Page 75 of Ruthless Court

Now the silence between us feels less peaceful than vacant.

“You really won’t post me?” she asks.

“No.”

“Because of Stella?”

“Because I don’t perform my private life for people.”

Krista glances around the room. “Your private life isn’t exactly doing much.”

The shot lands.

I fold my arms.

“You want breakfast?”

“Is that your way of changing the subject?”

“It’s my way of asking if you’re hungry.”

She considers it. “Do you have avocado toast?”

“No.”

“Smoothie ingredients?”

“No.”

“Anything besides eggs and athlete food?”

“Probably not.”

“I’ll grab something on the way home.”

She slides out of bed and gathers her clothes. No awkwardness. No attempt to cover herself. Krista has spent most of her life changing in locker rooms and competing in tiny uniforms. Modesty never made her training plan.

I lean against the counter as she dresses.

“What are you doing later?” she asks.

“Film.”

“After?”

“Reading.”

She pauses with one leg inside her shorts.

“You read for fun?”

“I read because I have classes.”

“I thought tutors handled most of that for you guys.”

My expression must change because she lifts both hands.

“I’m joking.”