The King's Men (All for the Game, #3)

by Nora Sakavic

"I'd ask you how it feels, but I guess you've always known what it's like to be second, you worthless piece of shit."

Andrew put his racquet down in front of Neil like a shield and watched Riko's breakdown with a bored stare.

"Hey," Neil said, hoarse with exhaustion and heady triumph. "We won." Dan threw her arms around him and buried a choked laugh against his padded shoulder. "Yeah, Neil. We won!"

Ichirou's smile was cold and fleeting. "Let them call you by whatever name they like. You will always be a Wesninski at heart."

"Your close calls are getting old," Andrew said. "I thought you knew how to run." Neil affected confusion. "I thought you told me to stop running." "Survival tip: no one likes a smart mouth." "Except you," Neil reminded him.

A year ago Neil had been a scared nobody, hating himself for signing the Foxes' contract and counting down days until he moved in with Wymack. Tonight he was the starting striker for the first-ranked team in the NCAA. In two years he'd be captain, and in four he'd graduate from Palmetto State. Neil would find a professional team first and then fight tooth and nail to make the cut for Court. Neil could already imagine the weight of an Olympics medal around his neck. He didn't even care what color it was so long as it was his.

Better than that bright future was what he already had: a court that would always be home, a family who'd never give up on him, and Andrew, who for once hadn't wasted their time denying that this thing bet...

Now he couldn't help but smile and pull Andrew in. This was everything he wanted, everything he needed, ...