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I tried to tear my gaze away from Knox's fierce expression, but it was like trying to look away from a car crash—you just couldn't help but stare. The way his jaw clenched told me everything: he wasn’t just angry; he was possessive.

With each passing second under his scrutiny, my heart raced faster.

Coach Callahan stepped in front of me, his presence filling the space like a heavy fog. His voice dropped to a low, firm tone, cutting through the swirl of my thoughts. “Evans, I know you’re young. Langley is a good kid, but I don’t want you carried away with distractions.”

I felt the weight of his words settle on my shoulders. The truth stung more than I wanted to admit. Distractions? Thatwas an understatement. Knox had become a force in my life, something wild and consuming that I couldn’t quite tame.

“But this is it, Iris. The scout’s coming in two days. Names are going up after that. You can’t afford to lose focus.”

I nodded, throat tight as shame washed over me. I was letting him down—letting everyone down—by allowing this… whatever it was with Knox to take precedence over my dreams.

Every time I closed my eyes, it wasn’t just the jersey or the team that haunted me; it was Knox’s intense gaze and the way he made me feel alive, like I was burning from the inside out. How could I expect to perform at my best when he consumed my thoughts day and night?

My stomach twisted as Coach’s disappointment loomed large in my mind. He had invested so much in me—years of coaching, guiding me through every bruise and scrape—and here I was, spiraling into a distraction that threatened to derail everything.

“Are you listening to me?” Coach asked, concern etched into his features.

I blinked, forcing myself back to reality. “Yes, Coach.” My voice sounded hollow even to my own ears.

“Good,” he said, giving me a pointed look before moving on to address the rest of the team.

But as he turned away, a part of me felt lost in the chaos. How could I focus on practice when every ounce of my being craved Knox? It wasn’t just lust; it was something deeper—something raw and real that left no room for doubt.

I tried to shake off, but every drill felt like an uphill battle against a tide I couldn’t swim against. How could I fight for a jersey when all I wanted was him?

I gathered my stuff, shoving my gear into my bag with trembling hands. I needed to bolt before anyone noticed the heat creeping up my neck or the way my heart hammered in my chest. The weight of Knox’s gaze lingered like a brand onmy skin, and I could still feel the echoes of our last encounter buzzing in the back of my mind.

But just as I turned to make a quick exit, his voice sliced through the locker room like a blade.

“Evans. My office. Now.”

My heart slammed against my ribs, each beat a frantic reminder that this was it. He saw me with Chris—saw everything, felt everything—and now I was about to pay for it.

I hesitated, caught between wanting to flee and the magnetic pull that always drew me back to him. My stomach twisted into knots as I looked over at Knox, leaning casually against the doorframe of his office. His expression was unreadable—something between anger and desire that made me feel exposed.

What did he want from me? Did he intend to push me further, test how much he could control me? Or would he confront me about Chris?

There was no denying it—I’d seen the flicker of possessiveness in his eyes earlier today when he’d caught sight of us together. And now, with every ounce of courage I could muster, I steeled myself for whatever awaited me behind that closed door.

“Just go,” I whispered to myself under my breath, but my feet felt rooted to the ground.

Knox’s eyes narrowed slightly as he crossed his arms over his chest, the tension in his posture making it clear he wouldn’t repeat himself. I knew there was no escape from this moment—not anymore.

With a resigned sigh, I stepped toward him, feeling each stride weigh heavy with anticipation and dread. As soon as I reached the door frame, something inside me ignited—a mixture of defiance and uncertainty that pushed me forward despite everything swirling in my head.

I pushed open the door and walked into his office. The moment it shut behind me felt final—like sealing away every doubt and fear along with it.

Knox paced in front of me, his hands tangled in his hair, jaw tight with tension. I could see the storm brewing inside him—anger, jealousy, something darker swirling just beneath the surface.

“You let him fucking kiss you?” he snapped, the words like a slap against my skin.

I bristled at his accusation, guilt and fear crashing over me in waves. But more than that, I was tired of feeling this way—caught between wanting him and resenting it all at once.

“What does it matter to you?” I shot back, trying to mask the quiver in my voice.

He spun around, eyes blazing as he stepped closer. My back hit the desk, the solid surface grounding me as his presence loomed over me. “You know why it fucking matters.”

His intensity wrapped around me like a lover. I could feel my heart racing as I struggled to hold my ground. “Do I? Because you fuck me like I belong to you,” I challenged, my voice cracking under the weight of everything left unsaid between us. “But the second we leave this room? I’m nothing to you.”