Page 69 of Trick Play

I needed that answer more than I needed anything else at that moment.

“I’ve made you an appointment for tomorrow afternoon, following your last class. If you’re late to practice, there won’t be a punishment,” Weston said before standing. “We want you to find healthy ways to manage your stress.”

I nodded, too blinded by rage to speak.

“The information has been emailed to you,” Hiller finished.

I turned and calmly walked out of the office. Look at me. Managing. Being in control. Not spiraling or running away. I kept it up as I grabbed my bag from the locker room and left the arena, out of sight of the guys.

As soon as I was in the clear, I let out a roar and marched across campus with a single focus.

I didn't bother with a text or call. No warning, just like I had.

I pounded on the door, making it shake.

“What the the—” Lauren opened the door with her finger pointed, ready to lay into me, but stopped and took a step back. “Ethan? Are you okay?”

“Where is she?” I growled.

“Lo, who is it?” Kennedy came around the corner and smiled when she saw me, but it quickly vanished as she looked me over. “Ethan?”

I shoved the door the rest of the way open and pushed past Lauren.

“How could you?”

Kennedy took a step back. Never in all the years of knowing each other had she ever been afraid of me, or had a cause to be, but I saw fear flash across her face, and I felt nothing.

“How could you do that to me?” My voice was lower this time, but no less furious.

She shrank in on herself, shaking her head.

“Hey, Lucifer.” Lauren pushed against my chest, forcing me back to give Kennedy space. “Talk to her like that one more time and see what happens.”

She raised a can of pepper spray, aimed at my face.

I ignored her, glaring at Kennedy. “I thought I could trust you.”

Her mouth opened and closed, over and over. “Ethan?”

I clenched my jaw, making my teeth ache. “Was this your plan all along? Pretend until you had something to take me down? Then destroy me?”

Her face went white, and I knew. It was all the confirmation I needed.

“Well, you’ll have to try harder next time. You didn’t get me kicked off, not yet, but I’m one wrong move away. Thanks to you.”

I turned and stormed out, slamming the door so hard the frame cracked. Like my heart.

Chapter 23

Kennedy

I couldn’t move. Couldn’t even breathe. What was that? What happened? What did he think I did?

He thought I betrayed him like I had some master plan this whole time to get revenge. He mentioned not getting kicked off the team. What on earth was going on? I hadn’t seen or spoken to him since we got back late yesterday afternoon.

“You okay?” Lo asked after going to the door and locking it behind the crazy man.

I shook my head barely enough for her to know I didn’t have the slightest idea.