Page 44 of Changing Rules

By the timepractice winds down, my muscles are sore, and I’m relishing the perfect kind of pain. I feel alive.

“Walker!”

At the sound of my name, I turn, and before I can block it, a ball pegs me in the face, and pain erupts.

What the fuck?I bring a hand to my nose, and when I pull it away, it’s covered in blood.

“Damn, I should be more careful.”

Miller isn’t smiling, but satisfaction dances in his eyes.

“What’s your problem?” I march up to him, arms out.

“Myproblem?” Miller laughs, his head lolling back. “It was an accident.”

“The fuck it was.” I push him with both hands.

His smile grows wider. “Believe whatever you want.” He shrugs, standing his ground.

“Xander.” Drew stops by my side, a hand on my arm. “It’s not worth it.”

“Aw, you found yourself a new friend,” Miller coos, glancing between Drew and me. “Are you going to fuck his girl behind his back too?”

“I’m going to kill you.” I lunge for him, but Drew throws his arms around me and pulls me back. “Carter, let me go!”

“No! He’s doing it to get a rise out of you. Leave it,” he says.

“You’re making a mistake, Carter,” Miller says, his lips kicked up on one side. “He’s a vindictive child. Watch your back. He stole my woman, and he’s hanging out with another girl already. That’s why you wanted Isabella, isn’t it?” he goads. “To make her suffer for the way you think I wronged you?”

The audacity.“You’re full of shit!” I grind out, pushing forward.

Drew doesn’t let me go.

“Okay,” Miller says calmly, taking a step closer. “But so areyou.”

With a grunt, Drew tugs me back again. My blood on fire. I want to punch Miller so fucking bad, but I can’t do anything.

I thrash against Drew’s hold, trying to make him let me go. When I finally give in, knowing I won’t break free, that I can’t lay a hand on Miller, I do the next best thing.

I spit at him. My aim is true, and the glob lands on his cheek.

His features contort in rage, bringing me a modicum of gratification.

“Walker! Come here,” Coach yells.

Drew finally releases me, and I shoot him a glare as I saunter away.

Coach lifts his chin. “Miller, you too.”

“What?” I bite out, stopping in front of him.

Coach remains silent until the fucker I want to pummel into the ground joins us.

“You two annoy the fuck out of me,” he seethes. “Acting like schoolkids who can’t stay in their own lane.”

“I’ve kept my distance. He’s the one who can’t back off,” Miller states.

Coach scoffs. “You think I didn’t see you throw that ball in his face?”

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