Page 177 of Return Policy

“Stingrays!”

The game’s flying by, and we’re already past halftime. The third quarter just started and as Noah said, these guys are pricks. I don’t know if Jonathan or Seth said something, but they’re not giving us an inch of space. Every chance he can, Seth sneaks through and tackles Noah.

My blood boils at the sight of him. Strutting around the field like everything is fucking normal.

What I’d give to see that guy behind bars.The restraining order was served a few days ago, and I pray to God he adheres to it.If he doesn’t… I might be the one who ends up locked up.

If it’s not Seth sacking Noah, it’s the other defensive linemen. Each time Noah gets up a little slower.

“You’ve got to be fuckin’ kidding me!” Coach Porter shouts at the referee, pulling at his dark brown hair. “That was intentional.”

The ref ignores his protest. The ball is overturned, and defense runs back on the field.

“Shit, man, are you okay?” I ask Noah as he limps over to the sideline, pulling off his helmet.

“That fucker is hurting me on purpose,” Noah snaps. “Seth tried to twist my arm on the way down last tackle. And you don’t want to know the shit he’s whispering in my ear.”

“Caruso! Anderson!” Coach Porter shouts. Noah and I jog over, and he glances between us. “Noah, you’re sitting out a few plays.”

“Come on, I—”

Coach puts up a hand, silencing him. “We’re up by two touchdowns, and I don’t know what you did to piss those boys off, but it’s obvious they’re out for blood. So you’re sitting a few plays out,” he repeats firmly. Whatwedid to pissthemoff? If the guys knew what Seth did to Sophia, he would already be in a motherfucking body bag.

“Yes, Coach,” Noah grumbles.

“Anderson, can you keep up the momentum?” he asks, turning his attention to me.

“Yes, Coach,” I reply, mirroring Noah.

Ten minutes of game time passes, and both teams have scored another touchdown, bringing the score to twenty-eight to fourteen. I ignore Seth entirely as we get into position for another play, afraid it’ll screw with my concentration.

Glancing up at Julian, I yell, “Seventeen–thirty-two–twelve—hike!” He launches the ball, and I catch it easily, shuffling backwards while looking downfield. A large frame appears in the corner of my eye just before I’m slammed to the ground.

Ouch.

“Tell your little bitch to keep her mouth shut unless she wants a repeat,” Seth snarls before pushing himself off me. “She’ll know what I mean.” The sinister look in his eyes has me gritting my teeth together so hard my jaw aches.

I slam a fist against the ground, pushing myself up as my blood boils. “Keepyourfucking mouth shut.”He wouldn’t be so damn stupid.

His eyes flash with anger as he takes a step toward me. One of his teammates grabs him by the shoulders, dragging him away.Lucky son of a bitch.

We get back on the line of scrimmage, and my breathing is unsteady. Both from the adrenaline and the absolute fucking fury. Sweat drips down my forehead, and grass stains cover every inch of my uniform.

Come on, Anderson.

Show him you’re the bigger man.

“Red. Forty–ten–twenty-two—hike!”

The ball lands in my hands, and I turn my attention downfield, spotting Desmond wide open. I cock my arm back and send the ball spiraling through the air. Desmond catches it just as Seth appears next to me.

He doesn’t touch me but comes close enough I can hear him over the crowd. “Man, I’d forgotten how good Sophia’s pussy tasted.” My head snaps in his direction, every muscle going rigid. “I hope she enjoyed the walk down memory lane as much as I did.”

Red flashes in my eyes and a murderous expression flickers across Seth’s face as he backs away.

“Come on, E,” Julian says, shoving me back toward the line of scrimmage. “Don’t let him get in your head.”

Seth’s words surround me like an endless echo I can’t escape.

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