Chapter 3

The air in the team' s prep room was thick with nervous energy and cheap cologne.

Mike "Psycho" Peterson was shadowboxing in a corner. Kevin "K-Dawg" Lee was scrolling through his phone, a smug look on his face.

Jake, my captain, my MVP, my boyfriend, was pacing.

Then Brittany arrived, a bright, false smile plastered on her face.

"Hey guys! Just came to wish my favorite team good luck!"

She carried a tray with several sports drinks. One was a different color, set slightly apart.

Her eyes found Jake. "I made something special for you, Jakey. For extra focus."

She held out the vibrant blue drink.

Just like before.

My breath caught. The scene was identical.

Last time, I screamed. I lunged. I smashed it.

This time, I watched.

Jake took the drink, his eyes already gleaming with arrogance. "Thanks, Bree. You always know what I need."

He glanced at me, a hint of defiance in his eyes, as if expecting me to object.

I offered a small, neutral smile. "Good luck out there, Jake."

He looked surprised, then pleased. He probably thought I' d finally learned not to "nag" him.

Brittany shot me a triumphant little smirk before turning back to fawn over Jake.

"You' re going to be amazing," she cooed, touching his arm.

The other team members, Psycho and K-Dawg, were already sipping their regular drinks, oblivious.

They' d always been easily swayed, their egos fragile, quick to turn if they felt slighted or if someone flattered them more.

Brittany had been working on them for months, positioning herself as the supportive "team mom," whispering how I was too harsh, too demanding, holding them back.

Jake took a long gulp of the blue drink.

He winced slightly at the taste but then grinned. "Wow, this stuff has a kick."

Brittany beamed. "Only the best for my champion."

I felt a cold knot in my stomach, but my face remained impassive.

My decision was made.

They were on their own.