“We see you and Athena are back together. What were the photos we saw between her and your teammate which, may we add, looks like they’re extremely close?”
My heart drops from my chest, fear pricks at the base of my neck. Nora rushes from the unit and tries to usher Royce inside. I thought this had been squashed. Royce looks down at me, his jaw wound tight, his grip on my hand even tighter.
For just a moment, a flicker of fear runs through my eyes. Not that I am scared of him, but more concerned how he might retaliate. He gives me a sliver of a smile before turning and my eyes dart to Nora who looks at me. She is already wincing.
“They were just that…” He trails off, side-eyeing Nora. “Photos.”
“Cowan seems to think a lot more happened behind the scenes…”
Royce’s nostrils flare, his jaw ticking.
“Babe,” I whisper, and I swear that’s the first time that word has passed my lips.
He looks at me, eyes soft as they settle. My racing heart steadies as he looks to Nora, and I watch the blood drain from her face.
“Cowan is a cunt,” Royce says blasé.
The reporter’s lips pop open, shock evident all over her face. Her mouth opens and closes like a damn guppy as Royce turns on his heel and pulls me into the hospitality unit, Edel following as the doors slide open. I can hear Nora trying to pacify the reporter, begging her not to go further with this.
Royce continues to walk us through, his long legs taking bigger strides with each step and I find myself trying to catch up. Once we’re in a quiet corridor, he drops my hand, his eyes pinned to me. I glance over my shoulder at Edel and give her the most subtle nod. She hesitates for a moment before she nods back and disappears.
Silence bounces off the walls, and as time ticks on, I find myself getting more angsty. “Are you okay?” I ask him and after a beat or two he lets out an exasperated sigh.
“I’ve been better,” he admits, looking down at the floor, his hand folded into his pocket.
“I’m sorry,” I squeeze out, feeling terrible that he has had to deal with that before his race.
His blue eyes meet mine, his floppy hair sitting against his forehead as he looks up at me through his lashes, his hard expression softening. “Baby,” he coos, stepping towards me and cupping my face in his hand. “You don’t need to say sorry. I’m not mad at you, at all.” He blinks, his thumb brushing back and forth over my cheek. “I’m mad at Cowan playing stupid fucking games.” He shakes his head, dropping his gaze from mine and I miss him in an instant.
“I shouldn’t have agreed to the drink.” I sigh, feeling my own disappointment biting at the base of my neck.
“Nah.” He smirks. “You shouldn’t have because trust me when I say…” He trails off, pressing his lips at the corner of my mouth. “If he had laid one”—he kisses again—“fucking”—he edges closer, his kiss against my lips—“finger”—his tongue teases mine “on...”
Another kiss and I feel myself melting into him, his spare arm tucking behind my back, pulling me close.
“What is mine,” he rasps, his eyes on my mouth the whole time; my tongue darts out as I trace it across my full bottom lip. “I would have fucking killed him.” The corner of his lip lifts but I don’t have a chance to question him when he kisses me.
“How’s he feeling?”Anaïs asks me as we stand shoulder to shoulder in the garage.
“Okay, I think. He hasn’t said much.” I shrug.
“Ah, he’s nervous.” She smirks, her hand delicately rubbing her lower stomach.
Nora appears, cheeks puffed out as she stares me down. “Royce wants you.” She gives a soft smile and I nod.
“How bad was it with the reporter?” I mutter quietly as she places her hands on her hips.
“Not great, but I managed to get her to not print anything he said.”
“That’s good.” I give a heavy nod. “I’m sorry to have caused any issues.”
“It’s not your fault. Royce is to blame as much as Cowan. They both have massive egos and seem to be out for each other.” She shakes her head. “It’ll calm down. It’s like the whole alpha dog situation. They’ll keep showing their teeth and pissing over each other until one comes out on top.” One hand drops from her hip as her phone buzzes from her over body bag.
“I’m sure they’ll sort it out soon.” I give a promising smile just as Edel walks in. “I’ve just got to go and see Royce,” I say, placing my hand on the top of her arm before walking away.
Seeking him out, he is tucked in his room, standing as he bounces a tennis ball against the wall. I rest against the door frame and check him out. His race suit hangs from his waist, black underwear covering his toned body. His dark hair is messy, and I swear it’s my favourite when it’s like this.
“You wanted to see me?” My sink my teeth into my bottom lip.
