Page 6 of Dirty Play

“Mr. DiMarco,” she calls out, her tone laced with authority. “Missing our first meeting doesn’t set a great example for the team.”

I straighten up, using a towel to wipe the sweat from my brow.

“I’m not the only one missing it,” I retort, unable to keep the edge from my voice. “That’s what happens when you don’t announce things ahead of time.”

“Yes, there were players missing,” she concedes, taking a step closer, her voice firm. “But you’re the captain.”

Her sweet scent mixes with the gym’s, awakening my senses. Her blue eyes are glaring up at me through long lashes as she tilts her head back to meet my gaze.

“Exactly. I have a strict training routine,” I counter, trying to keep my irritation in check. “And I don’t appreciate interruptions.”

“Then maybe you should rethink your priorities. Being a captain means being present for your team and my introduction.” She looks at me without an ounce of fear. “Perhaps you need a PA to manage your schedule.”

“I’m more than capable of managing my own schedule,” I say, crossing my arms, sweat glistening along my skin.

“Mr. DiMarco, I’m here to ensure you and your team are represented well. The media can be ruthless, and ignoring that won’t make it go away.” She narrows her eyes and mirrors me, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, I’ve seen what the media can do,” I reply, the bitterness rolling off my tongue unchecked this time. “I don’t need a reminder. What I need is to focus on my workout and the upcoming season.”

“You’re avoiding your responsibilities.” She steps closer, her presence commanding.

“An introductory meeting with you is not my responsibility. It’s yours, Ms. Moody. And I don’t appreciate people trying to mess with my routine.”

The way she looks up at me ignites a flicker of heat beneath my irritation. She’s not shrinking, backing down,orletting me off the hook. It’s frustrating, irritating, and fucking hot.

“I’m not here to mess with your routine, Mr. DiMarco. I’m here to work with you and ensure you and the team are portrayed in the best light possible.”

I scoff, taking a step closer, invading her personal space on purpose. Now, she has to tilt her head almost all the way back to look at me, and there’s still no flicker of uncertainty in her blue eyes.

“Ambitious little thing, aren’t we?” I murmur, leaning down slightly.

Her eyes flash with surprise before quickly settling back into a challenging glare.

“I’m not a ‘little thing,’ Mr. DiMarco. I’m your new PR agent, and I’m not here to be disrespected.”

“Disrespecting you is the last thing I’d do, Ms. Moody. I’m admiring your ambition.” A smirk pulls at my lips.

Another flicker of surprise crosses her eyes, but it’s gone as quickly as it appeared. She straightens, looking up at me with even more fire, even though she barely reaches my shoulders.

“I expect you to attend the next meeting,” she asserts, unwavering.

“Or what? You’ll put me in timeout?” I raise a brow.

“You might find I have some creative methods to ensure compliance,” her head tilts to the side, and I bite my tongue to keep from asking if her neck hurts from looking up at me for so long.

“I look forward to seeing what you come up with then,” I say, my voice low, feeling that flicker of heat travel below my waist again.

Her gaze holds mine, defiant yet intrigued, before she shakes her head with a slight roll of her eyes.

“I better see you at our next meeting, DiMarco,” she finally says, turning on her heel, her sweet scent hitting me again.

I can’t help it. I look down, watching her ass sway as she stomps out of the gym just in time before I feel my cock strain against my workout shorts.

Well, fuck.

Chapter three

~LIVIA~

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