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“Now, who’s the one being obtuse?” Liam deadpans, and I throw the empty sports drink bottle at him.

He dodges it easily as he side-eyes me. “When the hell did you even have time to meet Eva Pierce?” I lob back.

Angling his head, Liam inquires, “How do you know who she is and that she’s even here?”

“Because, while you were off partying, I was researching the Pierce family.”

“Even after Dad warned us to let this go?”

I grit my teeth at the reminder of our father’s warning. “This can’t be ignored.

“Mase, I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. I already fucked up and accosted the poor girl as she exited class.” Worry knits his features. “I don’t think she even knows who I am, and I attacked her.

“I’m sorry, come again. I don’t believe I heard you correctly.”

He groans before uncapping his water and lifting the bottle to his mouth. “I may or may not have pushed her against a wall.”

Shooting up from the couch, I shout, “What the fuck do you meanyou may or may not have? You either did or you didn’t. And one of these answers will earn you a smack to the back of your dome.”

We don’t hit women—not ever. Especially if unprovoked. Our family would line him up and take turns reminding him why that is.

“I know?—”

“Obviously, you don’t,” I snap, cutting off whatever bullshit excuse he’ll offer. “I want the Pierce family to pay, and I don’t mind doing that through their beloved princess, Eva. But not with physical violence.”

Liam hangs his head, “I know. I plan on apologizing the next time I see her.”

“You better,” I demand, sitting back down. “I’m working out a plan that doesn’t involve our hands touching her, unless she asks us to.”

Scrunching his face in confusion, he asks, “And why would she do that?”

“I’m still ironing out the details. For now, you need to make it right,” I command, and he nods.

Liam is momentarily quiet—remorse written all over his face, then replies, “I will.” He dips his head. “I promise.”

“Good,” I state, satisfied he knows he fucked up. “Now, what else have you been up to?”

He stiffens, and for the second time, he appears apprehensive.

“What?” I probe, hoping he’s not going to reveal something more dire.

Blowing out the breath he’s holding, Liam confesses, “I spoke to Nana today, and we need to go home for Lilly’s party.”

“For fuck’s sake,” I mumble, knowing where this is going.

Closing my playbook, I sit back, preparing for the worst.

After spending hours upon hours familiarizing myself with all aspects of Eva’s life, I fought the urge to come here, but I needed to know more. As angry as I am at her entire existence, I have to admit she’s alluring.

I watch as Eva dives for the ball, reaching it just in time to pop it back into the air for Camiel to get low enough to pass it to the setter. Eva’s up off the ground, running before she leaps into the air for what seems like minutes, and then her arm raises, swinging back before striking it forward like a snake attacks its prey. The ball lands with a pop between Jade and another teammate.

Fuck, she’s beauty, power, and grace.It’s enough to nearly make me forget what she is–who she is.The enemy.

“That’s what I want to see every time, Pierce. Great job,” their coach praises. “Jade, I need to see you low and ready.”

Jade’s lips thin, and her fist momentarily clenches at her side. I think she’s going to talk back, but instead, she nods her head. “Got it, Coach Landrey.”

“Now, let’s go again.” Everyone moves at the coach’s command.