Page 65 of Unrivaled Love
Who could run up a hill faster.
Who could get the other off harder.
Although that competition only started last night.
Tingles race down my spine when I remember the words he used. He wants to worship me. And I felt it.
Has he always? Or is this new?
Because there was a time when I thought we would be together.
But then I learned he didn't believe in me and I left.
I do not have space in my life for anyone who doesn't fully support me. It is fucking tough to be a professional athlete. Tougher even to be a woman on the field.
And I've been feeling the pressure as I step into the national team spotlight.
I think that's why I snapped on Pee Pee. It felt like a betrayal. The opposite of supporting me. But, fuck.
I wipe my face as the truth rocks into me.
I wasn't supportive of her either.
***
I must have fallen asleep on the sofa because the next thing I know, Bryson is crouched in front of me with his hands on my thighs.
"There's my, Killer," he says and he presses up to kiss my forehead.
"Hey, any luck?"
"No, neither of them had anyone home. I left notes on the door so we'll see."
"Dang, okay."
"I figure if we don't hear from them today we can prepare ourselves to walk into town tomorrow." He says as he looks up at the sky. "I'm no boy scout but I think it's already past noon." I chuckle. “How far are you?" Bryson asks as he nods towards my book and takes a seat in the other corner of the sofa.
I turn to face him and then check the chapter. "Chapter 37. Naimh just turned Flora over to the guards and I needed a break."
"Oh yeah, that part was nuts." Bryson crooks a finger at me and with a smile I crawl over and lean against him. "Hand me your book."
I do and he wraps an arm around me and then opens the pages between us. To my surprise he starts reading out loud.
“‘The dungeon's frigid floor stings my bare feet. Naimh’s treachery chills me further as the memory of her luring me into this trap resurfaces. The cruelest part was her doing so under the guise of offering me a safe haven for the night. The betrayal cuts through the softest parts of me.
Some friend she turned out to be.
I wiggle my toes to keep them from freezing and laugh. Any soft parts I had left will freeze solid tonight.’”
I reach up to wipe a tear because I can feel Flora’s hurt. Bryson lowers the book to his lap.
"You okay, Jo?"
"Yeah, fine."
"You sure?"
"I just, it's just, it's sad. Her friend betrayed her. She doesn't have anyone she can trust."
