The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football, #1)(78)

He clears his throat. “Look, it’s a big decision.” He stands up and straightens his sport coat. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by to let you know your options and what we’re thinking.”

I stand. “Right. This isn’t a promise from you. I get it, and I appreciate the candor.”

He gives me a smooth smile. “We’re strategizing, yes. I’m checking out Justin Fowler tomorrow. Great wide receiver for Alabama. Guess you know him?” A brow arches.

I wince. Yeah, I know him. They beat our asses.

He gives me his card and we say our goodbyes.

After he leaves, I close Coach’s door and plop back down in the seat. I need silence. To think.

If I pick the draft, that lit class doesn’t even matter. I can flunk every course, knowing I’m not coming back. I can spend time with Mom, help take her to the doctor, help Rae move in with Jagger after the wedding, work out, hit the combine in March, the draft in April, then summer camp with whatever team I end up with. I’d never have to sit in a classroom again. On the other hand, I’d be giving up another year to improve my stats, get a possible degree, spend time with the brothers—

My eyes close as my heart clenches.

I wouldn’t see Anastasia again.





The Kappa kitchen table is surrounded by brothers as we sit and tear up the pizzas Parker ordered for dinner. Most of us are headed off in different directions tomorrow, and it’s the last time we’ll see each other until January.

I’ve got a slice in my mouth when Anastasia walks in the back door. I choke and grab my water, take a swig, my eyes lasered on her face, devouring her, taking in the long hair, the mini skirt. This one is velvet and red. Black thigh-high boots are on her legs. Her hair is down and frames her face.

Crimson is on her lips.

Benji nudges me under the table with his knee, but I can’t stop looking at her anymore. I’ve passed a point of no return, and if this is all I deserve, then why not?

I texted her earlier and told her my paper is good, said we didn’t need to meet tonight. Hollis kind of looked at it. Crew ran his eyes over it. Even Crazy Carl got a peek when I stopped by the bar after class. No reason, just seeing if she was working. She wasn’t.

I’m set to turn it in tomorrow. Over. Finished.

She didn’t reply to my text.

Her hair catches wind through the open door, fluttering around her oval face. She smiles with a sweeping glance, warm and sweet, as if she never left our house on Friday, devastated.

It’s silent for about five seconds, the guys pausing, until Benji calls out her name, jumps up, and runs to her. He picks her up and twirls her around. She beats at his back and giggles, the sound a little forced. He pulls Spike off his shoulder and offers to let her hold him. She gives him a pet and says hi to everyone, chatting with the pledges—How are exams? How is your girlfriend? Are you excited for the break?—even giving Parker a big hug. He blushes and offers her pizza.

She’s sunshine and light.

Angel.

Mine, the dark side of me insists.

She brushes her gaze over our group at the end of the table, then over me, not stopping, as if I’m no one, quickly moving on to the next person. Her eyes land somewhere out the kitchen window.

“Is Donovan around?” she asks, and I flinch.

“Ana. Here I am,” he says as he walks in the kitchen. His face is hopeful as he stops in front of her, eating up her face. “You…” He swallows. “…look great. Thanks for coming. My room?”

Her spine straightens, her voice low as she replies. I strain to hear it over the guys. Shit, I can’t.

“Alright,” he murmurs, then lets out an exhalation and turns to us. They stand next to each other, not touching, but his hand searches for hers. She doesn’t take it.

His words come, halting and unsure, as he looks at us. “Brothers, ah, hate to interrupt your dinner, and I realize not everyone is here, but I wanted this to be public…” His face softens as he glances at her. “I’m deeply sorry for what happened at the toga party. Ana didn’t deserve that. My brothers didn’t need to hear it. It was messed up, and…” He inhales a breath and seems to search for words, his face grimacing as he reaches out and takes her hands. “I’m sorry, Ana. For the embarrassment. For the hurt, the gossip, everything. I just wanted the guys to know where I stand—on your side. You are always welcome in this house. No matter what,” he finishes, his eyes glued to her face.

She gives him one of her jerky nods, her throat bobbing.

He says something else, just to her, and I can’t hear it. My chest rises as my adrenaline spikes.

A half-smile crosses her lips as she turns from him and gazes around the room. “Later, guys.” She gives a little wave.

They murmur their goodbyes.

He walks to the door to the kitchen, clearly waiting for her. She hitches up her purse, takes a breath, and they leave the room.

Where are they going?

I’m up before I know what’s going on, shoving my chair until a hand lands on my shoulder. Benji. “River, wait—”

Tension rolls over me. “She’s back. She came to see him,” I hiss under my breath as my fists tighten.

He shakes his head, and I push his hand off and stalk out of the kitchen and into the den. My heart jumps as I hear their voices echoing up from the staircase. They didn’t go to his room…