Like I don’t know they play for points when it comes to girls. Zahirah isn’t a toy for anyone to play with. I’ll put my fist down their throats if they try me.
“Mind your business, Henry,” I bark back.
“You’ve been warning guys off?” Zah snaps, grabbing my attention.
“Yeah, I have and will continue to.”
“You’re an asshole. You have no right, Bentley,” she says and stands to push me out of the way.
I stumble back as she marches off, dumping her trash as she stews in her anger. I place my hands on my hips and shake my head as I watch her go. She’s still as stubborn as ever.
“Bro, you’re still striking out. Why not step aside and let someone show you how it’s done?” Henry taunts.
I point a finger at him. “You and I have a problem. I suggest you steer clear of me.”
With that, I turn and head out to the weight room to blow off some steam. It’s been a long day. I got the news that Carly will not be expelled. She’s only going to get a slap on the wrist.
They’re blaming it on the alcohol and giving her a pass because her father is a big donor and an alumnus. Total bullshit if you ask me. If I had trashed her car like that, I would have been out on my ass and in a jail cell.
However, her father did write a check to cover the damage to my car and then some. After getting the news about Carly, I received a call from my dad. He wants to come for a visit.
I haven’t decided whether or not I will tell him about the car, so this isn’t the greatest time for that. Now I have Zah pissed off at me for another reason. And all I want is to pull her into my arms and tell her how much she has always meant to me. I know I said no girls, and this is why. However, this is Zah.
***
“Coswell, calm the fuck down,”Coach barks at me as I beat the shit out of Henry G.
I told him to stay out of my way. Coach already warned the team not to touch me in practice. However, Henry decided to sack me like the grade-A asshole he is. I tore my helmet off and stripped off my pads, then ripped his helmet off his head and started to beat his ass.
I lick my lips in satisfaction as I watch blood pour from his nose. The asshole deserved it. He’s been taunting me since practice started.
“You two, in my office after practice. You’re done for the day,” Coach bellows.
“I think he needs a medic first,” I snort.
“Bentley, I’m warning you.”
I throw my hands up in the air as I walk backward. “I’m only stating the facts, Coach. My teammate needs some medical attention. He looks pretty banged up,” I say with a smug grin.
“Fuck you,” Henry snarls.
I lift my arm and flex my muscles then kiss my bicep before I turn back to Henry and wink. He growls and tries to lunge at me.
Coach grabs him by the shoulders and shoves him back. “You didn’t get enough? Want him to close the other eye? I told you not to touch him in the first place. You’re lucky I didn’t let him beat your ass some more. You’ve lost your starting spot. Make me sit you down for the season,” he says to Henry.
I laugh and blow Henry a kiss from behind Coach’s back. Jason and Corey come to grab me by an arm each, tugging me off the field. I shrug them off and start for the locker room.
“Bro, he’s an asshole. We all know that, but are you sure it’s wise to mess with the chemistry in the locker room?” Corey says, always the voice of reason.
“It’s my locker room. If anyone wants to get behind him, they can all find another team to play for. He broke the rules. I showed him the consequences. Fuck him,” I say and shrug.
“I kind of agree with you both on this one,” Jason says. “Coach clearly stated not to touch Bentley or the receivers in this practice. If he can’t show self-control now, I can point out who will cause all our penalties during the season.”
“Exactly.”
I freeze in my tracks as the word falls from my lips. Standing across the field watching me is Zah. Fuck, I can’t catch a break.
CHAPTER 8
