Page 49 of Playing Rough

Well, fuck me. This looks bad.Realbad.

I jerk my legs off Riot's lap, but pain detonates through my ribs at the sharp move.

"Take it easy," Riot says, eyes wide and panicked on Deck.

An awkward beat passes before Deck recovers, rubbing his neck. "Uh, sorry for just barging in. I borrowed your key that time you were locked out, but I should've knocked."

"S'cool, man," I grind out through the ringing pain in my ribs. Gotta play this down. Make it seem normal that I was just cuddling with my teammate, a guy I supposedly hate.

But the way Deck's staring at us makes it clear he knows this is anything but normal.

"Just wanted to check on you. And uh, Coach wants to see you, Riot. The fight and all." Deck shifts on his feet, uncomfortable as hell. "But it can wait if you're busy, though."

Riot moves to get up but pauses, glancing at me uncertainly.

I wave him off, faking chill. "I'm good, bro. Go see what Coach wants."

Riot searches my face before nodding. He turns to Deck. "Give us a minute?"

"You got it." Deck makes a quick escape into the hall.

The door click echoes through the suddenly heavy silence. Riot perches on the couch's edge, looking conflicted as hell. We both know Deck walking in on us like this changes shit.

I clear my throat awkwardly. "So... that happened."

Riot scrubs a hand down his face. "Fuck. What do we do now?"

I blow out a breath, my aching brain trying to make sense of this. "We gotta talk about this thing between us. 'Cause it's starting to feel like... more." I meet his questioning eyes.

Riot's expression gentles. "Yeah. It's definitely more." He takes my hand, the contact so soft it sends a shiver through me. "I care about you. A lot. Never felt this way about anyone before." His eyes drop away like he’s being shy. Never thought I’d see that expression ontheRiot Kensington’s face. "Definitely not another guy."

Warmth spreads through me hearing him say it. I may not have done the dude-on-dude thing before either, but my feelings for him are undeniable.

"I feel you. This is new ground for me, too." I lace our fingers together. "But I want to see where this goes. I want you, Riot. As more than just my teammate or rival."

Riot lights up like Christmas at that. "I want that too. I want you, London." His eyes search mine, serious now. "So what do we do? Keep it secret for now?"

I consider, absently playing with his fingers. "Maybe for now, yeah. This could fuck up team stuff if word got out."

Riot nods. "You're right. It's risky going public when we're just figuring this out." His hand tightens on mine. "But just so you know, I don't give a shit what anyone thinks. I want to be with you. Out loud."

Emotion sticks in my throat. I never let myself believe I could have something like this. But here Riot is, offering me his heart. And I'll be damned if fear keeps me from taking it.

I meet his earnest eyes squarely. "Okay. Let's do this. You and me." I let a smile spread across my lips. "We'll keep it on the down low, but I'm yours, Riot. Only yours."

Riot surges forward and captures my lips in a hungry kiss that steals my breath. When we separate, his forehead pressed to mine, the depth of feeling between us is tangible.

Riot smiles softly. "I'm yours too, London. In every way."

We stay wrapped up in each other, soaking up this new step for a couple of heartbeats before he has to pull away. No matter the shit coming our way, just knowing I have Riot by my side makes me believe anything's possible.

He presses a kiss to my forehead before standing reluctantly. "I should go see Coach now. But I'll be back soon 'kay? If you need me, text."

I grin, happier than I can remember being in fucking forever. "Looking forward to it, boyfriend."

Riot's answering smile is dazzling. With one last lingering glance, he heads out, leaving me floating on cloud nine.

Boyfriend.Never thought I'd use that word for sharp-tongued, arrogant Riot. But here we are. It's gonna be a wild ride exploring this uncharted path with him.

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