Page 93 of Forever Cursed

“Or what?”

He looks at me, unmoving.

“Or what, Rome?”

“It’s out of the question. He’s a prick and an entitled one at that. He’s not going to get what he wants from me. End of story.”

“What does he want?” My voice turns pleading and desperate.

His gaze darkens, almost like he’s gauging whether or not I can handle the truth.

“Tell me,” I insist.

“You.”

My brow furrows.

“He wants you.”

“I’m not yours to give away. I’m not some sort of prize to win.”

“I know, and that’s why I said it’s out of the question.” He pushes the curtain closed, but I’m not done talking to him face-to-face.

Gripping the shower curtain, I pull it back just enough so I can see him. “He won’t throw you the ball unless he gets me? What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t press further because it’snotgoing to happen.” Rome’s tone is tight and stern. He’s not going to budge.

“What if he only wants me to be his mentor? I can swap with Raina?—”

“No, Chrissy,” Rome orders.

“I won’t have you jeopardize your future for me,” I respond with the same resolve. “Not now, not ever.”

“I said no. End of discussion. I won’t give him what he wants. You said so yourself, you’re not a prize to be won.”

We stare at one another, neither of us willing to submit, to admit we’re right or wrong. Rome and I are alike in many ways, and our stubbornness is at the top of the list.

“You can’t tell me what to do,” I retort.

“If you go to him, I will know, and I’ll never forgive you.”

“Even if it’s to secure your future?”

“You said you wouldn’t leave me. I fell in love with you because you swore you wouldn’t break my heart. If you do this, I’ll see it as nothing more than an act of betrayal, and I won’t forgive you.”

“You really don’t listen to me during our one-on-one sessions, do you?” I don’t wait for a response to continue. “You’re burned out. You take on way too much for that team, and you don’t get the credit for it. I’m willing to bet how the coach discovered you’ve been stepping in, and I’ll place good money on a bet saying that he wants to make you captain. But you won’t do it. Want to know why?” I pause, taking a deep breath before I continue. “You’re afraid.”

His expression twists, but I don’t stop.

“Malik Chen won’t toss you the ball if you steal his title and spotlight. He won’t toss you the ball if he doesn’t get the girl hewants. Either way, you don’t get the fucking ball. You’ve told me time and time again you want to be drafted into the Philadelphia Eagles because not only is it your dream, but it will allow you to be closer to home. And you’re willing to throw that all away just to prove something to Malik. Well, Rome Carter, I don’t fly that way. Call it whatever you want, but what I’m going to do is certainlynotbetrayal. For once, let me help you.”

Our eyes stay locked. Rome doesn’t waver, and neither do I.

“I can’t do that.” His tone is low and dark.

And I leave on that note.

“Professor Clastis?” I call as I knock on her office door.

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