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“Suffering.” Between Thea and my mom, I’m going crazy. I drag a hand over my head and glance around. Several of our guys throw me dirty looks, as if I’m the only one who can carry the team because I’m the captain. I sigh. “Fuck, sorry.”
Devlin squints at me. “Was that benefit shit this weekend?”
I grunt in response, nodding.
“Just get in the game. I’ve got your back.” Devlin claps me on the shoulder. “It’s almost over.”
He’s right. If I can stop dicking around, we’ll finish this and stay in the running for the playoffs.
The ref blows his whistle and the game resumes. Family members and a group of Coyote Girls gathered on the sidelines cheer as we pick up the ball, zigzagging across the field to keep it in our possession.
Trent loses the soccer ball to the other team’s striker, and I swoop back from my position at the center. Instinct and years of practice kick in as I mark the striker heading for our goal. The cheers and shouts on the sideline become white noise. The other team’s player fakes me out with a spin, but I anticipate him and steal the ball before he can defend against me. A few of our guys whoop and holler for me, and the corners of my mouth tip up in satisfaction.
Devlin meets me at center field and together we move on offense, passing the ball back and forth as we cut down the grass toward the opposing team’s net. Their goalie has his hands up, glancing between both of us.
This is what we’re known for. An unstoppable pair with speed and skill.
As we’re closing in on the goal, dodging defensive backs, Devlin sets me up so that the defensive players think he’s taking the shot. They go to block him as I swoop in, stealing the ball and kicking it with precision. It arcs through the air into the back left of the net.
The sound of celebration erupts behind me as the timer runs down on the second half. I stand with my hands on my hips, dropping my head back and gasping to drag air into my burning lungs.
It feels good to finish this strong when my head is still so messed up. Thea’s worked her unassuming roots into me, making me think she’s harmless when she’s got me entangled.
“Good finish, man.” Devlin claps me on the shoulder, squeezing. “Don’t let your parents’ shit get to you. It’s not worth it. Trust me.” He grimaces, jaw clenching. “Just—” He gestures vaguely. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so at a loss for how to express himself. “Forget them. Find someone—things that make you happy.”
“Uh huh,” I say, squinting at him. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Davis, would it? You’ve been different ever since you had her in that cheerleader uniform at the last practice. You kissed her in front of everyone, bro. We all saw it.”
Devlin shoves me without heat. “Pull your head out of your ass.”
“Yeah. Sure.” I laugh as we make our way to the huddle of our teammates to shake hands with the other players. “But I told—”
“Don’t say it.”
“So broody.” I clutch my chest like he’s caused me a fatal wound. “So cold.”
Devlin shakes his head and plants a hand over my face to cut off my fake wailing.
After the match, I convinced Thea to meet me at my pool house to talk. She waits in the shadows cast by the edge of the building, peeking around the corner when she hears my footsteps drawing close.
“How was your game?” Thea asks, tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear. She’s wearing a thick tan sweater beneath a pale blue denim overall dress. Her white tennis shoes have hand-painted rainbows on the toes.
“We won.” I unlock the door, running through what I need to talk to her about in my head, willing myself not to get distracted by her sweet scent.
“I’ve never seen one of your games. Are you good?”
I throw a cocksure grin over my shoulder. “I made varsity captain last year. I’m good. Our team is, too. Dev’s a damn sight to behold, wicked bastard.”
“Devlin Murphy?”
I hum in response as she follows me into the pool house. My room might be a sanctuary away from my parents, but I come out here when I need to think. A guest bed dominates the room and white cushioned ottomans are arranged in a small sitting area. In the other corner a large full-length mirror reflects most of the space, giving it the appearance it’s even bigger.
Thea peers around while I sink onto the corner of the bed, leaning my elbows on my knees. She pauses by the mirror, blue-green gaze flicking to find me in the muted light through the reflection. A moment passes, crackling with this magic quality.
A tug in my chest feels like it has me tethered to her. The girl I was never supposed to have in the first place. The one I’d never noticed.
But that pull gets stronger until I’m gritting my teeth to stay where I am instead of going to her side.
This is what I mean by she’s a weakness I shouldn’t indulge in. This is a girl I would destroy, eating up her goodness, her warm light. A girl I shouldn’t want, but I do. I’ve only had one taste, but I’d burn the world to the ground for her, damn the consequences.
