by Janie Marie
“Congratulations,” she said, hating that she was wondering if he was about to kiss her. “And if that was Ryder as a virgin, he might’ve ruined every man for me.” Except for David and Tercero.
An amused twitch of his lips came and went. “Experience, maturity, and power are still too tempting for you, though.”
“Whatever,” was her lame response before turning to clap for the band passing them.
He chuckled, placing his hand on her lower back. “Perhaps you are not as brave as I thought. You still want to play with boys.”
Jane scowled at the band. She was afraid. Sometimes she felt like screaming because what on earth was she doing? Considering a relationship with her stepbrother, the sexy neighbor she’d refused to believe she had feelings for, his almost twin who lost the girl he considered a soul mate, and what—was she considering Luc too? She might as well sell her soul to the Devil. Not to mention she still tingled between her legs from Tercero’s mouth. What was wrong with her?
“Giving up your crown before you can even show it off?” His hand moved under the jacket she wore—his jacket—and then under David’s jersey. His hand was ice-cold, and she shivered as she realized the monitor behind the field goal showed the two of them. “Will you smile like a queen, or cower like a peasant?”
“You really take this king thing too seriously.” Jane looked up at him, and he met her gaze. It was only when the briefest drop in his cold exterior appeared that she made her decision. “I can run to Ryder and Tercero, and David. I know he’ll tell me when the time is right for him.
“But you’re right, I am curious about you. I’m curious why you want to push me to be great when I’m just a girl no one has really cared about. I’m curious about the way you look at me, and why you lost your composure in the car before. Why you’re acting possessive because I think you’re thoroughly pleased I was with Ryder and Tercero.”
He gave her a real smile before bending a pressing a tender kiss to her lips. “Not exactly,” he murmured, speaking just a hair’s breadth from her mouth. “Immensely pleased when you challenge me, yes, but that my younger brothers have claimed you, that you’re yearning for David to do the same . . . Not in the slightest.”
The cheering crowd kept her from forgetting everything that mattered to her because Luc’s kiss had that ability. If she had to compare him to anything, it would be a drug. Something to numb her, to let her escape, and if she let him, he could keep her however long he wanted.
Yes, if Ryder made her come alive, if David consumed her with a fire he seemed to be trying desperately to make sure it didn’t destroy her, and if Tercero sustained her in their absence—then Luc was the sweet escape from all worries, from all she really loved and desired.
Sighing, she turned away, noticing their faces still on the huge monitor with a caption now: ‘Black Hills’ King of Friday Night & his Queen’.
Jane smiled, pushing up the jacket’s sleeve a bit, and waved like a princess. Not because she was living out a fantasy of being Luc’s queen for the day. No, she was doing her best Cinderella wave because she’d used a sharpie on her wrist, creating a heart out of David’s, Ryder’s, and Tercero’s names. It might be hard to make out, but she tried to show them they were the ones who had her heart. No way was she showing up on Luc’s arm, letting him kiss her like they hadn’t just made her feel like the most special and beautiful girl in the world.
“Cute,” Luc said, waving at the camera now.
“I can be clever, too.” She chuckled even though she could feel his rage. “Oh, don’t be pissy. I’ll behave and make you look good, and who knows, maybe in the future, you won’t have to worry about the fumblings of an inexperienced little queen if she ever takes her pants off for you.”
“Maybe I look forward to your fumblings,” he said, turning her toward the field when the monitor switched views to show the black and gold inflatable tunnel the football players ran through. “Much easier to teach a beginner than re-teach one who learned the wrong way to ride a cock. And there is no if—I am going to bury myself deep inside you.”
Goodness, her vagina was the ultimate slut because that hoe was aching now, wondering why he wasn’t already there.
“Ryder didn’t complain.” God, she hoped she did it right.
“What virgin boy complains about a pussy around his dick?” He was enjoying trying to make Ryder look bad.
Jane sighed, ready to just pull Luc’s pants down and fuck him so he’d shut up. Literally, the stupidest thought her teenage mind had ever concocted, but damn it all, the seed was planted. All she could do was act unaffected by Luc’s experience. “I really don’t care if he was a virgin. It makes me like him more, and he made me come twice. I loved it, and I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with him. So, fuck off about him being a virgin. I don’t even want to know where your experienced dick has been.”
“Tell yourself that when you’re unable to sleep and imagining me worshipping every inch of your beautiful body.”
Damn him.
Music that normally played before Ryder led the charge started, and the announcer spoke: “Led by their Captain, Senior: David Leodegrance, the Black Hills’ Warriors.” It wasn’t David who walked through the two flaps holding the team back, though. “Seems there’s been a change.”
Her heart sprinted when Ryder came onto the field. He wore black jeans and his black jersey with the number ‘4’ in gold. Obviously, he wasn’t playing, so he wasn’t dressed, but she had no idea what he was doing there.
He acted the confused, looking around and scratching his head. The girls were screaming, and Jane wanted to join right along with them. He was just so sexy. She wanted to shout they’d totally lost their virginity to each other, but the announcer was speaking again.
“It seems Senior, Ryder Godson, former Captain will be leading—”
Ryder held up his hand and did a little motion, and the music changed. Jane didn’t know the song title, but she’d heard David play it before. It was then Ryder held up his hand to his mouth, hollering, “Number Twelve.”
The crowd went crazy when David walked out of the tunnel, and Jane couldn’t stop herself from screaming this time. He wore the all-black uniform, his number twelve matching the number she proudly wore. His black helmet with the golden archangel warrior, their mascot, hit the lights, making him look like a god himself.
She was cheesing like a fool when Ryder gave him a bro-hug before they both suddenly did a pose, crossing their arms. Then two more players—Archer and Savaş came out, flanking them and doing the same pose. Jane screamed, bouncing on her toes as another set came out. She knew it was the Knight brothers: Gareth and Gawain.
The air felt like it was vibrating when the rest of the team came out. She expected them to charge the field, but then David started moving side to side, dancing.
“Holy shit,” she whispered as Ryder and the others in a wave started copying him. It was simple but holy hell, David was dancing, and it was driving her crazy watching his golden arms flexing with each movement as he held them out wide.
Not a single person was sitting in the stands. Everyone stood, cheering, then screaming when the players all took a step to the side, but they stayed low before doing it to the other side. Jane was gonna pass out. Ryder never led the team out like this, but he was there, slightly behind David, participating and letting David lead.
The boys parted, and Jane saw another player walking through, holding up the school flag.
The announcer spoke again as the player reached David. “Introducing the newest member of Black Hills’ playing Defensive Tight End, Senior, Jason Winters.”
David slapped the new guy’s helmet before bumping it with his, then Jason was leading the team across the field, the flag high as the band played the school fight song.
She couldn’t stop grinning as the team reached the opposite end zone, circling Jason as he handed the flag to David. They whooped and jumped up and down as David shouted, getting them
pumped. Her heart turned to mush seeing Ryder right there with him.
He yelled, smacking David’s shoulder pads as the others chanted along. Whatever he said had them hollering and David grinning, before yelling something else out. The boys all kneeled, praying, then they stood one by one, jumping and hollering, waiting for their teammates to rise.
When David rose last, they let out a huge cry and started toward the sideline.
Luc sighed heavily, and Jane felt a bit bad. He obviously didn’t like that she adored every bit of that, especially David and Ryder getting along.
As the team got closer, Jane felt their eyes on her, and she smiled at David. Her body heated when he winked, then he made a motion to Ryder, and her sexy boy looked like a kid on Christmas as he ran up to her.
Ryder completely ignored Luc, reaching for her hand and pulling her a step closer. “Hey, angel.”
“Hey.” She seriously hoped the camera wasn’t on them.
“We couldn’t get you flowers or jewelry, but we want you to wear this tonight.” He held up a gold wristband, but they’d both written on it. One side: David ♥︎ ’s Jane, the other side: Ryder fucking ♥︎ ’s Jane.
She laughed, sliding it over her ink-free wrist as she wondered if Ryder meant love with his heart the way she believed David did. “I love it.”
“I know you do.” His eyes flicked over her shoulder. “You only do what she asks for.”
Luc was cool and calm. “She’s not being forced into anything.”
“Did you want that kiss?” Ryder asked her, no judgment, but he wasn’t thrilled either.
Lying to him wasn’t something she was going to do though. “I didn’t ask for it, but I didn’t mind.” She pressed her lips together when he just stared at her, then she added, “He didn’t make me tingle like you do, or burn like David’s kiss does.”
“Is that how it is?” he mused, licking his lips as he stared at hers.
All she could do was nod.
“Interesting.” Those green eyes lit with flames before shifting back to Luc. “Next kiss, you ask for it.”
“I will offer, and she will accept,” was Luc’s cocky reply.
Ryder actually looked like he was contemplating killing his brother. All emotion slipped from his handsome face, and he just stared at Luc. Silent.
It was unnerving to see. Ryder had been nothing but sweet and funny around her, and she had completely forgotten the bad boy who ruled him. “Ryder,” she said softly, putting a hand over his heart. “Hey.”
He blinked, dropping his eyes to her, his gaze softening. “I have my phone. If you need me, don’t hesitate to call or text me.”
“Okay.” She smiled when he touched her cheek.
“I’m tempted to kiss you in front of everyone.” He smirked, rubbing his thumb over the lip she was biting. “Stop, these are my lips.”
“So you’ve said before,” she whispered, shivering when tingles seeped into her skin.
“Damn, babe, you’re making it hard for me not to embarrass you.” He glanced over at the team. “I’ll behave, though. Don’t want him to lose his head.”
Jane looked over, spotting David. He was with a coach, but she felt his eyes on her. She smiled, hoping he was able to stay focused. “I loved watching you together. He’s doing good as captain.”
“Yeah.” He tilted her chin up. “I gotta go.”
She couldn’t believe how much she missed him. To think she’d pushed him away, telling him he’d never be David. “Just so you know, I’m kissing you in my head right now—in between my apologies for being a bitch.”
The gorgeous smile of his that haunted her dreams stretched wide across his face. “Am I squeezing your pretty ass as you wrap those perfect legs around me?”
“Hard,” she said, giggling when Luc exhaled loudly behind her.
Ryder was totally enjoying it. He shuffled closer so their legs touched. “You fit perfectly in my hands. I love it. And you don’t have to apologize, babe. I know your mind fucks with you. That’s why you have me—I can hold you while you sort shit out.”
Certainly, there were hearts in her eyes as she beamed up at him. “Liking you more than I can put into words.”
He winked. “Back atcha, babe. Anything you want me to tell Mr. Perfect for you?”
God, Ryder had no idea how perfect he was himself. “Um.” Her cheeks burned. “Maybe give his ass a smack and tell him I said have a good game.”
Ryder laughed loudly. “I’ll do it for you. Don’t get jealous if he likes that it came from me.”
She giggled, shoving him but secretly feeling his abs. “I’m sure you’ll make sure he knows it was you and not me.”
“He’s gonna see my handprint for days.” He chuckled, then growled. “Kissing you in my mind, Sweet Jane.” Then he was jogging over to David.
Luc pulled her to him, but she kept her eyes on David as he listened to Ryder. There was a distinct, ‘what?’ from David before Ryder let him have it. The hardest ass smack she’d ever seen.
Jane gasped, covering her mouth as David glared at Ryder, shoving him a little. Ryder laughed it off, pointing toward her before he walked away.
Her blue-eyed boy glanced at her, and even with his helmet on, she saw his smile. He shook his head at her, but he pointed to his wrist.
She nodded, holding up hers, then she gave it a quick kiss before Luc guided her to the middle of the field.
“You are more troublesome than I had hoped for.” Luc put a hand on her back. “We are being watched. Remember our deal: behave, and I won’t have to hurt them.”
“Remember this deal, then: hurt them, and I’ll hurt you.” She raised her chin when she felt his stare. “Yeah, I said it.”
“Almost.” He pulled her against his side more. “You almost sounded like a queen.”
Jane smacked his stomach, not surprised to find it firm and sinfully tempting. “You’re a jerk.”
“It’s pronounced king, Jane.” He actually looked cute for a moment. Then he was all business, shaking hands with the referees.
She peeked behind her, hearing the announcer again, “Retiring his number, the coin toss ceremony will be led by the nationally recognized all-star quarterback, Black Hills’ graduate, Luc Godson.”
The crowd cheered, standing and clapping for Luc as the announcements continued. “Coming onto the field for the Warriors, Captains: David Leodegrance, Archer Godson, Savaş Godson, and Gareth Knight. And the Helldona Hellhounds, Captains: Alexander Sin, Damon King, Than Messor, and Dylan Berith.”
Luc tightened his hand around hers, and she squeezed closer to him as the four players focused on her.
She calmed when David’s presence was right behind her, and she breathed out when he brushed her hand with his as the two teams lined up opposite each other. The big guy named Sin stood opposite of David, telling her he must be their head captain.
Normally, the teams shook hands, but there was none of that. Just glaring and quiet name-calling. The one named Dylan continuously darted his eyes to her, like he was trying to see if she had a purpose, and he only smirked when David noticed and shot him a glare. Crap.
Principal Prince strolled down the middle until he was face to face with Luc. He shook Luc’s hand before turning them toward the cameras. He gave a speech about Luc’s years at the high school, his successes, including decimating the Helldona Hellhouds his first year playing in varsity.
Jane smiled, clapping for him because Luc was impressive. She also learned he’d donated a million dollars to the district, including a scholarship fund that would go out to one student each year. It was incredible to learn all this about him. He didn’t look cocky about any of it. In fact, he seemed to want everything to wrap up as his hand tightened around hers.
She gave him a little squeeze and smiled up at him, mouthing ‘wow’ when they announced they were retiring his number: Eleven.
His lips twitched, and he gave her a tiny squeeze back. It was things like this that drew her to
him. He acted like he wanted to steal her, harm his brothers, and he didn’t even like to talk about David, but there was definitely something about him that got to her.
Principal Prince held up a brand-new jersey with Luc’s number as an assistant coach held up another for Luc to sign so it would hang in the gym with the handful of other retired numbers.
As she prepared to let go, so he could use his hand, she found herself being gripped tighter. Luc was left-handed, it seemed, and he elegantly signed the jersey. He took the spare one, holding it up high as the stadium cheered for their former king. Then he handed it to her.
The crowd even ‘awed’ when he kissed her fingers and let her go so he could do the coin toss ceremony.
Jane laughed nervously as Mr. Prince winked at her, taking her by the arm and leading her to stand behind Luc who was now between David and the other captain.
“Keeping them on their toes, Miss Mortaime?” Mr. Prince chuckled at her when she used Luc’s jersey to hide her face because she saw it on the monitor, bright red.
“I guess so.” She blew out a breath and stood taller, composing herself as she caught sight of David watching her. God, he was so hot. It just wasn’t fair to be in his presence. Jane made sure David could see she had on his jersey, and she beamed at him when he smiled her way.
“Careful, girl.” Mr. Prince patted her hand. “Let my boys win the game before you have them competing for your attention.”
“Are you calling me a distraction?” She batted her eyelashes up at her principal. She remembered he’d been the one everyone was crazy about when she was a little girl. He’d been almost as famous as Luc, but he wanted a humble life, and he came back to their hometown after graduating college instead of going pro.
“Yes.” He chuckled at her. “Don’t do that to me. My fiancée will have my balls if I have a pretty, young girl flirting with me.”
Jane covered her mouth. “I’m not flirting.”
“Mhm.” He sent David a smirk. “Tell him that.”
David was all business, though. He just nodded to whatever was being said by the referee talking beside Luc. The referee told David to call the coin once Luc flipped it and for Alexander Sin to confirm it.