Total pages in book: 177
Estimated words: 163209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 816(@200wpm)___ 653(@250wpm)___ 544(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 816(@200wpm)___ 653(@250wpm)___ 544(@300wpm)
“Not a single one is ill,” was Kevin’s response. “They are simply failing to adapt, and Rossi is desperately trying to buy time.”
Kevin would know better than he did, and Jeremy had to admit it was suspicious. The southern district had their fall banquet next weekend. By missing last night’s game, the Ravens had set themselves up for a spectacular comeback: their first game of the season would now be their rematch against Palmetto State on Friday, September 14th.
Weight on the bed had him drawing his arm back. Jean was leaning over him, one hand braced on the mattress beside Jeremy’s head. His charcoal dress shirt was only half-buttoned, and Jeremy instinctively followed the line of his throat down to his exposed collarbone. From anyone else this would be an invitation, but this was Jean. Too many others had put their hands on him and shattered his trust. Jeremy couldn’t make the first move here no matter how desperately he wanted to tug a few more buttons loose.
Don’t, he warned himself, even as he studied the pale scars crisscrossing on Jean’s skin.
If Jean noticed his distraction, he gave no sign. His expression was serious as he said, “Tell me the phrase.”
Jeremy would be lucky to know his own name when Jean was standing between his legs like this. He put his arm across his face again so Jean could only see his smile and guessed, “I take it Cody told you about my catastrophic introduction to USC? I thought they might when I walked out on you two yesterday. It’s fine,” he hurried to add. “Saves me the embarrassment, if nothing else.”
“It is an incomplete story,” Jean said. “Cody is trying to protect you.”
How far they’d come from such an uncomfortable beginning. Jeremy let his fondness bleed into his, “They’re a good bean.”
“I said I would ask you for the rest, but Cody insinuated you’d be dishonest.” Jean waited a beat to make sure that hit before leveling a quiet accusation at him: “You would, wouldn’t you?”
Jeremy ran his tongue along the backs of his teeth, chasing the memory of alcohol and sweat. Fast on its heels was a bitter taste he could never forget. He flexed his hands, working away a tremor that might only be in his head, and bit the inside of his cheek until the only voice in his head was Spader’s. He had her home number saved on his phone out of necessity. He’d likely have to call her in the morning for a quick check-in, but maybe he’d end up calling her tonight.
At last Jeremy remembered to say, “No. Not to you.” He moved his arm so he could see Jean’s face. The Frenchman looked unconvinced and unimpressed. Jeremy held his stare and willed Jean to believe him. “I told you all summer I want you to trust me and feel safe with me, didn’t I? Lying to you would undo everything we’ve worked so hard to build. I’d rather lose face than lose your confidence.”
Predictable to a fault: such an earnest appeal had Jean retreating out of his space. Jeremy was finally able to sit up, and he reached out to snag Jean’s wrist. “I mean it. If you want to ask, just ask. I will never lie to you.”
Jean stared him down in silence before finally saying, “White Ridge has a vendetta against you.”
“For a few years now,” Jeremy said. “I destroyed their captain’s career and reputation. It’s a hard thing to forgive.”
By the look on his face, Jean had no idea what to do with that information. Jeremy waited patiently for the obvious follow-up, but Jean only pulled free of him and said, “No. The details cannot matter tonight. You are my captain and my partner; that is all I need to know. I will stand with you against them.”
“You and me against the world,” Jeremy mused, delighted despite himself. “But it’s not just me on trial tonight, so take what time you need to steel yourself. They’ve likely heard all the rumors and watched your interview backwards and forwards; they’ll have a lot of opinions and a lot to say. I’m obligated to remind you this is a public event and that you’ll have to play nice, but if you watch my back, I’ll watch yours.”
“Tiresome charade,” Jean muttered.
He moved away to finish buttoning his shirt, and Jeremy went in search of his dress shoes. Jean was still fiddling helplessly with his tie when Jeremy was completely ready, so Jeremy went to him and put his hands out in offering.
“Let me,” he said, and Jean relinquished it to him. Jeremy wound it around Jean’s neck and hesitated, trying to imagine the movements on someone else and distracted by the weight of Jean’s unblinking stare. Jeremy went through the motions slowly as he waited for muscle memory to kick in. It took two attempts before he figured it out, and he smiled triumph as he smoothed Jean’s tie flat.