Page 5 of Fault Line

“Not everything’s about you, Karras.” I can’t help but laugh at her contrite expression. She has her hands on her hips now, hackles fully raised. “And besides, I’m simply using all the resources I have at my disposal. It’s not my fault if that makes my proposal stand out. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t do the same.”

“I wouldn’t.” Her eyes narrow in. “You know I’ve worked my ass off for everything I’ve accomplished so far.”

Her spiteful comment prods at me like a hot poker. As if I haven’t worked just as fucking hard in all other aspects of my life. Sure, I have certain advantages because of my family, but it’s not like Kaia’s lacking privilege, either.

“Oh, please.” I barely repress an eye roll. “Spare me the rags-to-riches story. I know your family’s well-off, too.”

“Whatever.” I can see the last embers of her fire wane out. “Go in there with your perfect, golden hair, your shit-eating grin, and all your unmeritedconnections. Just know that when I beat you, it’s because I’ve actually earned it.”

“You think my hair is perfect?”

She slaps both hands over her temples, shaking her head. “As always, it’s been a colossal waste of time arguing with you.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” I nod, blatantly checking the time on my Audemars Piguet watch. “I better head in. I want to get in there at least five minutes ’til. You know how it is.”

“God, you make me so fucking irritated sometimes.”

My smile kicks up a few unhealthy notches. “I know.”

* * *

As predicted,the panel was impressed by my last-minute research proposal. They genuinely appreciated my forethought in reaching out to collaborators. And I could see that fucking sparkle in Khatri’s eyes, too. I may not be a shoo-in for top marks, but I’m betting on a near tie between Kaia and myself.

Now that I have that checked off the list, I can refocus my efforts on the more important shit—finding myself a suitable meal before practice.

I shoot off a quick text to one of my wingers, Rai Saito, a guy I’ve been friends with since we were in diapers. Let’s just say the two of us didn’t end up playing at Coastal together by chance. And when all is said and done, I wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up playing for the same pro team.

Rai Rai also likes to load up on carbs before we hit the ice, so I know he’ll meet me here at a moment’s notice. Luckily for both of us, there’s a dining center directly across from Wey Hall, which I like to refer to as my second home. My first is the rink, and the third and final is my actual house off campus, where I live with Rai and two of our other guys.

By the time he joins me for lunch ten minutes later, I’ve already scarfed down two full plates of noodles, vegetables, and chicken. I’m on my third round when he slides into the booth across from me, his own plate filled to the brim with food.

“Hey, Becksy,” he greets, proceeding to stuff his face before finishing his sentence. “Ow vuv or ruvoval?”

I chuckle at his nonsensical question, raising a perplexed brow. “Come again?”

“Sorry,” he mumbles, making a show of chewing his food before clearing his throat. “How was your proposal?”

See, that’s one thing I’ve always loved about Rai. He may not be the brightest, most organized, or cleanliest roommate in the world, but he’s a good fucking friend. A solid, dependable sort of guy. He remembers shit that none of the rest of us do, the little things that add up, and he always makes a point to check in.

“Aced it, buddy. Thanks for asking.”

“Knew you would, Becksy.” He beams. “Did you beat that girl you’re always going on about? Kara, right?”

I choke on my own spit, breaking out into a mini coughing fit. “Don’t know who you mean.”

“Nah, that’s right.” He snaps his fingers, a lightbulb going off in his brain. “Kaia, no? Kaia Karras?”

Well,hell. I guess there’s no getting out of this one, is there? I honestly didn’t realize I talked that much about her outside of class ... so much so that my roommate can recite her full fucking name.

“We don’t know who came out on top just yet,” I say, attempting to downplay my discomfort. “Results to come, Rai.”

He gives me an earnest grin, as innocent and clueless as the day he was born. “Well, I’m sure you killed it. You’re gonna top your girl Kaia, no doubt.”

“I’d definitely fucking like to,” I say, grinning at the innuendo that’s slipped right over poor Rai Rai’s head. “That’s one thing I know for sure.”

3

KAIA

---