Offside Hearts

The wrong man

Sienna

I didn't stop running until I reached the front entrance of the ballroom.

My heart pounded so hard that it felt painful, and I struggled to catch my breath as guests continued chatting and laughing around me, completely unaware that something was terribly wrong only a few hallways away.

I forced myself to slow down and blended into the crowd, hoping whoever had been inside that room hadn't seen my face.

My hands were shaking as I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone. I immediately checked the recording. It was still there.

I pressed play, keeping the volume low enough that only I could hear it.

...The money has already been transferred...

...It stays quiet until after the championship...

...The captain doesn't know...

...He doesn't need to know...

The recording ended with the sound of footsteps rushing toward the door before my own hurried breathing took over.

I stared at my phone in disbelief.

Whatever I had just stumbled into had nothing to do with a fundraising gala.

Someone was hiding something.

Something big.

“Sienna”

I nearly dropped my phone.

I looked up to find Professor Monroe standing a few feet away, studying my face with concern.

You look like you've seen a ghost.

I forced a smile that even I didn't believe.

"I'm fine."

He raised an eyebrow.

You have been my student for two years. I know what your fine looks like.

For a moment, I considered telling him everything.

Then I remembered the voices inside that room.

The money.

The warning.

The panic in their conversation.

I... I just needed some air.

Professor Monroe looked at me for another second before nodding.

If something happened tonight, don't do anything reckless.

His words settled heavily in my chest.

I won't.

He gave me one last look before walking away to greet another guest.

I stood there for several seconds before slipping my phone back into my bag.

I needed to leave.

The story could wait until morning.

My safety couldn't.

I quietly made my way toward the exit, avoiding the crowd as much as possible.

Just as I reached the main hallway, someone grabbed my wrist.

I gasped and spun around.

Luca Hayes stood in front of me.

“I'm sorry,” he said quickly, letting go immediately. I didn't mean to scare you.

I frowned.

“What are you doing?”

I have been looking for you. My confusion only grew.

“For me?”

He nodded.

I saw you leave the ballroom in a hurry.

“So?”

So I wanted to make sure you were okay.

I folded my arms across my chest. We don't know each other.

“I know.”

Then why do you care?

For a second, he didn't answer. Then he smiled.

Because you looked terrified.

His voice was calm. Gentle.

Nothing like the arrogant athlete I had imagined.

I'm fine.

You don't look fine.

I said I'm fine.

His smile faded.

Okay.

He took a step back. I won't bother you.

Something about the disappointment in his eyes made guilt creep into my chest.

Before I could say anything else, loud voices echoed from the end of the hallway.

“There she is!”

I froze.

Two men in black suits were walking quickly toward us.

One of them pointed directly at me.

“That's the girl.”

Fear rushed through my body.

My eyes met Luca's.

His expression changed instantly.

What happened? He asked.

I… The words refused to come out.

The men were getting closer. Much closer.

Without another word, Luca stepped in front of me.

Is there a problem? He asked.

One of the men forced a smile.

“We just need a moment with the young lady.”

Luca didn't move.

I don't think she wants to talk.

The smile disappeared from the man's face.

This doesn't concern you.

It does now.

The hallway suddenly felt much smaller.

Guests nearby began looking in our direction.

Neither man seemed happy about attracting attention.

The taller one adjusted his jacket before speaking again.

“We will talk another time.”

They turned around and walked away.

I watched them until they disappeared around the corner.

Only then did I realize I had been holding my breath.

Luca slowly turned toward me.

Do you want to tell me what's going on?

I looked at him.

At the concern on his face.

At the honesty in his eyes.

I wanted to trust him.

But then I remembered the recording.

The captain doesn't know.

Those words echoed inside my head.

Maybe they really didn't mean him, or maybe…

They wanted me to believe that.I took one step backward.

I have to go.

“Sienna.”

I said I have to go.

Before he could stop me, I hurried toward the exit.

Outside, the cold night air hit my face.

I climbed into the first taxi I saw and slammed the door shut.

“Drive,” I said breathlessly.

The driver pulled away from the university.

As Ashford disappeared behind us, I reached into my bag and held my phone tightly.

The recording was still there.

So there was one question I couldn't stop asking myself.

If Luca Hayes was innocent...

Then, why did everyone seem determined to keep him in the dark?