Page 42 of Watched

His eyes drop to the floor, and he smiles. “This is exactly why I like you. You refuse to have anything unless you prove you’re worthy of it.”

“Do not interfere with my career. Am I clear?”

He stares through his brows. The menacing look contorts my insides, but I dip my chin, waiting for conformation.

“Do you want to know why I believe you scored those nine goals?” he asks.

“No.”

“Because you’re angry.” He lifts his head. “You’re angry with yourself for missing an easy goal last week, and I’m sure you’re still angry with Rain.” I clench my teeth, hating that he’s right. “While anger may be seen as a bad trait, it’s inherently motivating. Keep using that fuel to prove to everyone and yourself that you belong here. Others on your team have become complacent with winning; therefore, their drive and motivation has dropped ever so slightly. They then blame external factors for their lack of motivation or the outcome of a game. I don’t see that in you. Don’t let it happen.”

“I don’t need a speech on fundamentals we’re taught in the Development League,” I throw back and then swipe up my bag, reaching for the door handle.

“Your father’s an ass,” he adds.

“I know.”

I nudge Kilah’s shoulder as we walk down the corridor. She’s dressed in her usual baggy jeans and cashmere sweater, Indie to my right in her white ribbed dress with a matching ribbon around her high ponytail.

“What’s going on with you, K?” I whisper, so our parents walking further in front can’t hear.

She shrugs. “Nothing.”

“Kilah,” I press.

“Drop it, Rome.”

I reach my arms out, wrapping them around both their shoulders and squeeze. “You’re coming to stay with me tonight. Pizza, movies, whatever you want.”

Indie smiles and wraps an arm around my waist, resting her head against me. “I like the sound of that.”

I shake Kilah. “What? Hmm? You don’t want to spend time with your big brother?”

She fights a smile, leaning into me.

I drag them toward the new car I’ve decided I’m going to enjoy until Rain’s back and I can hand him the keys.

“Shotgun!” Kilah shouts, running toward it. Indie whines and trudges to the back door of the pearl white Porsche Panamera with a light tan interior.

“When did you buy this?” Indie asks as I drive down the road.

“A few days ago,” I mutter.

Head rest back, Kilah stares out the windscreen, lost in her own mind. “K,” I call, and she side eyes me. “Wanna tell me what’s going on?”

She sniffles, and her chin trembles. My heart clenches as I pull over and gently take her chin, forcing her to look at me. “What’s wrong?”

She swallows. “Please don’t be mad.”

I don’t like where this is going. “I won’t,” I assure, but that could certainly change depending on the secrets she spills.

Teary emerald eyes meet mine. “You’ve had sex, right?”

I’m about to lose my shit. “Yes, why?” I release her face before I crush it.

“Was it good for you? I know it’s supposed to feel good, but it just…”

“You’ve had sex?”