Page 26 of Forever Cursed

“Five bucks that you two fail in this whole ‘let’s avoid one another’ thing. And you end up together in the end.” Ash coughs, and I give him a nasty side-eye.

Gwen accepts my bet with a knowing look. “Easiest five bucks I’ll ever make.”

Little does she know, I have an ace up my sleeve, and her name is Raina Bennett.

Walking into the sports center, I scan the hallway for my first target. The sooner I find her, the better. Professor Clastis told us to meet near the large conference room in the back. So, putting my ninja skills to the test, I sneak down the hall and peer around the corner.

“Gotcha,” I whisper the moment I see her.

“Psst, Raina.” Nothing. “Psst!” This woman, I swear. “Raina,” I say a little too loudly.

Thankfully, only a few other students are lined up outside the room.

Raina grins when she sees me. I wave her over, and she follows suit.

“What are you doing?” she giggles when she reaches me.

“I need your help with something.”

“Okay.” Her smile grows in response.

“I need you to not let Rome Carter near me. He’s tall, has gorgeous green eyes, blond hair, and huge muscles.” I try not to sound swoony as I describe him, but it comes out nonetheless.

Raina’s eyes focus behind me, and she tilts her head. “Is that him?”

I glance over my shoulder and mumble a curse. “Yes, that’s him. He and I can’t be partners. I really need your help with this. I can explain everything later.”

“Oh, this is going to be fun. This is something I can totally handle, don’t worry.” Raina gives me a thumbs-up before linking her arm through mine and walking us back toward the conference room.

Professor Clastis informed us that this room hosts many press interviews and conferences, and I certainly believe her. The space is at least the size of two large lecture halls combined. In the front, an elevated stage with a long table, a podium, and the school’s tapestry are. Multiple tables are spaced appropriately throughout the room. The dust makes my nose tickle, but other than that, this room is spotless.

Rome’s voice filters into the room as Raina brings us to a table near the center. Thankfully, the space fills, and Rome hasn’t caught sight of me. Sinking in my chair, Raina leans forward to cover me.

“Give me an update,” I whisper while hiding my face with my hand.

“I lost track of him. Damn, I never noticed, but this team ishot.” Raina swoons as more muscular guys fill the room.

“Focus, Raina,” I hiss while peeking through my fingers.

The familiar clack of heels sounds from the hallway, and Professor Clastis and an older gentleman with broad shoulders enter the room.

“Take a seat, everyone!” The professor instructs, and her students are quick to respond, leaving the players congregating in the center of the room.

“You heard the boss. Take a seat,” the man, who I’m assuming is the coach, orders.

“Oh, hello,” Raina utters.

Following her eyesight, I notice who has their eyes locked on me, and I groan. “Not him either.”

“How many players are you trying to avoid?” Raina snickers as Malik strolls toward us.

“Just two, him and, oh crap—” My voice falters when Rome jogs past Malik.

I scramble out of my chair, and Raina quickly follows suit. She trails behind me as I hurry farther down the table.

Finding two empty chairs, I glance around the room. “Do you see them?” I ask.

“No, I think we’re good.” Raina sits in the chair, and just as I’m about to follow her lead, Rome pushes past Malik, and I stumble.

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