Fifth period didn’t end as fast as I hoped and when I walked out of the classroom with Keiran, I let out an involuntary groan. Anya was waiting in the hallway and immediately snaked her way into Keiran’s space, pushing her breasts against his arm.
“Keiran where have you been, I haven’t seen you all day,” she whined. A flash of annoyance that he didn’t try to hide appeared on his face.
“Around,” he replied shortly without sparing her a glance. His gaze was focused on me and when she took notice she scowled at me.
“Did you know Lake is saying you two are dating? How pathetic.” I didn't bother to defend myself against the lie and instead shook my head at how easily she let the lie spew from her lips.
He sent me a smirk before stating, “She should know better…she’s knows I’m not dating anyone. See you later, Amber.” Anya gasped in outrage while the other kids snickered at him for calling her the wrong name. He shook her off before sending me a look and walking away. I followed, feeling every bit the lap dog that Anya claimed.
“I didn't, you know,” I stated after we walked a good distance.
“Didn't what?”
“I didn't say we were dating. Willow asked the other day, but before I could answer, Anya overheard and interrupted,” I explained.
“Doesn't matter. You’re mine for now. That's all anyone needs to know.”
“What does that mean? I’m yours? I belong to no one.”
“The fact that you’re with me now says different.”
“But by force.”
He stared down at me for a moment. “Is it?” he questioned with a smug look. I wanted wipe that smugness off his face with a retort but he continued on before I could respond. “By force, or free will, you belong to me until I’m done with you.”
“And then what?” I couldn't help but ask.
“Hey Bro,” Keenan interrupted, appearing out of thin air. I didn’t even realize they were following us. “We need to start practicing soon before the season. We have to get your game back up,” he said with excitement.
“My game must be up because you still can’t beat me,” Keiran retorted. Keenan stopped and began cracking his knuckles.
“So how do you want to do this?”
“Fifteen minutes. First to ten.”
“Oh, yeah,” Keenan grinned.
“Oh, no” Sheldon groaned.
Chapter Eight
“Shit, that’s a foul!” I watched in horror as Keenan took a blow to the nose from Keiran’s elbow. They’ve been exchanging blows since the first pass. Keiran just recently suffered a kick to the gut from Keenan after he knocked him down and stole the ball.
This was basketball?
What I thought would be a friendly game between cousins was an intense and violent match… and it just so happened that a ball was involved.
We were in their backyard, which was spacious enough for a decent size court. So far the game was tied at eight points and the closer they got to the end of the game the more violent they became. I winced from imaginary pain as Keiran’s jaw was clipped with a strong right hook but he maintained a hold on ball. His next move was too quick; one moment the cousins were squared off and the next Keiran was dunking the ball, winning the game.
“You’re still slow,” Keiran gloated.
“Fuck you,” Keenan laughed. They shook hands before limping off the court, sporting scrapes and bruises.
Keiran locked eyes with me, still grinning and my heart stopped. I’d never seen Keiran happy before. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile…well not a genuine smile anyway.
Keenan disappeared inside the house yelling for Sheldon and leaving Keiran and me alone.
“You know you didn't have to watch. You could have gone into the house with Sheldon,” Keiran stated.
“Oh, um. I wasn’t sure –”
“Jeez, Monroe I brought you here, didn't I?” He shook his head before gesturing to the house. “Come on,” he ordered.