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We get changed, pack our bags, and head outside. The fans are still there, cheering for us, showing their support. They chant our names, sing our songs, and wave their flags. It’s exactly what I need after the loss.

I wave at them. I stop to sign some autographs, to take some pictures. Valentina does the same, and so do some of the others. We’re grateful for their love and passion. I’m determined not to let them down again.

Valentina and I are about to go to the car when Declan comes out.

“Lexa,” he calls.

All the phones turn our way, making me very conscious not to do something stupid. I don’t want my outburst on the front page of the sports news.

“What do you want, Declan?” I ask, not stopping for him.

He catches up to me, his hand on my arm. “I just wanted to say that you played well. You’ve improved a lot. I’m proud of you.”

The last time he grabbed my arm was in a dressing room in October, in front of the whole team.

I scoff, subtly pulling my arm away. “Like I care what you think. You’re a traitor and a liar.”

“Fair,” he says, then smiles and offers me his hand to shake. “Better luck next time?”

I’m aware of how it will look if I don’t shake his hand, but I also don’t want to touch the pig. Over his shoulder, I catch Esme. She subtly nods, urging me to play along. She needs him comfortable.

I sigh and shake his hand, then walk away. Valentina takes my hand, warm and steady.

We get in the car, and I let out a long breath. I look at her, and she smiles at me.

“You okay?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I say. “Just… frustrated.”

“I know,” she says. “Me too. But it will get better. I promise.”

“I hope so,” I reply. “I hope we can beat them next time. I want to wipe that smirk off their faces.”

“We will,” she says, leaning in and kissing me. “We’ll show them who we are. We’re Breakers, and we don’t back down.”

I smile against her lips. “Want to go home, run a hot bath, and play with Dildy?”

She laughs. “Do you even have to ask?”

I start the engine. I’m still angry, but I’m also happy. I have her, my team, and my fans. And that’s more than enough.

We drive home, leaving the stadium behind.

CHAPTER 12 – Alycia

Wednesday, September 10

Lexa had a bad match on Sunday. I wanted to console her, but I’m sure Valentina did a better job of it. She was frustrated, but she was also full of fire to do better and go harder at the next match.

I, on the other hand, was frustrated in a different way.

Afterwards, Esme approached me, asking if I would be willing to go on record about Declan, his affairs, and the unethical behavior of Apex. I wasn’t sure, but she was persistent, and I knew that it could be a game-changer for the league, for women’s football in general.

“I like your new apartment,” Esme says as we sit on the couch.

“Didn’t want any memories of Declan,” I say. I left his aftershave in the bathroom cabinet for whoever buys the old place.

She nods, her eyes sympathetic. “Good call. I’m a bit surprised you haven’t moved in with your new beau.”