Page 194 of Ruthless Court

Her mouth curves.

“He annoys the hell out of me.”

“Now I believe you know him.”

“We had a class project. He gave me the tickets.”

“That’s all?”

“Yepppp.” This time I choke on the Twizzler.

Stella pats my back.

I stare at the court.

Kane brings the ball up slowly, directing traffic with one hand.

“He’s kind of a dick,” I mutter.

“He can be.”

“You’re supposed to defend your boy.”

“He is my best friend. That doesn’t require lying.”

I turn toward her.

“Your best friend?”

“One of them.”

“But you and he…”

“Almost.”

She watches Kane use a screen and thread a pass to the corner.

“He’s a good guy, Hannah. Better than his reputation.”

“That reputation seems well earned. I mean half the Kappa Beta girls have rotated through these very seats and then track girl.”

“So? Most of that was his freshman year.”

She takes another Twizzler.

“Kane and I understood each other. We came from similar situations. Same ambition. Same chip on our shoulders.”

“But you chose Vale?”

Her gaze returns to Tristan.

“Vale is my soul mate.”

No hesitation.

No softening it for Kane’s sake.

The truth sits there without apology.