Page 107 of Major Penalty

“It’s not a secret,” I breathe, my heart thudding. “It’s a surprise.” I can’t stop the smile that stretches across my face.

“Hmm.” He tilts his head like he’s dissecting every beat of my pulse. “Is it something that ends with you on top of me?”

“No.” My entire face burns.

“Me on top of you?” he suggests, raising a brow.

“That depends,” I throw back. “You planning on scoring tonight?”

“I always score.” That sharp grin spreads across his face.

His hand lifts, his thumb brushing the line of my jaw, and I lean into it. His other hand finds my waist, and he backs me up against the wall.

The crowd roars again, a massive sound wave just beyond the walls, and it only makes this feel more thrilling.

I’m already flushed, heart racing, when he leans in, his lips brushing mine. And then he kisses me. His tongue parts my lips, and I melt. Right there in the hallway on game night.

“The pre-game’s about to start,” he murmurs against my lips. “I’ve gotta head to the tunnel.”

I nod, heart thundering, already missing him even though he hasn’t moved yet.

“But I couldn’t go out there without seeing you first.”

I press my hand to his chest, right over his racing heart.

“I’ll be watching the entire time,” I whisper.

His lips ghost over my cheek, my jaw, before returning to hover over mine.

“And I’ll be looking for you in the crowd. I always am.” And his mouth is on mine again.

His tongue sweeps against mine as my fingers tangle in the collar of his jersey. The muffled roar of the arena rises in the background like a tidal wave.

“Irene?” a familiar voice cuts through the roar like a gunshot.

My whole body freezes, and I feel Ares stiffen before we pull away from each other and turn our heads.

Oh no.

My father, frozen in place. His eyes are wide—a look of pure horror in them as he looks at his star forward and his daughter. He’s standing at the end of the hallway, blinking like he’s just seen a car crash in slow motion.

His mouth opens, but nothing comes out. He’s staring at us like his entire world just collapsed.

“What is…” he falters, his eyes locked on me. And in that moment, I feel the world fall away.

Then his eyes go up to Ares’, looking at him like he doesn’t recognize him. Like he’s looking at a stranger.

“Coach—” Ares starts, stepping in front of me like a shield.

“Get your ass to the tunnel, Black,” my father orders, voice calm yet venomous.

Ares doesn’t move.

“No,” he refuses, quiet but solid. “Not before I—”

“I saidNOW,”my father barks out.

Then, like the universe heard the tension and decided to twist the knife, I hear male voices echoing in the hallway.

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