Page 30 of Changing Rules

“Come here; don’t be a pussy.” Miller holds my gaze, challenging me.

I focus on breathing, on remaining calm. I can’t let myself be aggressive or reckless. Bella is right. This ismyteam. I love it here. I have friends. I won’t give all that up because of this asshole.

“Sup?” I stop by Leah’s side, my eyes narrowed on Miller.

“Your teammate here doesn’t want to take no for an answer.” Leah turns my way and tucks a strand of long red hair behind her ear, her green eyes reflecting the humor in her voice. This woman has a very sharp tongue. She could’ve sent Miller packing a long time ago if she wanted, which means she’s enjoying his attention. “Any tips on how to get rid of him?”

“As if they’d work. Especially now.” Miller barks a laugh. “Tell her about college,” he goads me. “I was a good friend, wasn’t I?”

I snort, and his expression instantly darkens.

Does he really think I’m going to play along?

“A good friend?” I huff. “Not so much. Good on the field? Yes.”

Leah chuckles lightly but quickly tries to disguise it with a cough. “You know, it’s suddenly too hot out here. The level of testosterone on this field is more than I can handle.”

“You work with football players.” Miller sneers, his lip curling. “You should be used to it by now.”

Her smile disappears. “Exactly. I work with football players, and I’m used to being surrounded by sweat, muscles, and cursing. But I don’t have even the slightest desire to get used to being surrounded by assholes. Back off.” She turns to me. “I hope to see you on Friday. Your left hand needs a bit of work.”

I dip my chin. “I’ll be there.”

It takes everything in me to contain my glee. She made my day, putting Miller in his place like that.

As she walks away, Jake’s gaze burns a hole in the side of my head. Looks like I’ll need to deal with the fucker on my own now.

“What?” I ask, brows raised.

“You could’ve helped me,” he hisses through his gritted teeth.

I scoff. “Why should I?” Why the hell would I want to do that?

“Because I know the truth about you but decided to keep it to myself.” Miller takes a step closer, dropping his voice. “You should be grateful I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”

“The truth? My reputation?”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think, and something occurred to me.” He takes another step, putting us almost chest to chest. “You have a little hoe at home.”

Anger flashes through me. I flex my jaw, my fists balled. “Don’t you dare call her that.”

“Why?” he mocks, tilting his head to the side. “When did she first let you fuck her? The first time she came to your house? Or after the club, when you took her home because she saw me with Regina?” He lets out a derisive laugh. “Or was it after she ran away from my parents’ house and gave me that bullshit about needing a break?”

He brings a hand to my shoulder and pushes, but I stand my ground. There’s no way in hell I’m letting him get a rise out of me. This is just a training camp. If I lose my temper now, what’s going to happen when the season starts?

“After your breakup.” I hold his gaze.

“Do you think I’m a fool?” Miller hits my shoulder again, a little harder this time.

I swear, if he does it again, I’ll break his fucking nose.

“You kinda are,” I spit, my anger boiling inside me as I take a step back.

Miller charges at me, this time with a closed fist to my jaw. I stumble back, but only a step.

I take half a second to collect myself, then connect my fist with his damned nose. It cracks, and blood pours from it.

The third time’s the charm.

---