Cole tackles him with infinite grace and takes back possession. Ronan curses, but he runs like a storm to defend.
Too late, though.
Cole passes the ball to Aiden at the back of the last two defenders without being in the danger of the offside.
He dabbles the ball once then scores.
I can’t help but watch his triumphant expression. The ease of his movements. The glint in his grey eyes. The need for more.
He enjoys this. He really enjoys playing football.
It must be because of the challenge. Aiden is the type who loves being tested every step of the way and playing football fixes some of his cravings. Especially if it’s against worthy opponents like the horsemen.
Cole ruffles his hair and runs backwards, not taking credit for assisting that goal.
Those who say Cole and Aiden’s team play is legendary aren’t wrong. That assist was like telepathy. Cole didn’t even need to look up before passing the ball.
On his way back to the midfield, Aiden’s eyes lock with mine.
His lips curl into a smile. A genuine one that reaches his cloudy eyes.
The world shifts for a second, but I plant my feet wide, refusing to be swayed.
He must think I came for him.
I spot Knox who’s wearing number nine. He said it’s because he has nine lives, the dork.
“Go, nine!” I scream.
Aiden’s smile falls. The darkening of his features is alarming, to say the least.
I never complied to Aiden’s requests to attend his practices or his games, but I came today. The moment I shouted Knox’s number, he knew I’m not here because of him.
I would’ve felt sorry if he didn’t kill part of my soul.
“Don’t mind, Ronan!” Kim yells at the top of her lungs. “You’ve got this, thirteen.”
He grins at us, tapping his chest.
“Go, nineteen, I guess,” Teal says.
Both Kim and I gawk at her. She just called Xander’s number.
“What?” She glances up from her phone. “Isn’t he on Knox’s team?”
“Yeah, but there are ten other players on Knox’s team.” Kim narrows her eyes. “Why him?”
Teal lifts a shoulder. “Why not him?”
Kim gives her an indecipherable look then focuses back on the game.
The blue team is on the attack again. The girls beside us squeal Aiden’s number, eleven, and Cole’s, seven.
This time, Ronan steals the ball and makes a decisive pass to Xander who gives a one touch in Knox’s direction.
The three of us get on our tippy toes as Knox runs at full speed. He’s about to shoot and score when Aiden tackles him from behind.
Hard.