43. Gianni

Chapter forty-three

Gianni

S weat is dripping into my eyes, the saltiness burning.

My muscles are heaving with the effort it takes to run the ball down the pitch, but for once, it feels good. I’m finally enjoying soccer again. For the first time since Alex’s death, I’m feeling almost optimistic.

The opposing team’s offense is fast but not fast enough.

They can’t keep up, and it shows. I see their goalie readying himself at my approach, but just before his teammate side-checks me, I send the ball flying.

He jostles me, nearly sending me to the ground with the force of the hit, but it doesn’t matter. Because we won.

The ball flew straight into the corner of the net, with the goalie missing it by less than an inch.

I collapse to the moist grass, hands clasped over my abdomen. I’m panting, but a smile spreads across my lips. The sun’s rays warm a part of me that felt cold and dead for so long. Or maybe that’s just Lark .

My teammates rush to me, cheering me on, and one of them puts his hand out to help me up. I take it, and surprise flits across his tan features before quickly smoothing out.

Once upright, my eyes search for Lark, who should be standing beside her dad.

I find her quickly, her auburn waves now braided down her back. My stomach churns as I notice who she’s standing beside.

Damien .

My feet carry me over to them, but the sound of her giggle stops me in my tracks. She’s wearing a bright smile and doesn’t look uncomfortable at all. She’s allowed to speak to other men. She isn’t your goddamn property. Calm the fuck down.

I turn on my heel, heading to the locker room and try to cool my racing thoughts. I know that, rationally, Damien is just trying to get under my skin. But the jealousy coursing through my blood is not rational .

After showering and changing, I head out to the parking lot and find Damien leaning against the side of my SUV.

I ignore him, walking around to the driver’s side. I toss my duffle bag into the passenger seat, and as I move to get in, he grips my shoulder, forcing me to face him.

“Who would’ve thought your lover boy would die and you’d move on so soon? She’s got a sweet little mouth on her though. I’d like to take it for a spin.” He says the words with such nonchalance that it takes a moment for them to register with me.

My fists clench, nails digging into the palms of my hands .

I close my eyes, counting down from ten. When that doesn’t work, and I realize he’s started speaking again, I do my best to think of what Alex would tell me to do in this situation. “Don’t waste your breath or your career on this guy. He’s picking on you because he’s insecure. Get in the fucking vehicle and drive away.”

That does it. Popping my eyes open, I wrench his hand off my shoulder, hoisting myself inside and slamming the door in his face. I start the ignition and back out, not bothering to check how close he’s standing. If he doesn’t move, that’s his problem.

***

“Uncle Gi! We have another soccer game on Tuesday. Will you come?” Benny asks me from his seat at the children’s table.

“Don’t say yes unless you mean it,” I hear Dante growl from beside me, just loud enough for my ears alone. His tone sends a shiver through me. I know I’ve disappointed them before, but I’m going to be better. For all of them.

I give him a small nod before turning back to see Benny’s shining brown eyes. “I’ll be there, Benny. Six p.m., right?”

“Yeah!” he shouts excitedly before turning his gaze to Dante. “That’s right, isn’t it, Dad?”

“Yep, six sharp.” I know he added that last part for my benefit.

His need to protect his children is valid, especially when I’ve repeatedly disappointed them, but I won’t anymore. I’m going to do better. I want to do better.