Page 3 of Pucking Knox
"You don't know me," I snap, even as tears prick at my eyes. "You just know the version of me my father sells to voters. The pure, perfect daughter who makes him look good in family photos. Well, guess what? I'm sick of it. I'm sick of being a prop in his campaign. I'm sick of every decision in my life being about his image. And I'm especially sick of you and my brother treating me like I'm made of glass!"
Knox's expression shifts, something dangerous flickering in his eyes. "Trust me, Princess, I know exactly how breakable you're not." He steps closer, backing me against the wall. "But if you're looking to ruin daddy's perfect image, there are better ways than letting Harvey Reynolds fumble through taking your virginity at a frat party."
I gasp, humiliation burning through my veins. "I never said I was—"
"You didn't have to." His voice drops lower, sending shivers down my spine. "It's written all over you. The way you kissed him – eager but unsure. The way your hands shook. The fear inyour eyes when he pulled you closer." He brings his face close to mine, close enough that I can smell whiskey and mint on his breath. "You're not ready for what you're asking for."
I lift my chin defiantly. "You don't get to decide that."
"No?" His hand comes up to grip my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Then why are you trembling, Princess?"
Because he's right. Because he sees through me so easily it terrifies me. Because despite everything, despite knowing exactly how dangerous Knox Thompson is, my body betrays me by wanting him closer.
I wrench away from his grip. "I hate you."
He steps back, that infamous smirk playing at his lips. "No, you don't. You hate that I'm right." He moves to the door, pausing with his hand on the knob. "Word of advice, Princess? Next time you want to lose your virginity, don't pick a guy who's terrified of your brother. Pick someone who can handle the consequences."
He's gone before I can respond, leaving me alone with my ruined plans and the lingering warmth of his touch on my skin.
I slide down the wall, burying my face in my hands. Sawyer finds me like that a couple of minutes later.
"What happened?" she asks, sitting beside me. "I saw Harvey practically running out of here, then Knox looking like he wanted to murder someone."
I laugh, but it comes out more like a sob. "Knox Thompson just ruined everything. As usual."
"Did he tell Ace?"
"I doubt it." I wipe my eyes carefully, conscious of my makeup. "But he might as well have. He made it clear he'll be watching me from now on." I look at Sawyer desperately. "He knows I'm a virgin. He'll tell everyone."
"Shit." Sawyer wraps an arm around me. "New plan?"
I think about Knox's parting words.Pick someone who can handle the consequences.
"Yeah," I say, a dangerous idea forming. "New plan."
If Knox Thompson wants to play protector so badly, I'll give him something worth protecting me from.
Himself.
Chapter 2
Ice isn't doing shit for my knuckles.
I flex my hand under the homemade ice pack, watching the bruises darken across my skin. Worth it. That Providence forward had it coming after the cheap shot he took. My job as enforcer is to make sure nobody touches our captain – even if the scouts hate it.
Liam drops onto our couch, making me shift my iced hand. "Bro, Ace, your sister's probably hitting up another party tonight." He’s staring at his phone.
Ace doesn't look up from his textbook. "Kennedy doesn't party."
I say nothing, remembering how she looked last night – that black dress, those bedroom eyes, all that exposed skin. Senator's daughter playing bad. The memory makes my jaw clench.
"Actually..." Liam scrolls through his phone. "According to Sawyer’s Instagram story, she's at the Sigma Chi footballer party right now."
That gets Ace’s attention. "What?"
"With whoever this is," Liam adds, like that makes it better. "They're celebrating the football win or whatever."
Fuck.
