Page 75 of Claimed (The Courtside King Duology 2)

Kai stilled, as if his words had wounded him. Which confused Breck. It wasn’t like Kai hadn’t known his stance.

Breck glanced away, palming the top of his head, but then noticed Kai going rigid. He looked back and found Kai staring at his cheek.

Features tight, jaw muscle ticking, Kai muttered, “I won’t be your dirty little secret, Breck. And just so we’re clear, there is no ‘thing’ between us. I’m not interested in wherever you think this is going. We had our fun”—he hesitated—“but that was all it was.”

Wait, what?Breck’s heart squeezed. “Bullshit. You’re lying.” He stepped close again.

Kai held him at bay and shook his head. “Breck.” His voice sounded thick. “I wasneverinterested in more. So this shit you’re trying to pull here, getting all possessive, wanting my attention onyoualone… That’s stepping over the line for me. Iwill notgo there with you.”

Breck stiffened, suddenly feeling blindsided. “Why not? Is there something wrong with me?”

“As a matter of fact, yes.” Kai’s tone said he was steeling his resolve. “You’re self-centered… Like to sleep around… And get aggressive when you’re drunk—Which, by the way, is entirely too often.”

“I—I haven’t had sex with anyone in over a month!” Breck sputtered, sidestepping with chagrin all the other allegations.

“Am I supposed to see that as a long time?” Kai countered. “Besides, you just had sex with meyesterday.”

Breck scowled and anxiously rubbed his skull, his drunken gaze darting as he floundered for a response.

Because he had no response. No defense.

Kai was right—which, deep down, really fucking chaffed.

And now Kai’s expression was saying he didn’t want to deal with this shit.

“Breck,” he stated firmly, as if hoping Breck would listen. “Over my dead body will I be your booty call. And never will Ieverbe a skeleton in your closet.”

“It’s not like that, and you know it!” Breck felt panicked and didn’t know why.

“Do I? Because it’s starting to look that way to me. You think you’re so important that you deserve me for yourself. And now you’re trying to stake some kind of claim. If you can’t muster the courage to show up forme, then don’t expect me to reserve myself for only you.”

“I wasn’t—” Breck shook his head. “I mean, I don’t— I just— I have myfutureon the line here. AcareerI have to protect!”

Kai’s features tightened, as if Breck had just pushed some button. “Right. Yourcareer,” he muttered. “Because in the end, that’s all that matters.”

“Kai. Come on. Don’tbelike that. You know I wish shit was different.Please. Just thethoughtof you touching another guy makes my headfucking crazy.” He knew he sounded pathetic but didn’t care. It’d taken too long to bridge this distance between them. And what he’d found with Kai was way too good to let go.

Kai frowned, looking like he wanted to believe him—but didn’t. “Not my problem.”

Breck reared back, as if he’d been slapped. “Damn. Harsh much?” Something ripped in his chest.

Kai held his gaze, looking determined to hold his ground. “Just being real. I won’t give you what you want, and you can’t give me what Ineed. I’m not one of your groupies, Breck. I’m a man with self-worth. Go back to your frat house. I’m sure you’ve got a harem there eagerly awaiting your return.”

Breck shook his head adamantly. “But I don’t want them.”I only want you.

“Really? Not even the one who left that lipstick on your cheek?”

Fuck.

Breck scrubbed the side of his face. “It’s not how it looks.”

Again, Kai frowned like he wanted to believe him. “Yeah, well, maybe itshouldbe how it looks,” he murmured. “Because thisthingyou thinkwe’vegot doesn’t exist.”

Breck’s heart clenched miserably. “C’mon, Kai. Stop playing.” Again, he tried to reach for him, but Kai pushed his hand away.

“I’m not, Breck.” Kai’s tone was stoic. “I’m not playing.”

Breck shook his head, confused and agitated, but mainly distraught. “I don’t understand. What happened? Why are you being like this?”

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