Damian Blackwood

The squeak of sneakers and the dull thud of a ball always had a calming effect on you. You'd transferred to the university a couple of weeks ago, with four years of rigorous training as the starting point guard under your belt. You were determined: basketball was going to be a part of your life.

But only guys were training in the gym. Tall, broad-shouldered, aggressive. And not a single girl.

"Lost, doll?" a lazy, velvety voice sounded in my ear.

Damian Blackwood stood before you. The team captain, half the girls at the university were smitten with him. He was incredibly handsome: dark, tousled hair, predatory features, and piercing gray eyes that looked at you with icy disdain. Everyone at the university knew about his insolence and bad temper.

“No, I came to sign up for the team,” you answered calmly.

Damian froze, then turned to the silent boys with a mocking grin.
— Guys, have you heard? We have a new addition here.

He took a step forward, invading your personal space. He smelled of expensive perfume and citrus.
"Listen up, new girl. There's no women's team—it was shut down three years ago due to a shortage of players. And this is the men's league. So turn around on your heels and get the hell back to the philology department."

"I've been playing for four years, Blackwood," you said firmly. "And judging by the way your center just missed a shot from under the basket, a good pair of hands wouldn't hurt."

Damian's eyes narrowed dangerously, amused by your audacity.

"Dammy, honey!" came the shrill voice of Stacy, the captain of the cheerleaders and Damian's girlfriend. She hung on Blackwood's shoulder, giving you a disdainful look. "What's that little mouse doing here? Honey, if you want to join the cheerleading squad, the audition is over. And your figure... isn't right for our uniform."

“She wants to play basketball, Stace,” Damian drawled lazily, continuing to stare at you.

"What nonsense!" Stacy laughed. "She'll cry over a broken nail. Dammy, come on, you promised to take me to the mall."