Page 85 of Ruthless Court

“More than you think.”

“Then explain it.”

“I just did.”

“No. You threw out a few possessions and acted like you solved my game.”

“The stats are hiding it.”

His eyes harden.

“You’re winning because your shooting covers the bad reads. That won’t work when the defenses get better in March.”

Silence settles around us.

The students nearest us have stopped pretending not to listen.

Kane looks toward them.

Then back at me.

I have said too much.

Professor Aldridge closes the book in his hand.

“Mr. Haverhill, since your private conference has become more compelling than mine, would you care to share it?”

Kane doesn’t take his eyes off me.

“No.”

“Then save it for after class.”

I reach for another pencil.

Kane catches it first.

He places it beside his notebook.

“Give it back.”

“You’ll break this one too.”

“I’ll risk it.”

His fingers remain over the pencil.

Mine close around the other end.

Neither of us lets go.

His gaze drops to my hand.

Then to my mouth.

The pause lasts one beat too long.

I release the pencil.