The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟹𝟻|

Kohl Warren

I refuse to touch a drop of alcohol, despite the fact that I stupidly bet on Owen's ability to outdrink a random stranger.

As I sit at the crowded bar, I keep ordering plate after plate of the complimentary food being passed around.

Not because I'm hungry, but because it's free and I know there won't be anything waiting for me back in the empty dorm room.

I watch as Owen holds Ari's hair back for her while she takes another shot. We are surrounded by a crowd of rowdy onlookers.

Ari's cheeks are flushed with the alcohol, her eyes hazy as she chirps, "How much is that?" The cheers of the people around us blend together into a cacophony of noise.

I can't help but notice the little things Owen does that make me think he might like her. He's still holding her hand from when Leia put them together earlier.

His eyes flicker to the drinks on the counter, a protective glint in them as he makes sure they aren't tampered with.

And then there's the way he's holding Ari's hair back so she can down shot after shot like an alcoholic.

Owen casually pushes the shot glass away from Ari with a smirk, his hazel eyes glinting softly at her. "That's enough for you, sunshine. I'm sure you've already won," he says.

Sunshine? Can I throw up now?

The guy challenging Ari protests, "I'm not even done yet," as he reaches for the shot glass.

But before he can grab it, Owen snatches it up and downs it in one smooth motion, his expression remaining stoic.

"Aren't you?" Owen raises an eyebrow, his tone laced with harshness as the guy looks slightly intimidated. He quickly nods and scurries back to his group of friends, eager to avoid any further confrontation.

I let out a bored sigh, glancing around the crowded venue. Where is Leia? I can't help but wonder, feeling a pang of annoyance at being left to fend for myself.

I scan the venue meticulously, my gaze darting from face to face until I spot a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Leia. But upon closer inspection, I realize she's older and dressed entirely differently.

I take a final bite of what these rich fucks call macaroons, savoring the sweet taste before excusing myself with a casual "Be back in a sec."

My hands are shoved deep into the pockets of my– Ant's– tailored suit as I navigate through the crowd, effortlessly dodging the attempts of women trying to strike up a conversation with me. I offer a charming smile in response, but quickly move on.

I finally come upon a dimly lit hallway, where my eyes immediately catch sight of a bathroom door. Glancing around, it appears to be designated for women.

As I contemplate my next move, I overhear a pair of women commenting on someone's dress, their voices filled with envy.

"Her dress is so hot," one of them murmurs, her arm linked with another woman.

The other woman sighs wistfully, "I'd die to have a body like that."

Their conversation falters as they notice me, and their gazes linger for a moment before they retreat back into the venue, leaving me alone in the hallway.

Running a hand through my hair, I consider whether to go inside or not.

Leia doesn't seem like her usual self, and it's clear that something is off. She's been gone for a while, and for some reason the memory of her tear-streaked face from when she was injured on TV comes flooding back to me, causing me to clench my jaw.