Page 101 of Cold Carnage

I shook it, feeling the roughness of his palm—a stark contrast to his smooth demeanor. He gestured toward the seat across from him.

“Please, sit.”

I took a deep breath and settled into the chair, my heart pounding against my ribcage. The way he looked at me made it clear that this meeting was a game to him, one he fully intended to win.

His eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned back, still smirking.

I settled into the chair, trying to steady my breath. "I understand you're interested in signing with us?—"

"Whoa, whoa, hold your horses, darling," Jared drawled, his accent thick as molasses. "Why don't you get something to order first? This is the best coffee I've ever tasted."

Before I could respond, a waitress appeared beside our table. She had a friendly smile and a notepad at the ready.

"I'll have a black coffee, please," I said, trying to match her warmth despite the tension coiling in my stomach.

As the waitress walked away, Jared leaned forward, his eyes glinting with interest. "Now, Ms. Adams, why don't you tell me all about the Serpents?"

I gave him a long look, assessing the playful yet calculating gleam in his eyes. "Do you have any intention of signing?" I asked. "Or is this just a game to you?"

His smirk deepened, transforming into something almost predatory. "Games can be quite enlightening, wouldn't you agree?" he said, leaning back with a chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine.

I crossed my arms over my chest, unwilling to let him rattle me further. The waitress returned with my coffee, setting it down gently in front of me before retreating.

He watched me take a sip, his eyes never leaving mine. "So," he continued casually, as if we were old friends discussing the weather rather than business, "what's it like working with Ryker Kane? He must be quite... demanding."

The mention of Ryker's name caught me off guard. My thoughts flashed back to our recent arguments and the confusing mix of feelings he stirred in me. I straightened up and met Jared's gaze head-on.

"Demanding would be an understatement," I replied coolly. "But that's what makes this team strong. We thrive under pressure."

"And what about you? Do you thrive under pressure too?"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't," I said firmly.

He nodded slowly as if contemplating my words before finally responding. "Well then," he said softly, almost to himself. "Let's start simple. What drew you to the world of sports management?"

I met his gaze, unflinching. "I've always been passionate about sports, but more than that, I wanted to be in a position where I could make a difference. This role allows me to do just that."

He nodded, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And what do you think sets you apart from others in your field?"

I took a moment to consider my answer. "I genuinely care about the players and the team as a whole. It's not just a jobfor me; it's about building relationships and ensuring everyone succeeds together."

His smirk softened slightly, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. "How do you handle the inevitable conflicts and challenges that come with such a demanding job?"

"I face them head-on," I replied confidently. "I believe in open communication and finding solutions that benefit everyone involved."

He raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's quite a mature approach for someone so young."

I shrugged, refusing to let his compliment throw me off balance. "Experience isn't just about age; it's about how you handle situations and learn from them."

He chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair again. "Fair point. Now, tell me about your biggest success story with the Serpents."

“Why does it feel like you’re interviewing me for a job?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Well, Ms. Adams, sometimes the best way to know someone is to see how they handle the unexpected.”

I took a sip of my coffee, letting the rich, bitter taste ground me. It had a hint of something floral, almost sweet, balancing out the boldness.

“You know what I think, Mr. Crowder?” I leaned forward, holding his gaze. “I think you need to sign with us as a matter of pride. Your brother lives here, right? With his girlfriend?”

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