Chapter 14

Sienna’s Pov :

Caitlin’s words echoed in my head like a haunting refrain. Do you like Nika, Sunshine? The question looped over and over, a cruel, relentless whisper in my mind.

Her voice echoed like a broken record, each syllable laced with something dangerous, something possessive. My heart pounded as I stared at her, too close now-her face mere inches from mine. I could feel her warm breath, smell the faint traces of mint and something unmistakably Caitlin. My emerald green eyes locked onto her hazel ones ,still dark, still intense, filled with something I wasn’t ready to name. My pulse raced.

I placed a firm hand on Caitlin’s chest, trying to create distance between us. “What kind of question is that, Caitlin?” My voice trembled, not with fear, but with fury. Hurt laced my words, sharp and undeniable. How could she ask me that?

Hearing the anger in my tone, Caitlin took a step back, creating the distance I’d wanted, but it didn’t feel like a victory. I watched as her jaw clenched, the tension radiating from her like a storm barely contained.

I took a deep breath, forcing my emotions into check. No, Caitlin, I don’t like Nika. And besides, I have a boyfriend, remember? I love him too much to ever consider cheating on him…with a woman.” The words felt forced, as if I was trying to convince myself just as much as I was trying to convince her.

Something in Caitlin’s face shifted. Her eyes softened, the tension in her shoulders easing as she stepped forward again, but this time, her touch was gentle. She lifted my chin with her fingers, tilting my face up so I had no choice but to look at her.

“I know you have a boyfriend, Sunshine,” she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. “But seeing you talking to somebody that isn’t me just does something to me. And the way Nika was flirting with you… it just pissed me off.”

Her forehead rested against mine, her thumb brushing lightly against my cheek. My breath hitched, the intimate gesture unraveling me.

I know we agreed to be friends,” Caitlin continued, her voice barely audible, “but, fuck, it’s hard just being friends with you, Sienna Callaway. You make me feel things a friend shouldn’t be feeling. You make me wanna kiss you so bad, but I know I can’t. Because you have a boyfriend, and I have a boyfriend. And it’s wrong. It feels like we’re forbidden for each other. But if I have to be just your friend, then I’ll be your friend, even if it’s the hardest thing to do, Sunshine.”

Her words stole my breath, sinking into my bones, replaying over and over in my mind.

“Caitlin, I don’t know what to say,” I whispered. “I’m not gay, Cait, and I really do love Joseph. This is wrong, Cait. We can’t-“

Before I could finish, Caitlin’s lips crashed against mine.

Shock pulsed through me, my eyes wide as my hands instinctively pushed against her shoulders. But Caitlin was strong, unyielding, and just when I should have been pulling away, I felt myself giving in. The kiss was angry, messy, filled with emotions I didn’t want to acknowledge. Our tongues tangled, each movement deepening the intensity between us. Caitlin’s hands gripped my hips, pulling me flush against her body as if she wanted to consume me entirely.

Between kisses, Caitlin growled, her words a breathy declaration,”I. Didn’t. Like. The. Way. Nika. Was. Looking. At. You. Baby.”

Her lips trailed down to my neck, setting fire to my skin. My fingers tangled in her hair, nails grazing against her scalp. A moan slipped past my lips when she found my sweet spot, and just as suddenly as it all began, Caitlin froze.

She let go of me, stepping back as if burned, leaving me flustered, breathless, and aching for more.

Realization slammed into me like a tidal wave. My eyes met Caitlin’s, and I saw the same mirrored expression of shock and regret on her face.

Caitlin ran a hand through her hair, cursing under her breath. “Shit, Sienna. I shouldn’t have done that. Fuck, I’m so stupid. We’re friends, a-and you have a boyfriend. I also have Connor. Oh god, what have I done?”

I stared at her, still reeling, my lips tingling, my heart racing. My mind was a mess. “I-I have to go, Caitlin. We’ll talk about this later. It’s just… a lot to process. I’m sorry.”

I turned on my heel, walking out of the restroom without looking back. Caitlin didn’t stop me.

As I exited the restroom, I grabbed my phone, texting Camden. Sienna: Where are you?

Seconds later, he responded. Camden: In the car waiting.

I stepped out of the arena, my legs feeling wobbly, my mind still trapped in that moment. My lips still felt Caitlin’s kiss. My skin still burned where she had touched me.

“Sienna! Wait up.”

The accent was unmistakable. I turned to see Nika Mühl approaching, a smile on her face.

“Oh, Nika, what’s up?” I forced a tight smile.

Nika’s grin faltered slightly, her arms crossing over her chest. “Um, my teammates and I were wondering if you wanted to join us for drinks.”

I sighed, exhaustion creeping into my voice. “Nika, I’d love to, but I’m tired. My friends are waiting in the car. Maybe another time, if you’re around town.”

Nika nodded, understanding. “Sure, Sienna. At least let me get your number then.” A smirk tugged at her lips.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me, I giggled. We exchanged numbers.

“See you soon, Nika.”

“See you soon, Sienna.”

As Nika returned to her teammates, I walked to Camden’s car.

Sliding into the backseat of Camden’s car, I stayed quiet. My mind was a mess. The memory of Caitlin’s lips on mine, the way my body had responded-it made me want to cry. Not because it was bad. But because I didn’t know what to do with it.

Camden and Mia didn’t push for answers, but their silent understanding settled around me like a safety net. That was one of the things I loved most about them-they were patient. They waited for me to speak on my own time.

I glanced between them, my heart aching with unspoken words. “You guys know I love you, right?” I whispered.

They smiled, their voices in unison. “We know. And we love you too, Cupcake.”

I closed my eyes, resting my head against the seat, but no matter how much I tried to push it away, Caitlin’s voice haunted me.

“But if I have to be just your friend, then I’ll be your friend, even if it’s the hardest thing to do, Sunshine.”

Authors Note :

Yayyy long chapter finally y’all, Anyways I know I know we don’t like cheating tropes but trust me guys we’re getting to the plot soon, it’s for the plot loves. And this book is gonna be Angsty I don’t feel like writing cutesy stuff I mean It’ll be both though, also sorry for the grammatical errors. Anyways stay happy loves and until next time mwah 💋

XoXo V 💜💜💜