She’s standing just a little off to the side, trying to look composed.
But I know better now.
She thinks she’s hiding it. And maybe she is for everyone but me.
Her posture’s perfect, and she’s smiling, but I can see the way her fingers twitch. The way she grabs one wrist and then the other, like she’s trying to force herself to stay still. I can see her jaw tighten with every shaky breath.
Then Agnelli walks out toward the pitch, with Matt beside him.
Helooks exactly like he did in every photo I found online. Confident. Casual. Like he already knows all of us and owns every room he walks into. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Addison stiffen. I’ve never seen her flinch before, and I don’t like it. This girl walked into a locker room of half-naked footballers and barely batted an eye, but one look at this fucker and she’s shaking like a leaf.
I want to go to her, but I can’t.
I’m stuck here with my teammates, forced to just watch her discomfort like a form of torture. I glance at her again. Her hands are trembling. I can see her throat bob as she swallows back emotion.
She looks away from him. When her eyes land on me, I hold her gaze. I give her the smallest nod, like I’m trying to silently talk to her.Breathe. It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m here.Her lips part a little, like she understood me completely.
The lads quiet down when Alan starts some speech, welcoming Matt to the club like he’s some bloody hero returning from war. Polite claps ripple through the team, but I stand there, arms crossed in silent protest.
Matt works the gaffer and Stan like a goddamn politician before shifting his attention toward Addison. My chest tightens. Addison steps forward, stoic and professional, like she’s heading to the gallows. She lifts her hand for a polite handshake, her expression blank.
He takes her hand and pulls her into a hug.
And my blood fucking boils.
Her body goes still. She doesn’t hug back. She doesn’t even blink. She just stands there, like she’s disconnected from her own body.
And he grins.Fuckinggrins.
I feel something dangerous twist in my stomach. My fists clench at my sides, and my jaw is tight enough to crack. I feel like smoke is coming out of my ears and all I can do is just watch.
It’s not just that he touched her. It’showhe touched her. Like he’s staking a claim, reminding her that she’s still something he controls.
Brennan shifts next to me. He glances over at me, then at Matt, then back at me again. I don’t say a word. I don’t have to. He knows.
Our partnership on the pitch is seamless because we can read each other without saying a word. This is no different. I don’t know how he pieces it together, he just does.
Matt peels himself away from Addison, and I can finally exhale. Despite it being a chilly November day, I am heated.
Alan gestures to the team. “And this is our squad. Lads, this is Matt Whitlock.”
Matt turns to us like he’s stepping on stage to accept a prestigious award. I hate everything about him. I hate his ultra-white teeth and politician charm. I hate his blue suit, complete with a pocket square and designer label. His charcoal gray tie is loosened like he’s trying to sayI’m casualwhile also screamingI’m better than you.
He moves through the team like it’s a rope line and he’s running for office. He flashes fake smiles and shakes hands like he’s known you for years. He’s smooth. He plays the part well. Some of the lads eat it up.
“Oliver Bradshaw,” he says, offering his hand like it’s some kind of gift. “Club captain. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Oh, I’ve heard a lot about you too, motherfucker.
I stare at his hand for a second too long before shaking it. It’s brief. Cold. One firm movement.
“Oh, yeah?”
He nods, still grinning. “Your teammates speak highly of you. They say you’re the heart of this club.”
“Well, I know how to protect the people I care about,” I say, cool, calm, and collected.
I don’t even look for his reaction. Instead, my eyes flick to Addison. She stands behind him, still near the touchline, out of his eyesight. I look at her just in time to catch her mouth twitch upwards. She ducks her head like she’s trying to hide it, but I see it.
