Page 4 of Savage Truth

“Okay, so maybe that explains Cole, but Phoenix too?”

“Damon and Shane are also exceptional players, but Cole and Phoenix are able to do things that my dad says are legendary. And Shane and Phoenix’s dad is in the NFL.”

“So he taught them?” It would have made sense and would have given them a leg up.

“No. I don’t think he’s a part of their lives. But talent is all up in their blood. My dad can’t shut up about it after he watches one of their games, which he does religiously. He’s ”—she searched the crowd then pointed to a center area near the top of the bleachers—“he and Mom are there, decked out in gold and black.”

That didn’t narrow it down at all, as those were our school colors. I nodded, going with it. “If he’s so great, will the NFL draft him after he graduates this year?”

Cass shrugged. “I don’t know anything about that. But I heard he’s going to Thane University.”

It was a Division 1 school and where I would apply if I actually went away to college, which I doubted. But their diving team tempted me to drink the Kool-Aid. “What about you?”

“I’m going there too.” Her gaze shifted to the front of the bleachers where Piper and her squad were doing some cheers. “Piper is too. Despite how stupid she is when it comes to Cole, she’s really smart.”

I thought a moment and decided it didn’t bother me. “How did you find that out? About Piper, I mean.”

“I’m friends with Brooke, who’s tight with Piper, remember?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“That’s where you’ll go, right? The diving team is outstanding. I don’t think you could pass it up if you got offered a spot on their team. Would it bother you that Piper will be there?” Cass shifted so she could look at my face.

“No.” I shrugged. “She doesn’t upset me.” I cast another glance at the blond Barbie going through her cheer routine. It did bother me a little that she wasn’t over Cole. I wasn’t sure she ever would be. She had it bad for him, which was why she acted the way she did. Given Cole’s ever-changing emotions, though, most of the school didn’t freeze me out as much anymore. They pretty much ignored me in the halls. Including Piper.

“She never meant anything to Cole.” Cass’s penetrating look was all-knowing.

“I know.” My voice was subdued. A part of me felt bad for Piper. But she wasn’t my problem, and Cole didn’t give her the time of day anymore. Putting all thoughts of her from my mind, I shifted my gaze to the field, where the players lined up.

The center snapped the ball, and I found myself leaning forward. Some of the players ran routes, and the other team covered them as Phoenix found his target. Then he launched the ball in what even I would call a beautiful pass to Cole, who plucked it out of the air. Damon blocked another player and cleared a space for Cole, who took off down the field. Holy crap was he fast!

My heart pounded, and I leapt to my feet with the rest of the academy’s fans as he crossed into the endzone. Even I knew a touchdown on the first play was something to shout about. The minutes flew by, and Cass laughed at me when my jaw almost came unhinged at another shockingly good play. They made the other team look like fools. It was crazy.

I finally understood why the Elites were treated the way they were. On the field, they were legends. It was that simple. And while I was shocked and seriously impressed, I wondered if I could shake things up if we ran into each other at halftime. A small grin curved my lips. I had to try.

CHAPTER TWO

COLE

Ilived and breathed the game—the hard hits, running down the field to catch one of Phoenix’s perfect throws, the grass, the strategy, every goddammed bit of it. We were in the last stretch, and Shane lined up in such a way that the other team shifted to provide heavy coverage at the line. That left me.

Damon shuffled his feet, ready to block. The crowd was ballistic. It was impossible to hear my teammates.

Dad was in the stands. The school planned to honor some of the alumni at halftime, and he was one of them. I didn’t care about that. What I did care about was that Thane’s recruiter was there.

In the back of my mind, I wondered if Riley was, too, and if so, what she thought. Some part of me wanted her to watch me play.

Phoenix stomped his foot, and the center hiked the ball. I took off at a sprint. There was no looking back. My cleats dug into the ground as I wove through the secondary, keeping their cornerback just out of reach. A thud to my right meant that Damon had taken out that fast safety, keeping the path clear. I took two more long strides, hooked to the right, and looked up. The ball soared overhead. I stretched a hand high, catching it with the tips of my fingers, then pulled it into my chest and put on a burst of speed.

Damon kept pace beside me, barreling into another player who hit the ground. With three more strides, and I crossed the goal line. The crowd was on their feet as our kicker set up for the extra point. The safety hiked it, Phoenix held it, and the kicker’s foot connected. It sailed between the posts.

We had several minutes left in the second quarter, and I hustled off the field, making way for the defensive line. It wasn’t long until we were back out there, our defense having kept the other team to three and out. I focused only on my teammates, the opponents, and what play our QB called. Nothing else mattered.

One day, this game will be my career.

Phoenix threw for sixty yards in the last few minutes of the half, which culminated in a perfect pass to Shane for the final touchdown before halftime.

Still pumped, I came off the field and headed to the locker room. Piper appeared after I took a few steps down the hall. She moved in front, blocking me, and my impatience spiked. Not only did I have to deal with her—and it wasn’t the best time—but I thought I glimpsed Riley, the only girl who occupied my mind of late.

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