Sage's POV My thoughts were disrupted when she stepped closer towards me. "Let's talk outside," her voice was hard.The cool air outside was a welcome relief from the stifling tension of Andrew’s office, though it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me. I’d given Andrew a quick glance before stepping out and his gentle smile had been a surprising anchor in the chaos. He always seemed to know somehow when I needed that subtle reassurance. But that comfort dissolved the moment I saw Pauline.She was a whole lot of indignant fury, her arms crossed, foot tapping a rapid rhythm against the polished floor. “Finally!” she practically spat, her voice tight with suppressed anger. “Care to explain why you’ve been ignoring my calls, Sage?!”My mind raced, trying to grasp the source of her palpable rage. It was pressing down on me and opened my mouth, then closed it, searching for the right words, for any words. “Pauline, I… I’m so sorry,” I finally managed, my voice softer than I intend
Sage's POV The final whistle shrieked, an ear-splitting liberation. Practice was finally over. My muscles screamed in protest, a symphony of aches and fatigue but a different kind of tension hummed beneath my skin. The kind that made my stomach churn with a heady mix of fear and anticipation. Andrew wanted to see us. Meaning Rina and me.My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs as we trailed after him, the scent of stale sweat and disinfectant clinging to the air. Andrew’s office felt like a different world in contrast to the thrumming energy of the court. The heavy door clicked shut behind us, sealing us in with the impending confrontation.He settled into his chair, a silent, imposing figure behind the large, polished desk. His gaze, usually warm and encouraging, was narrowed, piercing, as it darted between Rina and me. I could practically feel the heat of his displeasure radiating off him.“Why were you two fighting in the locker room the other day?” His voice was low, l
Sage's pov The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the crisp morning air, but I barely registered it. My gaze was fixed on Andrew, who was taking an eternity to sip from his cup. Each slow swallow was a hammer to my already frayed nerves. "Andrew," I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper, "How was… last night for you?"He lowered the cup, his eyes meeting mine. A slight smile played on his lips, a maddeningly casual gesture that did nothing to soothe my anxiety. "Unexpected," he said, his voice a low rumble. "But I can't say I regret it."A sigh of relief escaped me, quickly followed by a fresh wave of panic. Unexpected but no regrets. What did that even mean? The words were a tiny balm, but a much larger, more pressing question was screaming in my head. I knew it was too soon, far too soon. My inner voice was already berating me, calling me foolish and impulsive. But the words were out before I could stop them. "What are we?"The silence that followed was deafenin
Sage's POV The first thing I registered was the gentle warmth, a comforting weight beside me. My eyelids fluttered open, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the blinds. And then I saw Andrew.My breath hitched. He lay on his side, facing me, his dark hair a delightful mess against the pristine white pillow. Sunlight caught the sharp line of his jaw and highlighting the subtle stubble and his lips, slightly parted in sleep, looked so incredibly soft. He was even more handsome like this as he was stripped of the usual tailored suits and the confident, sometimes aloof air he carried in the office. Here, in the quiet intimacy of his bed, he was just... beautiful. A stray strand of hair fell across his forehead and an almost irresistible urge to reach out and brush it away rippled through me. My gaze traced the strong column of his neck, the broad expanse of his shoulders visible beneath the sheet that was draped over him. He was a masterpiece of masculine grace and th
Sage's POV My heart raced, my skin beading with sweat as he kissed my skin and trailed a path down between my breasts. My fingers curled in his hair as he kissed my inner thigh."Andrew," the name fell from my lips, the sounds came out desperate, almost helpless, as he sank his teeth into my flesh, the sensation maddening. He bit in deeper until I writhed beneath him but he held me in place. His strong hands were on each of my hips, holding in place with a grip as strong as vice.I bit my lip trying to suppress the sounds that were in my throat, waiting for me to part my lips. Just when I thought I was going to lose my mind, he let go and I gasped in sweet relief. My legs were trembling slightly and I felt lightheaded. He lifted his gaze, I could see the predatory look in his eyes, the want and the lust in his eyes that threatened to consume me. He lowered his head again and his tongue stroked my pussy, the stroke sent pleasure down my spine and to my toes, my toes curled involuntar
Sage's POV My teammates were a blur of ecstatic faces, swarmed around Rina, their voices a cacophony of praise for her game-winning shot. Each "Amazing, Rina!" and "You saved us!" felt like a fresh stab to my gut. I sat on the bench, silent, a ghost in my own defeat. I’d lost it all, the chance to redeem myself and to prove I wasn't the liability everyone whispered about. Then Rina’s voice came sharp and clear, cutting through the joyous din. “Well, I was destined to make that shot,” she crowed, her tone dripping with self-importance. “Unlike some people, I’m not so selfish and slow-minded to make a throw.”My head snapped up. Our gazes locked, and a chill snaked down my spine. Her eyes were usually just smug, now held a glint of genuine malice. My tongue felt thick, but I managed to force out, “Congratulations, Rina.”She scoffed and it was a dark throaty sound that sent shivers down my arms. “I didn’t win for myself, Sage. I won for the team. That’s what you fail to understand. No