Chapter 20 Ethan
Ethan
Igroan when my alarm goes off, having tossed and turned all night.
When Leni showed up at my house last night after not attending her afternoon class, I was taken by surprise. With the way she ran out of my office, I figured she would continue to avoid me, but the relief at seeing her standing on my front porch damn near brought me to my knees.
Unfortunately, after realising she was my masked devil, it didn’t escape my attention that I’m who she needs protecting from.
Even though I didn’t know who she was when we slept together on Friday night, the fact remains I knew she was younger and there was a chance she was a student at Beckford, but I didn’t stop it. Just like I didn’t stop last night.
My dick thickens in my boxers as I recall the way she tasted and the way she writhed beneath me as her tight pussy strangled me.
Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to have her wrapped around me right now. To hear the sweet noises that fall from those pouty lips.
She’s sexy as sin, and I’m going to hell.
Sleeping with a student is not exactly a fireable offence, but it’s not looked upon favourably—even if she isn’t technically one of my students. And although I’d already handed in my resignation before we had sex, if anyone finds out, we’ll both be in a lot of trouble.
That’s why it can’t happen again.
My phone rings, and I scramble to reach for it. The rational part of me knows she doesn’t have my number, but disappointment still washes over me when it’s not her name lighting up my screen.
“Andy,” I answer gruffly.
His voice is hoarse and raw when he replies. “Hey, man.”
My stomach sinks. “You sound awful.”
He laughs, but it results in a coughing fit. “I’ve been better.”
The faculty head spoke to me before I left yesterday, and I agreed to cover as many of Andy’s classes as I could fit into my schedule over the next week. I should come clean to him, explain why I can’t help him out, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
With my own classes and training, it’ll be tight, but I agree to do his Thursday and Friday lectures. It’s not like it matters anyway, she won’t be in those, and keeping myself busy will stop me from seeking her out. I need to keep my distance until I leave Beckford.
After we hang up, I take a cold shower and try to think of unsexy things.
It doesn’t feel right to get myself off to thoughts of Leni.
Prior to the little devil, I hadn’t had sex in almost three years, so you’d think going twelve hours wouldn’t be hard—pun intended—but apparently, that’s not the case.
I’m tired and snappy by the time I reach campus, and my mood only sours when I find Noah Bentley pacing outside my office.
“This better be good, Bentley,” I say, walking in and placing my bag on my desk. “I haven’t had my coffee yet.”
He runs a hand through his hair, looking nervous.
“What is it?” I press. “The longer you keep me waiting, the worse my mood gets.”
“I was wondering who you’ve got your eye on for captain now Luca’s gone?”
I arch a brow. “As far as I’m aware, he doesn’t fly out until Thursday.”
Noah swallows. “Right. I just thought—”
“There are two more training sessions to get through before Sunday’s game. We’ll make the announcement in due course.”
He nods but makes no attempt to leave my office.
“Is there anything else?”
“How’s Peters?”
I cross my arms over my chest. “His collarbone’s cooked. He’s done.”
“So, Kincaid’s our new keeper?” If I wasn’t studying him so intently, I would have missed the tightening in his jaw.
“Is there a reason he shouldn’t be?”
“No.” His response is clipped.
“Now’s your chance to get it off your chest if you think there’s something I should know.”
He pauses too long, but instead of speaking up, he gives a sharp shake of his head. “No, Coach.”
“Right, well I have back-to-back classes, and I need to call past the coffee shop if I’m going to make it through the day.” I gesture to the door. “See you at training this afternoon.”
He hesitates before leaving, and I wonder what the hell is going down between him and Kincaid.
Despite my caginess around the matter, Noah Bentley is top of our list to take over as captain—he’s hardworking, dedicated, and a good communicator on the pitch—but if there’s discourse between him and another player, I can’t have that messing with his head.
I don’t expect all my players to be best mates twenty-four-seven, but I do expect them to leave any issues in the changing room.
Once we step onto the pitch, we’re united.
Otherwise, the team will just fall apart.
Not that it will be my problem next year, but I’ve been the head coach at Beckford for too long to leave the team in disarray for Andy.
The rest of my day is uneventful but busy, and I can’t help but search for her face among the sea of students, even though I know how dangerous that is.
She’s an addiction, and now I’ve had a second taste, I’m like a junkie seeking his next hit.
I need to ignore my withdrawals and kick the habit—last night can’t happen again.
I don’t catch any glimpses of her around campus, and while I should be glad, I’m also worried.
For all I know, she might be embarrassed or ashamed of what happened between us last night.
The thought is sobering, and even though I know I shouldn’t, I log in to the university portal to check if she attended her classes today.
While attendance isn’t monitored in lectures because they’re recorded and available online for students to access, it’s marked for the smaller tutorials.
Leni’s studying theatre, and a smile tugs on my lips as I imagine her onstage. It’s no wonder she’s such a natural in the voyeur hall. She has an unforgettable presence about her; it’s impossible to look away when she’s in a room. Even at her most vulnerable, she’s captivating.
Fuck.
I log out and run a hand over my face. What am I doing? I need to forget about this girl before I get us both into trouble. We’ve already overstepped the boundaries. I need to draw the line back in the sand.
That doesn’t stop me from going out of my way to walk past the Arts building on my way to the stadium for training, but thankfully, I don’t bump into her.
I really am asking for trouble.
Due to my brief detour, I’m five minutes late, but Luca already has the boys out on the pitch warming up. If that’s not the sign of a true leader, I don’t know what is. Middlesborough are lucky to have him. I clap him on the shoulder and tell him as much.
“Cheers, Coach,” he says, ducking his head. “But I know I’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of me.”
“Don’t forget to have fun, too,” I remind him. “You’re only young. Make sure you take it all in and enjoy playing football, because the moment you stop enjoying it is the moment it becomes a job and not a dream.”
Luca gives a small nod, his eyes drifting back to the pitch where his old teammates are laughing during stretches. “I hear you.”
My lips tug into a smile. There’s something special about the kid—he’s humble, driven, and already carries himself like a pro. Luca’s got his head screwed on straight. I’m proud of him.
“Now, as much as I would selfishly love to keep you here, we’ve got a space to fill, and Coach Johnson’s under the weather. I’d love to hear your thoughts on who you think your replacement should be.”
His brow furrows as he runs a critical eye over the group of players. I’ve called up a couple of the reserves to see who might be a good fit for the team.
“Grenovic has the closing speed, but he still struggles with his first touch. He’s a loose unit, already planning his fancy footwork in his head before he even receives the ball.
Kade is probably your best pick of the two.
He’s more technical and reads the play well.
He might not be as fast, but you can work on pace.
I like his style; it’s a lot calmer and more controlled. ”
My grin widens as I watch Jasper Kade. He was my pick of the two as well. “You sure you want to play and not coach?”
He chuckles. “One day, maybe.”
“I don’t doubt anything you put your mind to, son.” I blow my whistle. “Alright, let’s put these guys through their paces.”