Page 83 of Stumped

“Fuck,” I swear under my breath and she snorts. “It felt so natural, so normal, it slipped out.”

“How many times have you said it to yourself?”

Don’t tell her. Don’t do it.“Every day since Mumbai.”

“Elias.”

“I know. This is why it’s been so hard being yourfriend. But it’s what you wanted and I wanted you.”

“That’s a long time, superstar.”

Hearing the nickname lowers my shoulders from my ears and I exhale. “What can I say, you’re one of a kind.”

“Cheesy as fuck.” I don’t need to see her to know she’s rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

“Are you still mad at me?”

“Obviously. I’m sleep deprived and alone in this warm bed that still smells like you and you’re not here.”

I smile, rubbing my hand over my mouth. “Isthatwhy you’re mad?”

“Among other things.”

“You know I’m sorry, right?”

She sighs and I can picture her lying in our bed, wrapped in the sheets and my heart longs to be back where she is.

“I know, Elias. But I’m upset.”

“You should be. Just…you know, don’t hate me.”

“Don’t be so demanding,” she snaps, but there’s no strength to her words.

“Okay, peaches.”

Vera grumbles and I rub my lips together to stop from smiling. As if I had any chance to not fall in love with her. She’s a badass boss babe, a strong powerful woman and she’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.

Vera Thomas is the perfect recipe to win over my heart.

“Have a safe flight, superstar.”

“I’ll talk to you tonight, yeah?”

“Mhm. Win thematchand come home to me.”

I smile. “Okay, sweetheart.”

And she hangs up and I slump back in my seat, chuckling to myself. My friends shake their heads, but I don’t care. She freaked out, but for a different reason. And more importantly, I’m suddenly feeling very confident about this match and taking the Legends down.

When we land in Ahmedabad,my morale dips a little. The folks waiting outside to see cricketers are all Legend fans and their signs are borderline rude—ranging fromChennai is at the bottom of the country because they’re the worsttoRenegades, more like Retrogrades. Airport security makes sure we don’t get attacked, but nobody’s stopping their volume from rising. I always forget our rivalry until we’re facing off with them and the stadium is full of Mumbai fans.

With my head down, the trolling and camera sounds echoing in the distance, I send Vera a text to let her know we’ve landed safely. She replies with a picture of her, Nina and Tamara lounging by the pool. Smiling to myself, I pocket my phone and look up as we reach our car. Dhruv is waiting with his arms wide open, big grin stretching his lips.

“Well, well, well…if it isn’t my rebellious Renegades. Did you have a good time at the beach?”

Bash grumbles at the condescending tone and Samar scoffs before sliding into the car.

Dhruv’s smile falters, but still stops me from getting in. “You can’t keep ignoring my texts.”

---