Page 27 of Calm Before the Score

Hartley’s dressed as some kind of mob boss with pinstripes and a black hat. As the designated driver, I gesture for us to get going. Grabbing my princess’ hand in mine, I lead her to the passenger seat while Harley Quinn and the mobster mutter things back and forth behind us. I’m beginning to love this new version of myself. The one that Violet Evans owns every piece of.

Violet

“Thisis Mason’s house?” I gasp as Ryan pulls into the two-story villa. This is not where I expected a college student to live.

Letting out a small laugh, Ryan explains, “Yep. Mason’s parents are loaded, so they bought this house for him to stay in while he’s at Springs U.” He grabs my hand across the seat and shoots me a small smile. “A palace fit for a princess.”

Hartley huffs. “Can we cut the lover boy stuff for a night?”

“Let them be.Somepeople believe in finding their person, and they are it for each other.” I glance into the rearview mirror to read Liza’s expression. Animosity rolls effortlessly from her tongue.

Hartley leans in dangerously close to Liza’s face. “Unless my person is at the bottom of a bottle. I. Don’t. Care.”

Ryan clears his throat. “Here.”

I can’t get out fast enough. I do not need to be in the crosshairs of Hartley’s weird mood. I want to enjoy the night with my Prince Charming. Ryan leads us to the mega door and opens it to what I can only describe as a real-life haunted house. Black lights cover the walls, illuminating everything in a neon glow. Music blasts across the house as couples grope each other in seductive dances.

“Want a drink?” Ryan asks.

I nod slightly as we weave through the crowd. I knew Mason was popular, but I didn’t expectthismany people.

“Ryan! Violet! What’s up?” My head darts to the noise, sighting a vampire with blood dripping down his chin.

“Mase.” Ryan reaches out to bro hug Springs U’s certified golden boy.

“Mason? I didn’t even recognize you.” I give him a tight hug. Mason has always been welcoming to me and never made me feel out of place. “Thanks for inviting me. Your house is gorgeous.”

“This thing? Nah. Just a place to lay my head at night. Thankyoufor softening my boy up. Since he met you, he’s much looser on the field.” He shoves Ryan’s shoulder with a loud laugh.

“Yeah. Yeah. This princess does things to me.” He wraps his arms around my waist and nuzzles his chin in the crook of my neck.

Even though it’s dark, I know my cheeks are the color of tomatoes. Compliments and anything to do with Ryan and I's relationship do that.

“Mase!” Two girls dressed as nurses grab his arms and kiss his neck, moaning seductively. “We’re waiting.”

“Duty calls. I’ll catch you two later.” He nips one of their necks with his teeth and guides them upstairs, undoubtedly to the bedroom.

Ryan’s hands still grip my hips, so I tilt my head to meet his gaze as he rocks me side-to-side. He’s wearing a lazy smile as he whispers in my ear, “You make me feel things.” Goosebumps jump onto my skin as he licks my ear. “That I’ve never felt.” Reaching one hand up, he grips my neck with a purpose. “I’m crazy about you, Princess.”

Words elude me as Ryan continues to whisper the dirtiest things in my ear in a crowd of what must be one hundred people. To him, there’s only me.

20

Ryan

The end of the first semester is quickly approaching, and football has been better than ever. I’m in my prime. My body is healthy, and my mind is laser-focused. We are looking good this year and clinched a playoff spot. I get a week off to go home before I need to report back to campus for playoff prep practices. The past few weeks have been blissfully normal, something I don’t come across too often. My favorite nights are spent by Violet’s side watching her study. She becomes dialed in on her work, and it’s the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen.

I lean against a pole, scrolling my phone and waiting for my girlfriend to leave her last class of the day. This has become my routine. I go where she goes, and I’m not mad at it. I spot her megawatt smile as she walks out of the building.

When she sees me, she quickens her pace and jumps into my arms like the cutest koala bear. If I could bottle up the feeling of having this girl in my arms, I would.

“How were your classes today, babe?”

“They were ok. Not ready for this break. My mind likes it when I stay busy, less time for me to get lost in my thoughts. The holidays aren’t the same without my grandpa here.”

“Come home with me,” I urge.

“What? I can’t do that, Ryan. Your mom, umm, would she want me there? I don’t want to intrude on your time with her.”

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