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Boone launches into a summary about the Japanese psychological horror film, but I tune him out as I see Kiera move our way. I try not to stare, but she makes it hard not to. She looks radiant, her blond hair cascading down her back. My gaze lingers on her and I feel an overwhelming desire to be by her side. To pull her close and whisper in her ear.
I let my gaze fall away as she steps into our group, standing between Kace and Boone. “What’s up?”
“Best horror film?” Kirill demands.
“I don’t know about best, but I had nightmares for a week after I watchedParanormal Activity.” She shudders with a grimace. “I believe in all that supernatural shit.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Really? I wouldn’t have pegged you for someone who scares easily or believes in the paranormal. You’re always so practical and level-headed.”
Kiera chuckles, her laughter like music to my ears. “There’s a lot more to me than meets the eye. Plus, there’s something thrilling about the unknown, don’t you think?”
I’m enthralled by her words. The blend of fascination and deep curiosity makes me want to ask her about her beliefs in the otherworldly.
Except it immediately hits me that I’m on the verge of outing us. I shouldn’t even know her well enough to know she’s practical and level-headed. That’s only something I learned after spending time with her. I mentally kick myself for crossing that line and quickly change the subject.
My gaze goes to Kirill. “You still seeing that girl Mindy?”
Kirill shakes his head, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. “Nah, man, I’m not one for settling down. I enjoy the freedom of playing the field too much, just like you.”
My laugh is forced as I try to shake off the unease that Kirill just labeled me as a diehard player.
I risk a glance at Kiera and the relief is knee-buckling when I discover a mischievous smile dancing on her lips as she winks at Kirill. “Well, I suppose we’re all a bunch of players, aren’t we? But who knows, maybe one day we’ll grow up.”
Kiera leaves our group and I don’t want her to walk away. Her words strike a reverberating chord and I can’t help but wonder if she’s hinting at something deeper. That causes both excitement and apprehension, knowing there’s a connection between us that goes beyond our casual encounters.
A hand clamps down on my shoulder and I turn to see Drake standing there. He’s a big guy, but I’ve got him by a an inch or so. At six seven, there’s no one as tall as me on this team.
His hand stays there and squeezes. “Stone says you ran off some guy who was bothering Kiera the other night.”
I freeze, my mind going blank. All I can think about is the rage that went through me when some other guy touched what was mine.
Drake frowns at me but then Boone jumps in. “Yeah… he was a complete badass. Guy was coming on hard to Kiera and Bain set him straight.”
I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath, but it comes out in a gush that I turn into words. “No worries, man… if I had a little sister, I’d want others looking out for her as well.”
Drake beams at me, gives one more squeeze of his hand and heads off. Boone shoots me a look that leaves no mystery as to what he thinks.
I got your back, buddy, but you better sort this shit out.
CHAPTER 18
Kiera
Danica’s text hasme worried. We haven’t spoken since that night at the gala when she busted me and Bain kissing in the hallway, and I busted her holding hands with Camden. We had a very short conversation back in the ballroom. I admitted that Bain and I were casually banging each other. She admitted that things with Camden were complicated and I’m guessing that might be an understatement.
Bain left early this morning to meet the team plane and I was just lazing around when I got her text.I’m all fucked up in the head and need a sounding board.
I asked her where and when and she pointed me to this little tea and pastry shop near the arena since I’m familiar with that area of the city.
Danica looks terrible when I spot her at the back of the shop. Dark circles under her eyes and her face is pale. I unwind the scarf from around my neck and remove my coat as I walk toward her. Tossing it on the back of my chair, I look at the cup of tea Danica must have ordered for me. A plate of scones sits between us.
I’m a coffee girl and had my one cup today. The tea and scones look nauseating, but I don’t say so. “What’s going on?” I ask.
Danica shakes her head, her gaze dropping briefly before meeting mine. “I ended things with Camden last night and I feel awful about it.”
“So un-end it.” I’m very practical and that’s an easy solution.
“I can’t go backward,” she laments.
