Page 258 of Ruthless Court

He walks out first.

I follow because apparently I have learned nothing.

* * *

The athletic complex is almost empty by nine.

Melissa’s driver drops me near the side entrance, and I stand beneath the overhang wondering why I agreed to meet a man in a deserted film room after he announced he plans to withhold kisses until I beg.

Not beg.

Ask.

The distinction should matter.

It doesn’t feel like it does.

I pull open the door.

Kane waits in the hallway.

Black T-shirt.

Gray sweats.

Backward cap.

Freshly showered hair curling slightly near his ears.

His gaze drops over me.

I wore jeans instead of leggings.

A fitted sweater instead of one large enough to hide inside.

The glasses remain.

Armor.

Mostly.

“You came.”

“We made an agreement.”

“You’ve broken several.”

“Name one.”

“You said you wanted nothing to do with athletes.”

“That was a general policy. You forced an appeal.”

His mouth curves.

I point toward the film room.

“Fifty-eight minutes.”