First Down (Beyond the Play #1)

by Grace Reilly

It’s going to be a struggle not to take this thing too far. It’s not like I have any other options, though; I need her help to pass the class. If this is what she wants in exchange for that, I’ll do it, and do it well. Darryl won’t know what hit him, other than the fact Bex has someone in her corner who will fuck up anyone who hurts her. The bartender sets the drinks down at the exact moment I see Bex lift her sleeves, holding out her wrists to Laura. Fuck. She did flinch when I grabbed her wrist. I wasn’t sure if I’d been imagining it. I practically throw some cash down on the bar top, then gather up the drinks. But I’m not in the mood to kick back and relax anymore, knowing Darryl hurt Bex. I shove through the crowd, glad that my size makes it easy. The moment I reach the girls, I say, “How badly?” Bex flicks her gaze up to look at me. “Not too bad. James—” “He fucking hurt you.” “And he won’t again once he knows we’re together. He’s a coward. He talks a big game, but—” I cut her off again; I can’t help it. “He won’t again because I’m about to break his fucking face.” She shakes her head as she reaches out for my hand and squeezes our palms together. “You can’t.” “Watch me.” “Don’t,” Laura says. I turn to her. “No offense, but I didn’t ask for your opinion.”