Asher Donovan, a star striker with a record-breaking transfer, fails in the last seconds of the Premier League final, costing his new team the championship. The crowd calls him a traitor, and his rivalry with captain Vincent makes tensions worse. With the coach furious and the team divided, Asher must face his past mistakes—and the storm that’s coming next.
“About the antilock braking system?””No.” I released a tiny sigh of exasperation alongside my smile. “You said you loved me.” He slid his palm down to the nape of my neck. Its heat burned deliciously into my skin. “I said I love you more than anything else in the universe, including Pluto,” he corrected teasingly.…
This was why I didn’t want to be team captain. Corralling a group of footballers was harder than herding a litter of hyperactive puppies. “This is not a book club meeting,” he said. “This is a strategy meeting. It has to do with our newest team member.” The other players quieted, their eyes roving between…
“I know. They’ll keep getting higher, but your experience and resilience will grow alongside them.” “Growth, not stagnation.” “Exactly.” “Thank you, Ms. DuBois.” She shifted her weight again, looking embarrassed. “I’m sorry I keep bothering you after class, but this was really helpful. Truly. I’m glad I’m not alone in feeling those things.” “Trust me,…
Typical Vincent. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “Did someone put out a broadcast telling London I’m having an open house tonight or something?” Given the way my week was going, I wouldn’t be surprised. “We need to talk.” He shoved past me into the foyer. He was still wearing his kit from that…
But I wasn’t going to admit any of that to my father. I was wound tight from weeks of pent-up emotion, and I was spoiling for a fight. “You should be happy,” I said. “You don’t have to watch your son play against-instead of for-Holchester anymore. Isn’t that what you wanted?” My father’s nostrils flared.…
Heat seared my face. “Coach?-“ “I’m not done.” His mouth pursed. “You think I didn’t know about your racing habit or your rivalry with DuBois before I paid two hundred fifty million bloody pounds to bring you to Markovic Stadium? Everyone knew, and that’s why the rest of the committee resisted so hard. They thought…
My mouth curved at the recollection of Scarlett wielding a frying pan like a weapon before reality intruded and flattened it again. That night seemed like a lifetime ago. She might never step foot inside my house, much less my kitchen, again. The taste of the soda staled on my tongue, but I finished the…
I didn’t believe in ghosts. I was superstitious about my pre-match rituals-see: my lucky boots and listening to my playlist in the exact order in which I’d arranged the songs, no skips or replays-but I didn’t believe in the existence of spiritual beings or haunted houses. I changed my mind after Scarlett broke up with…
That was the problem. I cared too much. I cared too much and he didn’t care enough, and I was afraid we’d never bridge that gap. “I miss you,” he said softly. A stray tear escaped and scalded my cheek. “Don’t.” “It’s the truth.” Asher’s throat flexed. “I didn’t reach out sooner because I knew…
It was guilt. Why would he feel… The breath stalled in my lungs. He hadn’t hit someone else’s car. I sensed it in my gut. But if he hadn’t done that, then there was only one reason for the guilt shining in his eyes. Icy talons raked down my spine. Don’t say it, I silently…