Page 165 of Wicked Lord

He shrugged. “I could change…”

“Doubtful.”

Battenberg had sat with us for most of the game until Axel waved her onto the field a few minutes ago, claiming she was his good luck charm. She dutifully went with a beaming smile to root for her boyfriend like his own personal cheerleader.

“If I ever start acting like a lovesick moron like Kill and Ax, just hit me over the head and knock my brain straight.” I had no intention of letting some hot piece of ass control that much of my life or happiness.

“Come on, Van Horn.” Slate shook his head, chuckling. Then his gaze flickered toward Cordi as she and Lexi laughed at something.

I snarled, lips twisting at that stupid smile.

He followed my line of sight. “You’re not still hung up on that shit from highschool, are you?”

My jaw clenched as the memory of Cordi’s cruel words, her laughter, echoed in my ears. I could still feel my heart cracking into a million pieces.

Slate leaned so close that the vodka on his breath infiltrated my nostrils. “I’m sure she never meant to?—”

“I’m not talking about this, Slate.” Out of all the guys, he was the only one who knew what happened, and he’d kept his mouth shut all these years.

I snatched the cigarette from behind my ear and patted my pocket for a lighter.

“Don’t even think about it, Van Horn.” Killian shook his head, his glare focused on the cigarette between my lips. “You’ll get us kicked out if you spark that, and we’ll miss Axel’s big moment.”

Cordi tossed her hands up. “What are you guys talking about?”

She looked at Lexi, but her roommate was just as clueless.

The clock finally ran out, signaling the end of the game.

“And that’s it, folks.” The announcer’s voice sounded over the speakers as the crowd roared and the band played our fight song. “The Knights win over the Timberwolves.”

Kevin Davis, a member of the school newspaper, jogged onto the field to catch the star quarterback before he headed into the locker room.

“Vanderhart, how do you think the season will go,” he asked, sticking a microphone in Axel’s face. “Any predictions?”

Axel tore off his helmet and flicked damp strands of dark blond hair out of his face. Half the females in the stands swooned.

“It’s going to be a great season, that’s for sure. We’ve got a lot of experience from the vets on the field, and the new recruits are full of amazing talent.” He pumped his fist as whoops came from the team members nearby. “Nothing can go wrong as long as I’ve got my beautiful good luck charm, Lorelei Battenberg, by my side.”

Kevin laughed, his white teeth flashing. “You better make sure she sticks around.”

Axel rubbed his chin. “You know what? I have the perfect idea to keep the lovely Lorelei around.” He waved some of his teammates over, all of them wearing shit-eating grins.

Cordelia’s attention was now glued to the field as if she sensed something horrific unfolding.

This was it.

Eight sweaty football players lined up in front of Lorelei and tore their jerseys off, revealing black t-shirts underneath with a gold letter painted on each. Her mouth parted in a silent gasp when she realized what it spelled.

MARRY ME?

The crowd went nuts, clapping and whistling, making me strain to hear Axel’s next words.

“I fell in love when I least expected it and with the person I least expected. But I’m lucky to be one of the few to really know the sweet, kind, and amazing person you are.” He swallowed hard as emotion choked him, his blue eyes so bright even from here.

I twisted the skull ring around my index finger, resisting the urge to cover my ears. I loved Ax, but this mushy shit made me nauseous.

“Lorelei Battenberg, you are my heart and soul, and I want to spend the rest of my life making sure you’re the happiest person on this earth.”