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He lifts a leg over the bench so he’s sitting with one on either side. My eyes move from his loose hold to meet his gaze.
It’s funny, I’m not used to looking down at him like this. His jaw and cheekbones look even more defined at this angle.
“It doesn’t,” He acquiesces, “But the way you look at me does.”
I’m keenly aware of his touch on my wrist. It’s not harsh or bruising, in fact there’s barely any pressure it’s mostly justthere.
Burning but not hurting.
I want to pull my arm out of his hold but I’m caught in the unsaid challenge in our standoff. Like if I shake him off, I’ll be admitting that he rattles me.
Which he doesn’t.
So I stay put, narrowing my eyes at him and locking us in a staredown instead.
“And what way is that?”
Not one to enjoy being physically looked down upon, he releases my wrist and rises to his feet slowly, eventually coming to tower over me.
“With eyes so full of lust and desperation they make a lie of your feigned dislike of me.” He whispers, his tone dropping to an octave I haven’t heard from him before. “Break up with your boyfriend. Let me make you pay for those lies.”
Someone coughs, instantly breaking the spell between us. I’m the first to look away, turning towards Nera.
“As hot as that was to witness – and, trust me, it was – we have to get to class, Thayer.” She grabs my arm and tugs me with her, tossing a quick “bye, Rhys” behind her as we walk off.
I clear my throat. “Thanks, I didn’t realize it was that late. I lost track of time.”
“Yeah, I noticed.” She says, giving me a sly side eye and smile. She laughs happily when I roll my eyes, nudging my shoulder as we walk down the hall. “I’m just joking. So is Rhys, by the way. Ignore him, he’ll get bored in a few days and move on to his next prey.”
“Let’s hope.”
“I’ve heard he and Phoenix like to share, if you know what I mean. You’ll be long forgotten very soon.”
Her words rankle and I don’t know why.
My ego’s probably just not reacting well to the thought of being easily replaceable, whether it has to do with Rhys or not.
It has to do with my competitiveness, that’s all.
???
5
Thayer
As my last class of the day ends a few days later, nerves have my heart beating openly in my throat.
Today’s our season opener, a rivalry game with another international school near Geneva, and I’m not sure I’m ready.
I’ve gone to every practice and even added a couple of additional runs to my routine so I’m as prepared as I can be and yet for the first time in a long time, there’s a small crack in my confidence.
I’m intimidated by my teammates’ skills at practice. If our opponents are anywhere near their level — and I’m certain they will be — then we’re about to play a tough and physical ninety minute game.
I’ve got an athletic scholarship to RCA so my attendance here is dependent on performance.
Doubt and the anxious voice in my head have me questioning if I’m good enough to be here. If maybe they didn’t make a mistake sending me along with Bellamy.
“Hey,” Bellamy says, falling into step beside me in the hall and cutting off my reverie. “I’m really sorry I won’t be able to make the game.”
