Page 81 of Cruel Legacy

When he mentioned he’d be playing flag football today, I didn’t believe him. Not because I didn’t think he can play the sport. I’ve heard all about him being the school’s star quarterback. I just couldn’t picture him playing without all the protective gear. But here he is. Not a helmet or shoulder pad in sight.

I get settled and the first ten minutes of the game goes by pretty fast. I’m invested in the outcome. This is the first activity I’ve seen on campus that feels raw and real. A reminder of home.

Austin’s team has possession of the ball. He takes the snap, falls back and releases a perfect spiral before anyone can touch him. The wide receiver catches it and runs into the end zone. Austin throws his fist in the air, all smiles, and high fives his teammates.

The little clock on the table flips over to show we’re at the start of the second quarter. The score is twenty-one-zip. Austin’s team is annihilating the competition. Pax and Finn are on the other team, so I’m enjoying their defeat a little more than I probably should.

Pax’s team gets the ball, and it’s a quick fourth down. They barely get any field coverage. Grumpy guppy isn’t too happy with being on the losing team. He’s talking to the guy I assume is the team captain. Whatever the topic is, has him pissed. He’s waving his hands in the air and giving his patented mean-face.

Finally, the captain nods his head and Pax jogs over to the picnic bench on the other end of the field. When he comes back, Holden is behind him. He doesn’t look happy about having to join the game.

Pax is such a dick. There had to have been someone else he could have swapped that other player with.

Holden lines up as a defensive end on the right, Pax takes the left and Finn drops back to play corner back. Austin gets the snap. In a flurry of movement, Holden breaks through the O-line and knocks him on his ass, but not before Austin has a chance to release the ball. It’s airborne, on a crazy trajectory, on its way to the designated man.

Before it reaches the intended receiver, Finn plucks it out of the air, and runs upfield, shuffling by players, leaping over others. Just when it looks like he’s going to be stopped, he dives headfirst into a tuck over the guy’s back, and lands in the end zone.

Pax’s team is now on offense, and once again, Holden is like a blur. Blocking, creating an opening. Giving Finn the opportunity to run. And just like that, after two plays, it’s a ballgame.

The girls on the sidelines are screaming Pax and Finn’s name at the top of their voices. Fuck that noise. They’re cheering for the wrong dude. Holden is the play maker on this field.

I’m transfixed, watching as he runs down the player on the other team. I think he’s gonna miss him, leaving room for the other guy to score, but Holden anticipates the guy’s gonna try to cut left and he’s there, slamming into him. I jump to my feet, yelling, “That’s what the fuck I’m talking about. Good hit, defense.”

Austin gives me a look, and I shrug. So what? I momentarily forgot that I’m supposed to be cheering for his team. It was a damn good hit. I’m here for the violence.

The score’s tied up and right before the snap, phone alarms and chimes start going off. The girls on the sideline squeal and the guys start cursing. One of them runs over to show Pax his phone. I’m confused about what’s going on.

I look at my phone. I don’t have any alerts. When I look back up, people are running off the field. Austin jogs over to me. His shirt’s plastered to his chest. He runs a hand through his wet hair. “What’s going on?” I ask, taking in the chaos around me.

“Frat business. I can’t go into any details.”

“Because I’m a girl?”

“Because you’re a Zeta Nu pledge.”

“So the game’s just over? At a tied score?”

His friend jogs over to us, carrying his bag. “Look, Thea. I’ll catch up to you later. Thanks for coming out to support.”

“Yeah. It was a great game.”

He smiles again and winks at me. “Call you later.”

Before I can respond, he’s jogging towards the other end of the field. I turn around to take the path I used to get here. Holden, Finn and Pax are standing off to the side just staring at me.

Holden lifts his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face, and I damn near swallow my tongue.Fuck. LJ’s, right, he’s jacked. Holden sees me staring and drops his shirt. He doesn’t smirk like most guys would do if they caught me eye fucking them. He just stares back, as if trying to decipher my thoughts. I hold his gaze, unashamed that I was checking him out. He should be proud of his body. From what I’ve seen of his abs, they’re totally lick worthy.

Like they share some kind of hive mind, the Coxsuckers turn as one, and walk off, melting into the trees.

Chapter38

Finn

Islide the balcony door open, toe off my muddy shoes, and put my socks in them before stepping inside. We were tied up at the football game, but got called away for a new fraternity challenge. Which wekilled.

Everyone is still out in the woods partying. I should be there enjoying myself, but I found the whole thing just blah, so I dipped out early.

I strip off my shirt and pants as I walk across the living room towards Thea’s open bedroom door. I stroll right in, quietly making my way over to her bed, easing myself onto the mattress beside her, and pull out my toy, ready to play. Her eyes pop open before I even settle my weight on the bed.

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