The Game You Play: A Rixon Raiders Novel

by L A Cotton

  “Not going to work, Jenna,” I seethed. “You see, I had an interesting chat with Aimee Thatcher earlier. Ring any bells?” Her face blanched, her eyes filled with fear. “I mean, you must know her right, since you’ve been visiting her house, drip feeding Thatcher things about me. About my. Fucking. Life.”

  “It isn’t... it wasn’t like that.”

  “So you didn’t spread your legs and let him fuck you while whispering all my secrets in his ear?”

  “It’s all your fault,” she shrieked, thrusting her hands into my chest and beating hard. “You dropped me like I was nothing. And for Felicity Giles, a fucking no one.”

  “Watch it, Jenna. You might think you’re the Queen Bee around here, but I can soon strip you of that title.” I could destroy her without even breaking a sweat. But I wasn’t out for blood yet, I was out for answers.

  “How’d you do it?”

  All morning, I’d been pondering how Thatcher got the photos of me and Felicity. I’d assumed he had one of his guys following me, but it seemed a stretch. Even for Thatcher. It wasn’t until Grady mentioned he’d seen Jenna talking to some Eagles players Friday as the fight dispersed that my mind began piecing together a more likely scenario. A quick call to Aimee confirmed my suspicions. Thatcher’s guy was in fact, a girl. A girl who, against my better judgment, had an up close and personal relationship with me.

  “Jason, I—”

  “Answer the fucking question.”

  “I followed you, okay? I’d been watching you, noticed you always texting someone. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who, the way you two sat staring at one another across the cafeteria.” Jealousy dripped from her words. “I didn’t plan to follow you, but I saw Felicity sneaking out and before I knew it, I’d gotten in my car. It was just a lucky break.”

  A low growl tumbled in my chest and the blood drained from her face again. “I didn’t... that’s not what I meant. I just meant it was a coincidence. Please, Jason, what are you going to do?”

  I slammed my hand against the wall beside her and ground out, “Only what you deserve.”

  Then I walked away without a backward glance.

  No matter our history, Jenna made her bed when she came after Felicity.

  She could fucking rot in it.

  Felicity

  “How are we getting on in here?” George’s head appeared around the door just as I got Benji back in his cage.

  “We’re good. I just finished grooming Benji and I was going to get started on Meagan and Frieda next.” They were two of the cutest puppies I’d ever laid eyes on; mini Schnauzers I’d have struggled to tell apart if it wasn’t for their contrasting collars.

  “Actually, you have a visitor.” Something flashed over his face.

  “Visitor?” I washed my hands and dried them on paper towel. “Here?”

  “He’s waiting out front.”

  He?

  I followed George out into the hall, my mind working overtime. As we reached the doors separating the front and back of the center, George paused. “I just want you to know you’ve already made an impression here. You’re great with the animals, eager to learn, and Serena loves you, which is always a bonus.” He gave me a tentative smile. “The position is yours for however long you want it.”

  “What are you—” George pushed opened the door and I gasped. “Jason? But what are you...?”

  “Hey,” he gave me a hesitant smile as he approached us. “Thanks, man,” he held out his hand to George, “I really appreciate it.”

  “Umm, yeah, sure.” My new boss ran a brisk hand over his head, guilt flaming his cheeks.

  “Wait a minute.” My gaze narrowed, sliding between the two of them. “Did he put you up to this?”

  “He may have had a hand in it,” George admitted sheepishly.

  “Let me guess,” I let out an incredulous sigh, “you’re a Raiders fan?”

  His cheeks turned beet red.

  “I don’t know what to say.” I’d thought maybe George had found me a position because he liked me; it had never occurred to me he’d done it because Jason had asked him to.

  “Can I borrow her?”

  “She’s all yours.” There was an undertone to George’s words that confirmed Mya’s suspicion. He did like me. But he knew I belonged to someone else.

  I gave him a half-smile. “Thank you. Should I still come by tomorrow?”

  “Of course, Felicity. Like I said, the position is yours for as long as you want it.”

  With a small nod, I let Jason take my hand and lead me out of New Tail. “You have some explaining to do,” I said the second we were on the sidewalk.

  “And I will.” He pulled me in front of him, so we were face to face. “But first...” Jason slid his hands into my hair, tilting my face. His lips brushed over mine, slow and tender at first but it quickly became something else. Jason licked the seam of my mouth, pushing his tongue inside, finding mine. He tasted like mint, taking my breath away, as he explored every inch of my mouth. Branding me.

  Possessing me.

  Imprinting himself on my very soul.

  When we finally broke away, we were both flushed and breathless.

  “Hi,” he said quietly.

  “Hi.” I fought a grin, still hardly able to believe this strong, scary football god was mine.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I just can’t believe we’re here, after everything.”

  “Believe it, babe.” He dipped his head, nudging his nose against mine, stealing a chaste kiss. “Because you’re mine now and there’s no escaping me.”

  “Good job I have no plans to run then. Now,” I slid my hands up his chest, “Fess up. What did you say to George to get him to give me a position?”

  “It was nothing a few play-off tickets couldn’t solve.”

  I balked. “Tickets. That’s all I’m worth? Wait until I see him.”

  “Don’t give him a hard time over it. I think he would have agreed without me throwing in the tickets to soften the deal.”

  “How did you even know... Asher,” realization dawned on me. “Asher told you.”

  “He was only trying to help.” Jason pulled me closer, his lips finding the soft skin beneath my ear. “I missed you.”

  “It’s only been a few hours.”

  “Too fucking many.”

  “Is this the kind of boyfriend you’re going to be? Needy?”

  Jason lifted his head and frowned at me. “Needy? I’d handcuff you to me if I thought it wouldn’t cause some serious trouble with your parents.”

  “Jason!”

  “What?” He played dumb. “I can’t help it if all I can think about is kissing you, getting inside you.”

  “Ssh, you can’t say things like that to me here.”

  He leaned back in, brushing the shell of my ear with his lips. “Babe, I can say whatever the hell I want.”

  He was so bad.

  So very bad and so very all mine.

  It was going to take some getting used to.

  “What did Principal Finnigan say?”

  He took my hand and started leading me across the street to his car. “He’s yet to make a decision. But it’s not looking good for Asher.”

  “I still can’t believe he did that.”

  “Really?” His brow shot up. “Because when I think about it, it’s exactly the kind of crazy shit he would pull.”

  “He’s a good friend.”

  Jason opened the passenger door for me and I slipped inside, waiting for him to get in. Once the door slammed shut behind him, the air in the car turned thick. “Do you wish it’d been him?”

  “What?” I asked taken aback.

  “Do you ever wish it was him you’d fallen for?”

  “No.” I didn’t even need to think about it. “There was never a choice, Jason. You don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.”

  “You love me, Giles?” His eyes slid to mine, dark and uncertain and so vulnerable it
made my heart melt.

  “I love you so much it terrifies me.”

  “Good.” He leaned across and kissed me. “We can be terrified together.”

  Ten minutes later, Jason pulled up to his house, and cut the engine. “Nervous?” he asked, reaching over and tangling our hands together.

  “Nervous? What could I possibly have to be nervous about? I’ve been in your house more times than I can count. Hailee’s mom loves me.” It came out smug despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

  “No one’s home, babe.” His smooth laughter filled the car.

  “Oh,” I stuttered, heat spreading through me. “Where are they all?”

  “Hailee’s with Cameron, and Denise and my dad are off doing whatever the fuck they like to do on an evening. The house is ours for at least the next four hours.”

  “Oh.” This time I gulped.

  “Hey,” Jason’s hands glided up my arm until he was brushing my neck. “You good?”

  “Yeah.” I blinked over at him. This was Jason. Nothing I hadn’t already experienced—and survived—before.

  “No pressure, okay?” His eyes searched mine. “We can go in there and watch TV and eat our body weight in chips. Or we can go in there and do homework. I just really, really want to go in there... with you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Yeah?”

  I nodded, finding the courage to step out of his car. I don’t know why I was so nervous suddenly. I’d let him claim me in front of half our class today at school. But this felt different.

  This felt like coming out to each other, and after everything we’d been through, there was a little voice at the back of my mind whispering for me to be careful. To not jump in headfirst with him in case he had a sudden change of heart.

  But it was too late.

  I was already in deep waters hoping Jason would throw me a life raft.

  Hoping he would be my life raft.

  We entered the house in silence. It was the same four walls, the same collection of gaudy ornaments lining the shelves, and family photos Hailee’s mom had scattered over the walls. Everything was exactly the same.

  But I was different.

  We were different.

  “Is this weird for you?” Jason asked, no doubt sensing my hesitation.

  “A little. I just... I never thought we’d get here and now we are and I’m so happy, I am. But—”

  “You’re worried I’ll hurt you again.” Shame washed over him. “Wait here.” Jason dropped a kiss on my head before disappearing down the hall.

  I stood there, arms wrapped around my waist, wondering what the hell could be so important he had to abandon me.

  When he returned, he had that sheepish look again. “Jason,” I said, “what did you do?”

  He was holding a white plastic bag. “I was trying to think of a way to show you I want this. That I’m serious about this.” He motioned between us. “So I got you something.”

  I peeked over, trying to see what was in the bag. But nothing could have prepared me for the Penn hoodie he pulled out.

  “I wasn’t sure of your size.” He handed it to me. It felt soft and heavy in my hands.

  “I don’t understand...”

  “Well, you’re going to need one come next fall.” Nervous energy radiated from him. “I have one too, but mine’s black.”

  “You’re telling me you got us matching hoodies?” My heart swelled.

  “Well, yeah.” He lowered his face, rubbing the back of his neck, looking up at me through thick dark lashes. “Isn’t that what couples do?”

  I had no words.

  None.

  I think Jason had stolen them all right around the time he completely stole my heart.

  “I know I said I don’t want you there, at Penn, but I was just lashing out. Of course I fucking want you there.”

  “Four years, that’s a long time.” I smirked. “What if things go south and we have to be around each other all the time?”

  “Not possible.” He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me flush against his chest. “I already told you, we’re endgame. So if you have doubts, I suggest you run now. Because I am locking you down for the next four-and-a-half years at least.”

  “Only four-and-a-half years?”

  “When I enter the draft, I might need to cut you loose.”

  “Works for me, dating a pro football player isn’t on my list.”

  His fingers dug into my sides, tickling and pinching. My laughter spilled freely, filling the space between us, the remaining cracks in my heart.

  “I fucking love you.” Jason’s hand curved around my neck. “I never thought I needed anyone. But I need you, Felicity. I need you so much it hurts.” He pressed his head to mine, breathing in sharply.

  “So take me,” I whispered.

  “Yeah?” His eyes were wide and full of wonder.

  And hunger.

  So much hunger, my legs turned to jelly.

  “I’m right here, what are you waiting—” The air whooshed from my lungs as Jason hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me up the stairs, ignoring my cries for mercy.

  Inside his room, he slowly lowered me to the floor, letting every inch of him press up against every inch of me. We stood there, our eyes locked on one another’s, neither of us saying a word. Simply soaking up the moment.

  Eventually, I broke away, moving deeper into the room of the most complicated, most gorgeous guy I’d ever laid eyes on.

  It was just as I expected. Dark and manly. Slate gray walls with splashes of black and chrome. The bed was drenched in black sheets with silver flecks. It reminded me of a storm. Alluring and mysterious from a distance, but deadly if you got too close.

  Just like Jason.

  “You’re the first girl to ever see inside this room except Hailee,” he said. I turned to meet his sincere gaze. He’d moved back to the door jamb, leaning against it casually, watching me.

  “It’s very... you.”

  Prowling toward me, Jason took an ounce of air from the room with every step, until he was on me, the air gone and my lungs burning with need. “You are so fucking beautiful. I don’t deserve you.”

  I reached up and palmed his cheek, his scruff like sandpaper beneath my skin. “It isn’t for you to decide what you deserve.”

  “The things I want to do to you would definitely make me undeserving.”

  My lips parted on a soft ‘Oh’.

  “Last chance,” he warned, his eyes darkening to the color of his sheets.

  “I’m not running,” I said defiantly.

  “Good, because I’d chase you to the ends of the earth. You’re mine, Felicity. Every single piece of you.”

  Jason

  My eyes traced over her face, taking in the flush of her cheeks; her slightly parted lips, soft and pink and utterly kissable.

  “Where to start?” I pressed my palm against Felicity’s breastbone, dragging it down her sweater until my fingers found the hem. Slowly, I tugged the material up her body, letting it bunch around her shoulders. “Fuck, I want to taste every inch of you.”

  “Jason,” my name sounded like fucking heaven on her lips. I dropped to my knees, tracing my name on her stomach with my tongue. I wanted to mark her. Brand her in every way possible until we were bound so tight, she could never leave me. Because there was no going back now. I meant every word I’d said to her. She was endgame. I still wanted football, I still wanted Penn, and the NFL, and everything that came with it, but I didn’t want any of it if Felicity wasn’t right by my side for the ride.

  Kissing a path to her bra, I slid my arms around her back and unhooked the clasp. My mouth greedily sucked one of her breasts, and then I gently bit her nipple. Her body jerked with pleasure, so I did it again… and again, until she was writhing in front of me, clawing at my shoulders.

  “You’re teasing me,” she moaned, burying her fingers in my hair and yanking sharply.

  My girl had claws and it was such a fu
cking turn on, I thought I might explode right there and then.

  “I’m only just getting started.” I climbed up her body, pulling her sweater and tank top off, letting her dusky pink bra slink off her arms and drop to the floor. My own hoodie and shirt went next. Hooking my arm around her waist, I pressed my hand against the small of her back until we were skin on skin, her delicate curves flush against my shredded muscles. Everything about us was different.

  Hard and soft.

  Rough and smooth.

  Cruel and kind.

  But we fit to perfection. Two parts of the same whole.

  Her hair hung between us like a silky curtain, so I wound it around my fist, gathering it at her nape and pulled gently, forcing her to arch her back. Giving me perfect access to kiss and suck the hollow of her neck. I took my time, tasting and savoring her salty sweet skin.

  “More,” Felicity’s cries filled the room, “I need more.” Her nails grazed my shoulder blades.

  “I got you, babe.” Our lips met, hot and wet and needy; our tongues lapping and stroking and exploring. Her kisses were addictive and I knew no amount of hits would ever be enough.

  Felicity became impatient, her hands tracing my abs, painting a torturous path down to the waistband of my jeans. She expertly popped the button and shoved her hand inside, grasping me. “Fuck,” I choked out as she pumped me slowly. “This isn’t what I had in mind,” my voice cracked with raw lust.

  “I can’t wait. I need you,” she breathed, “now.”

  I wanted to make her wait, to reacquaint myself with every inch of her body, and then all the parts I’d yet to explore, but truth be told, I couldn’t wait either. My need for her was like a firestorm raging inside me, burning higher and higher with every touch, every taste.

  We made quick work of each other’s jeans and underwear, then I scooped her up and dropped her on the bed, not bothering to ask permission. Felicity giggled, the sound so fucking perfect I wanted to bottle that shit for a rainy day.

  “Come here.” She crooked her finger, scooting up the bed and letting her legs fall open. There wasn’t so much as a hint of shyness or uncertainty in her eyes, her love for me blazing in her sea-green gaze.