Page 15 of Vexing the Viper

My dad stands out by the dugout, and I walk toward him. When he sees me, he smiles, and I shake the sandwich at him. "I figured you could use something to eat. When do you get a break?" I ask, leaning over the fence.

"About five minutes. Wait for me?"

"Sure. I'm not due at the library for another hour."

I watch his team practice some more, another player stepping up to bat. This one I know as Will, a Vampire. He's been on the team for three years, so he's one of the few players I know well. I watch as he hits the ball, rounding to second base. There's another player that bats next, but shortly after Dad blows the whistle and ends practice.

Each of the players file off the field one by one, King coming up last. He stops short at the dugout, glancing up at me. Neither of us says a word before he heads down, leaving me alone with the coaches on the field. I wish I could explain the reaction I have to King, but it doesn’t make sense even to me. He captivates me at the same time I want to push him away.

"You ready?" My dad asks.

"Let's go."

After sitting down in his office, I laugh as my dad inhales his food as though he hasn't eaten in days. "Thank you. This is a wonderful surprise."

"I had some time to kill before my shift. Didn't want to go back to the dorm, so I thought I would stop by and see how you're doing."

"I'm good, Nikolai."

"Even with all the worries about the team and them not doing good this season?"

That's my biggest worry right now. Ever since my dad told me how important it is for the team to win, I've been concerned about him. I don't want him to work too hard, and I know he's stressing himself out working with the team and making sure they’re conditioning to get ready for the season. My dad is a hell of a coach, and he'll do whatever it takes to make sure his team is ready.

"I’m okay, Nikolai. It's nothing I can't handle. I'm going to train them like it's any other year. Plus, you're helping me with King. He and our new pitcher are our secret weapons this year, so I know we'll be fine."

"That's good, Dad. That's good."

"How is his tutoring coming along, by the way?"

"It's been fine. He's been paying attention. Hopefully enough to pass his classes." I snicker when Coby hisses, and Dad's eyes widen.

"I take it Coby isn't a fan of King." He laughs, gesturing to Coby who's still hissing.

"Nah, it's okay though."

"And how are you doing, Nikolai?"

"I'm fine. This year has started out rougher than others, but I'll be okay."

"Are you sure?" His eyes bore into mine, and I can see the worry that's brimming there. I didn't come here to add more to my dad's plate. He doesn't need to deal with my problems on top of his own. And that's exactly what they are. My problems.

"I'm fine. I think it's because I'm ready to be done with school. That's all."

"I'm always here if you need me." He stands up, crossing the office to me. I stand tall and wrap my arms around him.

"Thanks, Dad."

8

KING

Stepping under the hot water,I sigh deeply when my muscles start to relax. I always go full throttle at practice, and once the adrenaline wears off, it hits me like a ton of bricks. My head drops down and I let the water cascade down my back, the voices of the other players being drowned out by the rushing sound of the shower.

My mind drifts to Niko and the surprise I felt when I saw him step out onto the field. For someone who hates baseball, I never expected him to show up on the field. But fuck me, did he look gorgeous. He was wearing blue jeans and a tight, black shirt. He tends to always wear a leather jacket, so I enjoyed seeing him more relaxed.

I was shocked he offered me a small smile. I can tell I'm wearing him down. I just need to keep being his friend, and eventually I'll break down all his walls.

My dick starts to harden at the thought of Niko, and I groan silently, not wanting to get a hard-on in the communal shower. But it's next to impossible when Niko takes up space in my mind.Even when he's being fiery or an asshole, he turns me on. Which is probably fucking weird, but apparently, I like it.

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