Chapter 23

“You better treat him right,” Pete said, turning to Cory, puffing up his chest, and flexing his arms. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t turned on by such a big, macho man going into protective mode over me.

Cory put a hand on Pete’s shoulder. “I will, promise.” I heard a mumbled “Sorry.” The two men then hugged.

I turned my back and took a couple of steps away, not wanting to intrude on what was a private moment.

“You okay?” Cory asked, wrapping an arm around my waist.

“Yeah.” I turned to face him. “Pete okay?”

Cory nodded. “Pete’s a top bloke. He’ll be fine.”

* * * *

Once I identified Luke Mathers warming up on the other side of the pitch, I sent him a series of glares that, if I’d have had my way, would have had him drop down dead and buried six feet under. He didn’t seem to notice me however. Probably a good thing, because he looked mean and outweighed me by several kilogrammes.