I crossed my arms. “Thanks.”
Russell scowled, eyes narrowing. Just when I thought I couldn’t despise him more, he proved me wrong. He couldn’t expect me to be friendly with someone who’d blackmailed me into paying him more than the team did.
“I didn’t see you at practice this morning,” Ethan said.
“Guess I didn’t need it.”
He pressed on. “Had a good night?”
Russell pivoted back to me like he was waiting for me to screw up—like heknewwhere I’d spent the night. He must’ve seen the mark on my neck. Fuck.
I shifted my weight. “Yeah. I did.”
“What about Kaia? I thought she’d be here to support you.”
What was his deal? Heat crawled under my skin, but a single warning look from Ale stopped me from answering in a way that would wreck the rest of the season—and maybe my career.
“Ask her father,” I said. “He’s right next to you.”
A shit-eating smirk curled Ethan’s lips. “But you’re her brother.”
“Except I’m not,” I said flatly.
“If you have a minute, Ash,” Ale said, cutting in, “I need to chat before I head out.”
I’d never been more grateful for a save. “Of course. Excuse me.”
Ale led the way toward the Parc Fermé exit. I followed, Russell’s stare burning through my gear.
In the motorhome, I unzipped my suit and flopped onto the lounge couch. “Thanks for saving my ass.”
“Anytime.” Ale sat beside me. “Ethan’s audacity is something else. You shouldn’t let his bullshit get to you, but you almost did.”
“That’s why I can’t be his teammate. I don’t trust myself not to snap.” No matter how many times I told myself my career came first, ignoring him hadn’t gotten easier. He knew mentioning Kaia provoked me, and he used that every chance he got.
Ale toyed with his shades. “Try not to do that for the rest of the season.”
“I won’t. Since you’re here, I need a favor.”
He folded his arms behind his head, smirking. “Can’t, mi niño. I need my car tonight.”
“Not that favor.”
“What then?”
“I want out of Russell’s place as soon as possible. Can you call a leasing agent and find me an apartment?”
Kaia was the only reason I’d stayed in that house. She wasn’t there anymore. If I had my own place, she could stay whenever she wanted. I pictured lazy mornings with her in my arms, and the image gave me something to fight toward.
“About time,” Ale said. “It’ll be good for you. I’ll send options once I’ve got a few.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Kaia
The school bus rolled past a row of mansions with manicured hedges and paused at the red light.
“It’s not just the school. All of Oakwood Springs seems exclusive,” I said.
