Page 42 of De Vil

"Princess, I know you saw Joanie at my door. You have nothing to worry about."

There's worry in her eyes. I watch her cast her eyes down, and I feel the distrust coming from her. "Look at me, Tia."

She takes a moment to do as she's told, but she stares at me. Hurt and uncertainty flicker through her. "Have you ever been with her?"

"No, never. We have a thing where we have a beer the night before a game and talk strategy. That's it, little one."

She nibbles on her lower lip and she absently runs her hand up my arm. "Ok." It's audible, but breathy.

Tia kisses me, and I crowd her against the wall until she moans into my mouth.

"Oh my God!" The shrill tone of Braxton's nasally voice pierces the air.

Tia and I turn to look at her and she's got her phone in front of her face. A bright light blinds me as she takes a picture of us.

"Braxton, what the hell are you doing?"

She lowers her phone and smirks. "Looks like Tia slept with you to get on the team."

"Delete the photo," I demand.

When she laughs, I lose it and take a step toward her.

"What are you gonna do, Coach? I've got you kissing a student and acting in a very compromising way."

Tia takes in a deep breath, and she steps around me. "Braxton, please?" She's shaking, and I realize that this affects her way more than me. Worst case scenario? She could lose her scholarship.

"I hold the cards here, ladies." Braxton waves her phone around and stands there with a Goddamn smirk on her face.

"Yes, you do. But a good person wouldn't hold love over someone's head," Tia gently says, and my heart pounds rapidly.

Braxton looks over Tia's shoulder at me and grins. It's an evil fucking grin. "Coach, I'll tell you what. You bench Tia for the entire season, and I'll leave things alone."

What a fucking bitch. "You want to ruin her education because of jealousy?"

An angry growl comes from Braxton and she points at Tia. "I know you are going to groom her to take the captain's spot. I want her gone. Timpson is the natural next selection. Plus, this bitch deserves to be taken down a peg, don't you think?"

Tia looks between me and Braxton. I step closer to them. "I will not allow you to dictate what I do with my team. If it comes down to it, I'll go to the dean and let him know I'm with Tia."

Chris already knows. Just like I know he's working on wearing down Jazz. I say nothing to let Braxton know her plan will not work. "Yeah, but now the whole team is going to know you play favorites and that's she a little slut."

She flips her hair and turns around. As she gets to the door, she looks back with a victory smile on her face. "Have a good night."

Tia moves to go after her. "Don't,” I tell her. "Who cares if they know?"

My princess gives me a sad smile. "I still have to be a part of the team, Coach."

Pain shoots through my heart when she calls me Coach instead of Mommy.

I go after Braxton, and I know this could get worse.

"Braxton, wait up." I catch up with her and she looks at me with such disgust, I falter.

"Look, you are right. Coach and I are together, but I'm not gunning for your spot." I try the direct approach. It's the only way I know how to face this issue. "But I want to be a part of this team. It's important to me."

She rolls her eyes at me and snorts. "You think I care? I don't. Ever since you started the team, Coach has neglected all of us. This is a perfect way to get you both back in line."

Well, she clearly thinks she's the boss. "Why do you hate me so much?"

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