yes, or they wouldn’t have scored so many goals.” Smugness coated his words.

Ugh. Had I really been in love with this man? What had younger me beenthinking?

“Right,” I said. “But your team lost.”

Rafael’s smile tightened. “Barely,” he said, rubbing his jaw. “I’m guessing your brother hasn’t forgiven me for what happened.”

“No, which is why you should leave before he gets here.”

He ignored my warning. “I saw you in the stands and wanted to talk to you alone, after the match. I was going to call you later, but since you’re already here, I figured, why not?”

I kept my mouth shut and my expression neutral.

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