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“I told Bella to make your favorite since you were joining us,” Mom said.
“It’s my favorite, too,” Alexandria said, a little whine in her voice.
Dad’s dark brow rose slightly, his way of telling her to knock it off.
“Do you think we’ll make it to playoffs?” I asked Dad around a bite of fresh bread that I’d slathered in butter.
“I do, but don’t let it go to your head.” He chuckled.
“Yes sir, Coach.” I gave him a salute and an ornery grin. “I’m a little surprised we still keep that secret.”
“Me, too, especially since some of the other boys know that the coach is your father.” Mom nibbled on her dinner, then dabbed the corner of her mouth with a white linen napkin.
“The few guys that know can keep their mouths shut. Hell, I trust them with my life.” They had no clue how much I trusted Quinn and Sterling, in fact.
“Language,” Alexandria said in a singsong voice.
I rolled my eyes at my sister. “I haven’t lived here since attending Whitmore, so it’s been pretty easy to keep that fact quiet.” In no way was I ashamed of my dad, but I didn’t have time to get razzed about special favors from the coach or his friendships with some big players in the NFL. I wanted to make it clear to myself and everyone around me that I’d worked my ass off to get where I was.
“Not to mention you’re adopted,” my sister gushed.
“Alexandria, that’s quite enough. You know we don’t separate our family into categories. Kane is as much our son as you are our daughter.” Mom’s blue eyes flashed with irritation.
“Sorry.” Alexandria slumped in her chair. “I didn’t mean anything by it, Kane. I just meant that it was probably easier to keep it a secret. I wouldn’t want to be treated differently because my dad was the coach, either.”
“It’s all right, kid. I get it.” I winked at her, letting her know I wasn’t mad.
“I hear the housing market is doing really well. Do you think you’ll sell your place if you sign on with the NFL?” Dad took a sip of his red wine, then placed the goblet back on the table.
“Honestly, I was considering renting it out in order to keep it.”
Dad shook his head. “You always have a home here, son. You’re also diligent about taking care of yourself, but accidents on the field happen. I think it’s wise for you to have a backup plan in place. But if you play your cards right with your career, you’ll have more than enough money to own several houses and live comfortably the rest of your life.”
“That’s what I was thinking, so a bit of income on the side from the beginning makes sense.” My family had no idea I’d used my inheritance to buy another house for the society. I was twenty, so it was my business what I did, especially since I supported myself. However, I had a full ride to the university, which allowed me to spend my funds on other things. As long as my grades were good and I played ball, every penny needed for school was taken care of. After Mom and Dad had adopted me at fifteen, I felt that I owed them. They had saved my life, and I’d put them through hell until Dad discovered my love of football, then he spent every evening and weekend teaching me what I didn’t know. He was also my introduction to the NFL. During football season, we watched the games and studied them instead of running plays. Because of him, I was an excellent quarterback, and I owed Mom and Dad everything. The least I could do was pay for my education.
“Speaking of houses, I need to stop by and check on the new tenant. The one on Gardenia Lane.” Mom folded her napkin and placed it on the table.
“I can do it, Mom. It’s only a few miles away, so it’s not a problem. Who did you rent it to?” I ensured my mask was in place, not letting it slip that I already knew who was there.
“A young lady named Brie. Her parents took care of the rent for six months up front. They’re very lovely people from what I gathered. It was clear that they’re a bit worried about her at a new campus so far away from home.” Mom glanced at Alexandria. “I would only hope that someone would be kind enough to check on our daughter if she were states away.”
I contemplated how much I should say but decided it was best to keep my mouth shut. “Yeah, I know what starting over is like. I’m happy to look in on her and ensure she doesn’t need anything.”
“Do you still have a key, hon?” Mom asked.
“Yeah. I guess I forgot to give it back after we painted and cleaned the place up from the last renters. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”
“That would be great. Make sure she has my phone number in case she needs anything, or if the house does. I gave it to her parents and asked them to pass it to Brie, but just double-check for me, please.” Mom offered me a sweet smile.
“I will.” What no one knew was that I’d already visited Brie last night, talking to her softly before I left my calling card of a scorpion on the corner of her mirror. When the society first started, each of us chose a deadly insect or animal as our identity to anyone outside of the organization. We were the elite of Whitmore University, and everyone on campus knew it. But when it was time to wear the mask, it was a simple reminder of who ruled.
My dick woke up with the memory of how beautiful she looked while asleep. I used to watch her sleep years ago, too. It was in those moments that I fell in love with her. My heart galloped with the thoughts of our first kiss. Back then, I thought she was special, the one I would marry, but then everything abruptly changed.
My brain reminded the beating organ in my chest that she was the enemy, but my cock had a mind of its own. Plus, I suspected Brie had one hell of a dream because she began to moan softly in her sleep while I was there. I shifted in my chair, reining in the vivid replay of last night’s visit.
Although I hadn’t touched her while I was there, I’d whispered in her ear while she slept, messing with her mind.
My body remembered our times together before she betrayed me and when she’d been sweet and innocent. We were each other’s first, so it was awkward for a while, but we’d figured it out.
