Chapter 3: The Equipment Room

The thunderstorm rolling over the university campus sounded like artillery fire, heavy rain hammering against the corrugated metal roof of the training facility. Inside, the lights were turned off, save for the pale amber glow filtering through the high windows.

Eli paced the narrow alley of the subterranean equipment room. The heavy envelope from yesterday sat heavy in his backpack, a physical anchor dragging him into a whirlpool of confusion and panic. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Adrians merciless expression and felt the phantom touch of those fingers wrapped around the nape of his neck.

The heavy oak door groaned on its hinges. Eli whipped around, his chest tightening as a dark silhouette stepped into the room.

Adrian.

He closed the door behind him with a soft click, the lock sliding into place with a definitive metallic snap. He hadnt changed out of his wet practice jersey, the navy fabric clinging to his shoulders and torso. Water dripped from his hair, running down his jawline and pooling at the base of his collarbone.

You shouldnt be down here alone, transfer, Adrian said softly, his voice echoing off the concrete walls and rows of stacked shelving units, basketball racks, and training cones.

You locked the door, Eli said, his breath hitching as he backed up a step until the back of his thighs hit a shelf of stacked gear bags. What do you want, Adrian? You already threw your little bomb at my feet yesterday. What else is there?

Adrian walked forward with a slow, deliberate pace, his eyes locking onto Eli like a predator tracking cornered prey. He stopped so close Eli could feel the damp, cool humidity radiating off his clothes, contrasting sharply with the feverish heat radiating from his skin.

I came to make sure you understood the rules, Adrian murmured, reaching out to press one hand flat against the metal shelf right beside Elis head, trapping him in place. You look shaken, Eli. Your footwork was garbage today during drills. You missed three wide open shots.

Because my whole life is a lie! Eli snapped, shoving his hands against Adrians chest to force some space between them.

The contact was a mistake. Underneath the wet navy mesh, Adrians chest was burning, his heart hammering against Elis palms at a frantic, furious pace. Adrian didnt budge an inch. Instead, he grabbed Elis wrists, his fingers wrapping around the bone with an iron grip, pinning Elis hands flat against his own sternum.

Look at me, Adrian commanded, his voice dropping into a low, gravelly raspy whisper that vibrated straight through Elis palms. Look at me, Eli.

Eli looked up. Up close, in the dim amber light, Adrians dark eyes were completely unmasked. There was no cold captain facade left, no calculating arrogance. It was raw, volatile, and dangerously consumed by something terrifyingly close to obsession.

I am not going to let him ruin you, Adrian breathed, his grip on Elis wrists tightening just enough to pull Eli forward until their chests slammed together. Do you understand me? My father thinks he owns this program, and he thinks he owns you. But he doesnt.

Then who does? Eli demanded, his voice trembling as he stared directly into Adrians dark gaze. You?

Adrian didnt answer with words. A muscle jumped sharply in his jaw. Slowly, deliberately, he let go of Elis wrists, his hands tracking up Elis forearms, over his shoulders, and cupping the sides of his throat. His thumbs rested lightly against Elis pulse, feeling the erratic, terrified pounding underneath the skin.

Adrian leaned down, his face stopping a fraction of an inch from Elis. Their breath mingled in the tight, dusty space between them, hot and ragged. Eli felt his knees go weak, every instinct screaming at him to push away, but every nerve ending on his body pulled him closer to the flame.

You have no idea what you do to me when you stand there and defy me, Adrian whispered, his mouth so close his lips brushed the corner of Elis jaw with every word. You walk onto my pitch, looking at me like you want to tear me apart, and expect me to play the dutiful captain.

Then stop playing, Eli whispered back, his voice barely a breath as his own hands rose instinctively, fingers gripping the damp fabric at Adrians waist.

Adrians dark eyes flared with an dangerous, unholy fire. He tilted his head, his lips hovering over Elis, closing the distance so agonizingly slow that Eli stopped breathing entirely. The tension stretched to a razor thin point, static electricity popping in the air between their lips.

CLANG!

A heavy metal door at the far end of the hallway slammed open, followed by the loud, echoing laughter of two junior varsity players walking toward the supply storage.

Hey, did someone leave the key in the gear room door?

Adrian froze instantly. The spell snapped like a dry twig.

He pulled back, his hand dropping from Elis throat, though his eyes lingered on Elis mouth for one last, dark second. He took a step back into the shadows, his breathing shallow and uneven, his composure rebuilding itself piece by piece like armor snapping back into place.

Eli leaned heavily against the gear shelf, his hands shaking, his chest heaving as if he had just run a marathon. His lips were still tingling from the heat of a kiss that had come within a millimeter of happening.

Keep the file locked in your room, Adrian said, his voice flat and completely devoid of emotion once again as he turned his back toward Eli. Practice is at six sharp tomorrow. Dont be late.

Before Eli could speak, Adrian unlocked the door and slipped out into the hallway, leaving Eli alone in the dark with the sound of the rain and the furious, unmanageable rhythm of his own heart.