The Striker (Gods of the Game, #1)

by Ana Huang

I never would’ve thought someone so delicate-looking could string together those particular words in those particular ways. It was impressive.

“Besides, I have to be extra nice to you now that I know you’re Vincent’s sister. You’ve suffered enough.”

“Darling, if you want to call me pet, I won’t stop you.”

I developed a new mantra over the next two weeks: Keep it professional and stop thinking about her. It was a bit long for a mantra, but it was smart, clear, and actionable. I was quite proud of it.

Leave it to Asher Donovan to make sweating sexy.

If her smile was a burglar, her laugh was a fucking thief because I was pretty sure she just stole a piece of my heart from right out under me.

her. That fucking kiss. If Scarlett had plagued my thoughts before, the kiss had built her a permanent home there and invited her in for

The universe has been trying to tell me a lot of things lately. I wished it would keep its mouth shut, but it had a tendency to butt in where it wasn’t welcome.

The Scarlett that was walking toward me? She wasn’t wearing a mask. This was the Scarlett I’d see if we were dating—if I picked her up at her flat, flowers in hand; if we walked down the street, our fingers intertwined; if we woke up in the morning, her head on my chest. This was what Scarlett would look like if she were mine.

Clive’s teeth gleamed like little white targets for my fist.

“I came back for you.”

“He was livid,” Vincent said. “Yeah. I had no idea his voice could reach that volume.” “It was impressive.” “Mmhmm.” I flashed back to the satisfying crunch of my fist connecting with Rafael’s face. “I don’t regret it though.”

“We can still tell him. We just have to adjust our timing,” I said. “2075 should be an auspicious year.” “Asher.”

And I think you’re doing her a great bloody disservice to insinuate I’m only interested in her because she’s your sister and not because she’s incredible on her own. She’s smart, beautiful, talented, funny…believe me when I say her relation to you is her biggest con.” I paused. “That and her cooking.”

“Look,” I said. “I know I’m not your first choice when it comes to boyfriends for Scarlett⁠—” “You’re not my second, third, or fourth choice either.”

“I can’t stand by and watch you self-destruct.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. Was it Kick Asher While He’s Down Day and no one told me?

For Scarlett, I could do anything.

“Does she know what an idiot she’s dating?” “Yes, sir, and she loves me anyway.”