The Relationship Pact(81)

Me: I’m going to turn it down. I’m not going to the Combine either. Turns out that I played ball for the people and not the game.

River: Sounds genius-level thought process.



I laugh.



Crew: So what are you going to do then?

Me: I’m going to graduate and then I’m going to work with Kelvin McCoy and write some music.

River: THAT IS SICK.

Crew: Oh, wow.

Me: I might suck at it. I’m nervous. But it should be fun.

River: It’ll definitely be fun.

Me: Okay, well, that’s all I had to say.

Crew: You are so random.

Me: Again, you asked for random check-ins.

River: This is true, Hollywood.

Crew: Check-in made. Good night.

River: Later.

Me: Night.



I lean against the pillows and sigh.

Tossing and turning, I try to sleep, but I can’t. Not even with Larissa beside me. I’m in a funk again where my brain just spins all night and wonders about everything from the Titanic to my sister.

I haven’t heard back from Child Protective Services about Harlee. My old case manager said she’d try to track her down but didn’t know how possible that would be. That was two days ago. It’s as though now I’ve found my peace—my future—I need to reconcile with my past too.

It’s time Harlee had a big brother again. Someone to show up for her. Someone in her corner to love her unconditionally.

Someone like me.

I climb out of bed and sneak out of the room. Maybe if I finish the last thing on my to-do list, I’ll be able to sleep.

Crew’s desk is in the corner of the living room. I sit down at it. The notebook I left on top is still there, and I open it.

I find the first blank piece of paper and pick up a pen.



Dear Philip and Kim,

Hey, guys. I know it’s been a while. I just wanted to check in and let you know I’m doing great now …





A Note From The Author





Dear Reader, Thank you for reading The Relationship Pact. I hope you enjoyed Hollis and Larissa’s story.

If you want to keep reading about these football players, you’re in luck. The Kings of Football series contains two more standalone stories by two other amazing authors. In the next few pages, you can take a peek at Ilsa Madden-Mills’ The Revenge Pact and Meghan Quinn’s The Romantic Pact.

Thank you again for reading. I’d be thrilled if you would consider leaving a review for The Relationship Pact.

Keep reading for all the books.

With love, Adriana





The Revenge Pact





Excerpt from The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football) by Ilsa Madden-Mills The Revenge Pact

Copyright 2020 by Ilsa Madden-Mills This excerpt is included with permission from the copyright holder.





River



“Why is the elevator so slow?” she mutters.

“Tell me three things you’re grateful for,” I say.

She does a double take. “Is this where I’m like your…pet project? Don’t feel sorry for me.”

Rainbow, sorry is the last thing I feel for you.

I want you under me.

Deep and hard.

There aren’t enough minutes in the day for how long I want to fuck you.

She blows out a breath. “Fine. I can see you aren’t going to budge. One, June is still around. Sam is keeping her low key. Two, I finished my paper, and three, I got off work to go on the ski trip.”

“How are things with Donovan?”

Her throat bobs. “I-I can’t talk to you about him. I mean, yeah, um, it…doesn’t feel right, you know, to him.” A sigh escapes her lips.

Right. He’s her boyfriend and my frat brother.

The door opens and she slips out, her arm brushing against my chest. I follow, sucking down the electricity between us. “I just wanted to check in—”

“I know what this is, why you’re being nice to me—”

“Yeah? Tell me, because I can’t figure it out,” I snap, annoyed she won’t open up while the other side is pissed at myself for asking. “Trust me, I wish I didn’t…” I stop, my jaw clenching.

She stops at the door to class and turns to face me. Her expression torn, she takes a deep breath. “Your paper. I’m sorry I can’t help you, I really am. I love helping others, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us…” She licks her lips, her gaze avoiding mine. “There’s something about you and me—” She halts and looks down at her feet. “Anyway, I know a few students who tutor athletes. Let me give you their names—”

“No one but you, Anastasia.”

“What? Why?”

Instinct takes over and I back her against the wall, towering over her. I tilt her chin up, and she doesn’t speak or move, just breathing fast, as my hand slides around to her nape. A hum of heat goes through my body as my hands tangle in her hair.

“River…what…” Pink rises on her cheeks as her lashes flutter.

Fuck.

Every time, I’m pushing a little more, the dark side of me winning. Monday. Her apartment. Now.