22. Chapter 22

" L isten up, men," Coach begins, his voice echoing off the walls. The locker room has been a flurry of noise from the excitement of adding another ‘W' to the schedule. Our gear has been stripped off, and we stand around in undershirts and uniform pants. Coach Campbell makes his way to the center of the room. His face is a melody of pride and tenacity. With a clap of his hands, the room quiets as our attention goes to him.

"What you did out there was nothing short of spectacular. You played with heart, with grit, and with the kind of determination that wins championships. But as we've seen all season, this was just one game. One step in the journey. Targets are on our backs. I know it's Halloween weekend, and I know you men won't be staying in. Celebrate tonight, but on Monday, we get back to work. This is our foundation, and we build on it each week. Stay hungry, stay focused, and stay humble. Keep pushing each other to be better. Have fun and be safe. Now let's go enjoy this moment!"

As Coach wraps up his speech, the locker room erupts in chaos. We all start whooping and hollering as we jump up and down, giving each other high-fives. JP plays a celebratory hip-hop song, which has him breaking out in his signature dance moves. Some of the guys join in, as I stand back laughing .

"There's nothing better than a good ol' fashion ass-kicking," Grant shouts, slapping my back.

"Hell yeah!" My voice comes out hoarse from the yelling.

Grant moves on to the next guy as I start stripping out of my pants, grass, dirt, and grim stick to my sweaty body. I punch the four-digit number into the keypad of the school-issued safe that comes in each player's locker. Reaching inside, I dig out my phone and tap the screen, expecting Bret's text. It's a little habit she's started. Hours before each game, she sends me a good luck text and, immediately after, a great game message of some variety. After scrolling through all of my notifications, I was surprised that she hadn't texted yet. Maybe she and Olivia are waiting outside for us.

Speaking of Olivia, when she walked into our apartment last night, she was not what I expected. The girl standing before us was grungy and badass. Bret has spoken so highly of her best friend, and I knew she wouldn't be anything short of amazing. But seeing how confident and tough she was, I was thankful Bret had someone like her in her corner.

Sliding my phone back into the safe, I grab my toiletry bag and hit the shower. As soon as I step inside the shower and under the hot spray, my body sags with relief. I should schedule a time for some physical therapy but not tonight. The water cascades down my body, and I watch as the water turns a brownish-gray color. I watch sweat and grim wash down my body and swirl around the drain. Voices echo around me as I tilt my face under the warm stream and I let myself breathe.

Grabbing a dry towel off the ledge, I pat my body down before wrapping the cotton towel around my waist and stepping out of the stall. One of my teammates grabs my shoulder. "Nice job out there, man. "

I tip my head and thank him. The main locker room is still a hive of energy as the music continues to blare, and our social media team captures some clips of players who are still clothed. As much as I appreciate the banter and celebrations, I'm ready to see my girl, get some food, and start pregaming for the Halloween party, preferably in that order.

Fully dressed in clean clothes, I gather all my gear as I look around the room. Through a window, the coaches are gathered around a table, no doubt going over the game and preparing a strategy for next week. Coach Campbell catches my eye as he gives me a nod. Instantly, I feel like I just got the approval of a father.

After losing my dad, it's been hard not to have a man in that role. My grandpa tries, but he's not huge on technology, which makes calling him hard. Don't even get him started on video calls. I'm not sure if it's because Grant is on our team or if that's just Coach's personality, but he constantly reassures the team that he's proud of them and that his door is always open if we need anything, anything. Of course, he's a total hard ass when he needs to be, but there's something comforting in his praise.

"See you back at the house?"

Harris nods. "Yeah, man, I've got to do some press before I head out of here."

"Good luck with that." With a wave over my shoulder, I slide my bag over my shoulder and push through the doors. Scanning the faces, I don't find bright green eyes and jet-black hair. Or hell, even Liv's silver hair would stand out in the crowd.

Sliding out my phone, I pull up my messages, but there is still nothing.

Me: Hey, Rebel. Are you still at the stadium ?

With a few nods to people waiting, I walk down the crowded hall as I'm hit with a tinge of pain in the center of my chest. It's been so long since I've had someone waiting outside for me. Jealousy strikes me in waves, and it doesn't help that I have to hide my girlfriend from the world. One day, I'll be able to have her in the hall and she'll be waiting for me.

The back parking lot is still full as I'm one of the first to leave, which is pretty standard. As much as I love a post-game party, I need to unwind in my own space unless it's a night game. Then I'm ready to party until the morning. Climbing into my truck, I slide my phone out one last time. There's a message waiting for me.

Rebel: This is Liv. We got back a little over thirty minutes ago. Bret is sleeping. Sorry, I should've texted you earlier.

Me: Thanks for letting me know. I'm heading back now.

Liv likes the message, and I reverse out of my space. Bret's sleeping? Did she drink too much at the game? And if she did, that's odd because she's not a huge drinker.

What would usually take me less than fifteen minutes to get home ended up taking me thirty minutes due to all of the traffic.

The apartment is still quiet when I step inside. Leaving my keys on the hook in the entryway, I toss my bag in my room as I go further into the living room. Bret's door is closed, and I see Liv sitting on the couch. She glances up and offers me a tight-lipped smile. It's not anywhere near as happy as it has been.

"Hey, Liv." I sit on the couch opposite her, my legs spread out wide as I sink deeper into the sofa .

"Good game. Although I don't know much about football, what I did understand is that you made an insane catch."

"Thank you. Was it fun?"

Her face falls as she clenches her jaw. Yeah, something is definitely wrong. "The football game was so much fun. It was my first game, and I can honestly say I can't wait to watch one again."

"But…" Worry has me leaning forward and resting my elbows on my knees as I watch her.

"But there was an incident." Her voice quiets as she chews her bottom lip. Raising my brows, I encourage her to keep going. "She's okay, and I'm totally breaking the best friend code, but Bret said she confided her past to you." I nod, and Liv continues. "During halftime, we went to get food, and while we were in the crowd of people, Bret had a panic attack."

My eyes widen as my stomach drops. "What happened?"

"She thought she saw him , but it wasn't him. The guy resembled her ex, but I saw the guy who startled her, and it wasn't him. But her brain convinced her it was, and she spiraled. I was able to talk her down from the panic attack, but it took a lot out of her. I tried to get her to leave, but she wanted to stay for the rest of the game."

I run my hands down my face as my head drops between my shoulders. I hate that some asshole continues to torture her. He's not even in Texas, but he's twisted her brain so badly that she can't mentally escape him.

"Why didn't she ever report him?"

Liv lets out a long sigh. "She was scared. He's done a good job of being seen without leaving a trail. Bret's afraid she doesn't have enough proof, and then there's the stigma of it all."

"The stigma? "

"He's on the football team. There are always accusations around the team, and she didn't want to cause unnecessary drama when she didn't have any proof. Not for her, for her brother, or her dad."

He's on the football team. We might play them in a few weeks, depending on how the conference shakes out. How is she going to handle that? And I know her dad and her brother. They would want the fucker to pay even if it did cause drama on their end. Coach Campbell would burn the whole world down for his daughter, and hell, so would I.

Rubbing my temples, I stare out the balcony door and watch branches dance in the breeze. "I want so badly to protect her, but I don't know how I can do that when she won't tell anyone we're together."

"I see how you look at her and how you two act when no one is watching. Keep being her anchor, Crew. She's been through so much, and you're helping. It might not seem like it right now, but Bret is the happiest I've ever seen her, and that's including how things used to be before the douchebag."

Keep being her anchor. I nod. Of course, I can be her anchor. I'd be anything she wanted me to be. My heart belongs to Bret. It's been with her for a long time, and each day that I'm with her, she takes a part of my soul, too.

Hours later, I'm still pondering how to make Bret's life a better place. A place where she doesn't have to live in fear of the shadows. A place where she feels safe . Since I've been home, we've bumped into each other a few times. We all sat and ate takeout from a barbecue joint Quinton got me hooked on.

I've tried to get her alone a few times, but she's avoiding me. I even openly confessed I was thinking of staying in for the night. I wasn't going to, but if that's what Bret needed, I wanted to give her the option.

Everyone looked at me as if I had grown a second head, so clearly that was out of the question.

Now I'm standing in front of the mirror attached to my dresser as I assess my outfit. The snug navy material fits every contour of my body, and if I'm not careful, my lower half will break through the stitching. A gold belt with an eagle's crest is wrapped around my waist, and gold accents hang off my shoulders, resembling the eagle's wings. Deep red gloves and wrist guards line my wrist. I even bought the matching deep red boots with a gold eagle crest.

I can't believe Harris, JP, and I are doing a group costume. No doubt some heads will turn in our direction either because of our badass entry or because they have no idea who the hell we are. Running my fingers through my hair, I finish styling the longer strands on top of my head.

My phone vibrates against the dresser, and I see a new message from the group chat.

Roomies

Rebel: You ladies done yet?

JP: Listen here, this shit is tight.

Me: We didn't think through how thick our thighs are.

Rebel: Mmm thick thighs ??

Rebel: OMG, that was LIV!

JP: Uh-huh, sure. Whatever you need to tell yourself.

Me: Harris?

JP: He's having a diva moment.

Harris: Fuck off. This costume better get me laid.

Rebel: Are we ready for a roommate reveal?

Harris: …fine.

Leaving my phone on my dresser, I open the door and stride toward the living room, my patriotic cape blowing behind me. Placing my hands on my hips, I puff out my chest while keeping my chin held high. The sound of a door opening makes me look to my left as JP emerges from his room.

I stand still, watching him adjust the high-tech blue and silver suit. The details on the suit are incredible. Armor plates are designed to sit on the chest and shoulders, giving the costume a futuristic look. His eyes are covered by a mask with reflective lenses. His stoic expression, paired with the mask, adds an intimidating edge to his costume. I can't imagine how he feels if I thought my suit was tight. It looks like a second skin as if it were made for him, making him look like a real-life superhero—or villain.

As he moves into the living room, we both size each other up. Our expressions stay neutral. He walks around me, and I turn, never giving him my back. It's as if we are preparing for battle. With our chests puffed out and our heads held high, both of us crack at the same time.

"Dude, your costume is sick."

JP laughs. "Mine? Have you seen yourself? It's no wonder you're the face of The Seven."

The other two doors open as the girls' voices filter in, but I can't help the booming laugh that escapes as I catch a glimpse of Harris walking out of his room. JP turns at the sound of my voice, allowing a gap to form between us. The girls start laughing as we take in the group's final member.

"I swear to god, if this costume doesn't get me laid tonight, JP, I'm going to kill you in your sleep." Harris's voice is stern and deadly serious as we all continue to laugh at his costume. It's not because it's terrible by any means but how ridiculous the superhero who wears it is.

"This is great," Liv says between gasps of air as her boisterous laugh continues.

Harris stands before us, wearing the signature green and gold suit that clings to his frame. It's a good thing all of us are in insane shape, considering each suit shows off everything, and I mean everything . The sleeveless jumpsuit is cut off at his shoulders, and a scale texture covers the entire suit, giving it the full aquatic vibe. Brown-scaled gloves stop below his elbows.

But the best thing about this suit is that around his waist, hooked into his belt, is a…

"Is that an octopus?" Bret's eyes widen, and that's when my mouth drops. I was so caught up in Harris coming out dressed in a superhero costume with an octopus covering his dick that I didn't even have a chance to check out the girls .

Bret and Olivia are both in matching costumes. Everyone was sticking to a theme this year. My breath catches in my throat as I take in her body. Her boobs spill out of a black lace-covered corset which exposes her olive skin as it trails beneath a black skirt that has some kind of girly material hanging off it. Fishnets cover her long legs, sparking an image in my head of them wrapping around my waist. A ribbon is crossed over her calves, connecting to black ballet shoes and another piece is tied in a bow around her neck. Her black hair is tied on the top of her head and her stunning face is covered in black and white makeup to give the illusion of a skull.

She looks fucking incredible. Sexy and badass. And I get to call her mine.

Bret must feel me watching her because her emerald-green eyes find mine where a blush no doubt covers her cheeks beneath the skull makeup.

"I cannot believe you three are going as Homelander, A-Train, and The Deep." Liv shakes her head. "You guys missed the perfect opportunity to turn Bret into Starlight."

"But she has black hair," JP points out.

"Yeah, well, she can wear a wig because there's no way she'd go as Stormfront, she sucks."

"Wait, you know The Boys ?" Harris steps closer to where we are all gathered in the room. I still can't take him seriously.

Liv pops her hand on her hip as attitude pours from her. "Of course I know The Boys ."

"Marry me?"

"Smooth, Harris."

"What's The Boys ?" Bret asks timidly.

JP mocks, stumbling backward as he feigns shock. "Oh hell no. You mean to tell me you've been living with us for almost three months, and you don't know what The Boys is?" Bret shakes her head. "Tomorrow, when we're hungover as fuck, no one better make plans because it's going to be a Cousin Jimmy's and The Boys kind of day."

"Deal."

Liv pulls out her phone and instructs us to get together. The guys and I do what she says as she takes our pictures. This continues for the next ten minutes before we climb into the rideshare that will take us to The Eagles Nest.

The rideshare driver parks in front of the bar, and as I open the back door of the SUV, sounds surround us—car engines and laughter. The outside of The Eagles Nest is filled with people waiting their turn to enter the packed bar. Once again, I'm glad that I am on the football team and JP works here throughout the week.

The girls giggle behind us as I follow JP and Harris to the entrance. Vibrations from the bass hit us as the music seeps out from inside. Neon lights flicker, and flashing lights shine through the glass as we enter the building. The Eagles Nest is always the place to be on campus, but Halloween night is epic. The annual party attracts students and locals alike with the costume contest, entertainment, and cheap drinks. This year, the bar hired a famous DJ instead of their typical local band.

"Who's ready for a wild night?" Harris asks over his shoulder.

"Me!" Liv shouts, prancing around and full of giggles. She started pregaming before we left with the cinnamon whiskey. Somehow, we didn't polish off all the bottles for my birthday .

As I look around at my friends, I can't help but smile at our superhero costumes and the sexy, dark ballet dancers who joined us. I knew it would be a challenging adventure when I accepted the scholarship to play at CTU. I never thought I'd meet some of my best friends, curate my favorite memories, and form a family not created by blood.

Forming a single file line, I feel a hand brush against mine. Looking over my shoulder, green doe eyes stare up at me from behind her black and white skull makeup. Her fingers slip into mine as she gives my hand a few quick squeezes before her hand slips free. As small of a gesture as that was, the discreet movement reassured me that we were okay and so was she.

Stepping into the bar, a wall of music hits us in full force. The DJ on the main stage is playing a pop and hip-hop mash-up. Laughter and conversation mix with the loud music, making the space deafening. Heads turn our way, taking in the new arrivals—us—as we do the same. Vampires, nurses, police officers, Barbies, and costumes of everything in between stand wall to wall. The smell of beer and sweat-soaked bodies fills the air creating a fragrance that should be called bad decisions.

Tonight feels like it's going to be a good night.

"Drinks?" JP yells, and I nod. "What do you want?"

"Shots and beers!" Liv yells, her body already moving to the beat of the song. She grabs Bret's hips and starts moving them for her. Bret giggles as she shoves her best friend off her before tossing her arms in the air. She moves her hips as a carefree mask slips into place.

JP disappears to the bar as the four of us continue going farther into the bar toward the crowded dance floor. I have no idea how we will find a place to dance, but people start to part as they recognize our quarterback.

Yeah, I'll never take for granted our football team perks .

A vacant high-top table sits off the side of the bar and dance floor, and I swear Harris breaks out in a sprint to snag it before someone else. Bret's hand glides against mine again. God, I desperately want to pull her in front of me and use my hands on her hips to guide her. I've been dying to get my lips on hers since she came out of her room dripping sex appeal. Now I'll have a front-row seat for every guy in this bar trying to pick her up, and I won't be able to do anything about it.

"This place is crazy!" Liv shouts as we all lean against the high-top. She's standing opposite Harris as Bret and I stand between the two. Our backs are to the wall as we face the dance floor. Bret takes advantage of our position and lines her leg and hip up until they are plastered against mine. She leans away from me to keep up the appearance. But Liv gives her a knowing look.

"Time to drink up!" JP places a tray of shots on the table, followed by a bucket of beers.

The girls clap their hands as excitement rolls off their faces. Everyone grabs a shot and hoists it in the air. JP opens his mouth to spout a cheer, but Harris speaks up first.

"Here is to honor. Here's to getting on her, to staying on her, and if you can't come in her—"

"Come on her," Liv and Bret finish, both girls cracking up as the guys and I stare at them.

We shoot the cinnamon whiskey and enjoy the burn that coats our throats and warms our bodies. Everyone shivers before staring out at the dance floor to assess the situation. I take the opportunity, while everyone is distracted to lean down to Bret's ear.

"I've got you tonight, Rebel." Her emerald eyes sparkle in the flashing lights as she tilts her head in confusion. "I'll watch over you so that you can have fun."

Realization dawns on her as she flashes me an appreciative smile that has her eyes softening.

"Let's go dance!" Bret reaches for a beer, twisting off the cap on the aluminum bottle. She takes a long swig. She subtly hits my hips with hers as she's moving around Liv. As she passes her, Bret smacks Liv's ass before grabbing JP's hand. "Dance with me!"

The two start maneuvering through bodies.

"You bitches get me!" Liv yells, reaching for a beer and grabbing my hand. She pulls me around the table, where she drops my hand for Harris's. We bounce off dancing couples as we find the other two.

With my adrenaline pumping, confidence from my costume seeping into my subconsciousness, and the vibrant energy in the bar, I have a feeling tonight will be a night we'll never forget…or remember.