Page 218 of Ruthless Court

She challenged my game, lied about her name, stole my seat, and accused me of trying to use her.

Now she trusts me enough to sleep against me.

That feels more intimate than the kiss.

Near the end of the movie, she shifts. Her nose brushes my hoodie, and her fingers curl into my sleeve.

“Kane?”

Her voice is soft with sleep.

“Still here.”

She blinks up at me, unfocused behind her glasses.

“Did you really play better because of what I said?”

“No.”

Her brows pull together.

I let the silence sit for a beat.

“I played better because you were watching.”

Hannah holds my gaze.

Then she realizes where her head is and straightens too quickly. The blanket slips into her lap.

“Don’t get used to that.”

“Too late.”

“It’s late.”

I close my laptop and stand.

Her hair is mussed from sleep. Her glasses have slid low on her nose. The oversized shirt hangs crooked from one shoulder, and she looks warm, soft, and nothing like the girl who threatened me with a pencil.

“Good night, Haverhill.”

I should leave. I place my laptop on her desk and lean down.

Hannah watches me come closer.

I give her time to stop me.

She doesn’t.

My hand slides into the thick hair at the back of her neck, and I kiss her.

Firm.

Slow.

Her breath catches against my mouth.

Then her fingers close around the front of my hoodie, and she kisses me back.