Page 103 of Forever Cursed

“Better now,” he says in what I’m sure he thinks is his most charming voice.

I look at him for a moment, unsure how to react. The professional in me tells me to smile and pass it off, while the woman in me screams and cringes. Mama never taught me to be a doormat. She taught me to stand my ground with a smile on my face.

“Charming,” I say with a fake toothy grin, giving in to the smart-ass within me. “So, let’s get this over—started. The last topic you and Raina covered was taking personal responsibility.”How quaint.“What have you done since that conversation to take responsibility?”

“Well, you were there the day the coach wanted to talk to me. Remember?”

“Yes, I was.”

“Since that conversation, I started to really look at myself. I wasn’t doing my job as team captain. Rome was picking up my slack, and I let him. I won’t be doing that anymore.”

“Mm-hmm, and how will you do that?” I ask while maintaining eye contact to see if I can catch him in a lie.

“I’ll be creating and reviewing the plays myself again. I will also be stepping in during workouts to help the rookies.” His tone is even, his eyes are steady, and his fingers are still.

This guy is good, but I’m not a dummy.

“That’s great to hear. I’m sure Rome will appreciate it.” I put on my chipper voice, even though it hurts.

“He’ll have more time for you.” And he fucking winks at me.

Gag.

“Lucky me.” I don’t bother hiding the disgust that laces my words.

“A lot of girls would kill to be in your position, you know.”

And here we go.

“Yeah? Why is that?” I get ready to jot down as many notes as I can.

“For starters, I’m a fine piece of art. I mean, look at these bad boys.” Malik flexes his forearms, and the vein in my forehead throbs.

“I’m melting in my seat,” I say, unamused.

“And I’m the captain and quarterback for a top-ranking college football team, bound for greatness and a top draft pick.”

Could someone be any more into themselves? What a self-centered prick! Malik could get a hard-on from his own reflection.

“You intrigue me,” he admits, and it gets my mind running.

“How so?”

“From the moment I met you, you weren’t impressed like the other girls.”

“I’m pretty sure Raina wasn’t impressed either,” I retort.

“True, but you... There’s something about you. I can’t put my finger on it. Ever since the party?—”

That fucking pool party. If I knew wearing that bikini for Rome would garner Malik’s attention, I would have worn a potato sack instead. And he better not lay his fingers anywhere near me if he wants to keep his hand.

“I’m not a puzzle to be solved. I’m here to help you and teach you about mental health. Is that understood?”

Malik throws me a lopsided grin, and I know he definitely does not understand.

“Yes, ma’am.”

The meeting ended after that, and I couldn’t thank the stars enough. I’m not sure what to do with myself. If it was a normal day, I would go to Rome’s apartment, but things haven’t been right since the argument. I could go to Gwen’s, but I’m not sure I’m in the right headspace for that either. With a dejected sigh, I start back toward campus.

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