First Meet, PT. 5, Jesse POV

“No. Let’s get straight to it.”

That had an ominous ring to it. He got a preview of her illegal moves, but he didn’t think she would employ the same tactics on him that she had on her father. He was wrong. She had some skill, but she was a casual player, unlike him. He scored three times and was about to shoot his fourth goal when she kicked him in the shin.

As he dropped to his knee, Violet let out a triumphant scream as she made her first goal. He looked across the field at Mom, who was on her feet with a hand over her mouth. He wasn’t sure, but he thought Isaac was grinning. He gritted his teeth as he forced himself to his feet. He couldn’t fight dirty like her, but he was stronger and quicker. If he was unable to best a girl a year younger than him, then he shouldn’t play on the team next year.

He had to use every skill he possessed to evade Violet’s attacks and score. The more goals he made, the angrier she became and the more he began to enjoy himself. When she lost her temper and swore at him, he was so shocked, he stopped in his tracks, allowing her to steal the ball before he fouled her to get it back. Violet completely forgot about the game and went after him. He laughed as he dodged her wild swings and kicks.

“Okay, I’m sorry,” he said and held his hands up in surrender.

“You’re such a jerk face!” she shouted.

“It’s not my fault you suck,” he said and instantly regretted his taunt when she launched herself at him.

They tussled, rolling on the grass before he landed on his back with her on top of him. Her tiny hands hit the ground on either side of his face as she loomed over him.

“You take that back!” she roared in his face.

Her face, filled with wrath, was just inches from his. Her wild hair blocked out the rest of the world. Clumps of it brushed across his forehead and cheek. It was softer than it looked and smelled awesome. He should be trying to gain control of the situation before she slapped him, but he was too enthralled to defend himself. Her crimson face and flashing eyes were filled with wrath. She was the wildest, most beautiful thing he had ever seen, filled with fire and fight.

His life had been filled with so much death and loss. In just eight years, he’d lost every family member aside from his mother. He thought it was them against the world, but he had a sudden image of Violet at his side. The ball of dread in his stomach that had been there since he lost both grandfathers at the age of six suddenly disappeared.

Violet was still shouting, but he couldn’t hear anything but the sound of his own heartbeat. Something primitive and foreign inside of him stirred, roused by the girl warrior straddling him. He was willing to take a blow to have her stay exactly where she was.

But suddenly, she was airborne. He started to reach for her to bring her back before he came to his senses and realized Isaac had a hold of her.

“Damn it, Violet!” Isaac snapped before he strode away with her once again tucked under one arm.

“Jesse, are you all right?” Mom asked.

A little lightheaded, he stayed put and folded his hands on his stomach as he looked up at her. “I’m fine.”

She brushed back his sweaty hair. “You held your own against her for a time.”

He heard the amusement in her tone. Under other circumstances, he would have been irritated, but he was too busy sifting through the odd feelings and thoughts Violet had roused in him.

“You did the right thing, taking the high road and not retaliating when she kicked you in the shin.”

“It’s not a big deal,” he said as finally sat up to see where Isaac had taken her.

Isaac cupped Violet’s chin as he spoke to her. His face was stern and very unhappy. Violet’s bravado was gone, as if it had never been. As her father lectured her, she deflated and began to blink rapidly. He got to his feet, dusting grass off his clothes, and started toward them.

“Jesse,” Mom said in warning, but that didn’t stop him.

Isaac broke off as he approached and faced him while Violet stayed as she was with her head bowed.

“I apologize for Violet’s behavior. She also has a hard time controlling her temper. We’re working on it.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “She didn’t hurt me.”

“She tackled you.”

“I play football.”

Isaac’s severe expression eased slightly, but he said, “Thank you for letting her off the hook, but she owes you an apology.”

Before he could say that was unnecessary, Violet pivoted to face him. The sight of her eyes filled with tears made his heart stutter. He’d seen many girls cry, but none of them made him want to drop to his knees and beg her to stop.

“I’m sorry,” Violet said, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. “I didn’t mean to ruin the day.”

“You didn’t,” he said and reached out to her without knowing what he wanted to do. Desperately uncomfortable and aware that Isaac and his mom were watching and listening, he sighed and ran his hands through his hair before he turned his hat backwards. “I’m sorry I said you sucked. You’re better than some of the guys on my team.”

Violet’s mouth kicked up on one side, even as a tear slid down her cheek. “Thanks.” Her eyes flicked to Lynne. “I’m not always like this. When I play, I forget myself.”

**This is a raw draft of the prequel for Corrupt Idol. Please do not share or distribute.

Copyright © 2024 Mia Knight. All Rights Reserved.