UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT (Gods of the Gridiron Book 1)

by Shanna Swenson

  “Oh, it’s fine, really. I appreciate the offer.”

  “Hey, I’m grateful for the company. It gets boring being the only girl.” Madi took her hand then and smiled big.

  Sky had watched an exchange between a cheerleader who’d run over to Travis at one point before the game was over; she’d been frowning at the interaction when Madi assured her.

  “Oh, don’t worry. We have a strict no fraternization policy between the cheerleaders and players. Besides, she’ll be in some serious trouble for that little stunt, I assure you.” Madi had then whispered over to a man in a suit who’d left the room in a hurry.

  The entire incident had left Sky rattled, so much so that Madi had gone and gotten her another Bellini, the one of which she was just finishing off now.

  “Well, well, there’s our MVP for the evening,” Jerry Taylor’s voice brought Sky from her reverie and she turned to see Travis looking mouthwatering in a khaki-colored suit and crimson tie, beard neatly trimmed, his hair styled with gel. She felt her panties dampen and gulped as his eyes held hers.

  “Jerry,” Travis said with a smile and shook the owner of the Gladiators’ hand.

  “Job well done, son. We’re glad to have you.”

  “Pleasure’s all mine, I assure you.”

  “Dad, let’s not hog our champ’s celebration,” Madi said with a giggle and took her father’s elbow, giving Sky a wink as they moved off.

  Sky’s knees shook as Travis separated the distance between them. “You dress up nice, Mr. Redmond.” Her eyes moved down his chest, his torso, his legs and back up.

  “Really? Because I feel like your eyes are saying something more,” he smirked.

  She bit her lip and leaned in. “You look sexy as hell.”

  “You’re only saying that because I won the game.”

  Sky shook her head and looked down, getting a chuckle out of Travis. “It was a great game.”

  “Right? I thought so, too.” He cupped her cheek. “I wish I could fly back with you, but it’s only two hours, right? And I’m sure they wouldn’t mind but…”

  “No, it’s fine. Celebrate with your team. Madi’s taking me back. On her private jet.”

  “Ah, traveling in style, I see.” He winked playfully.

  Sky blushed and smiled even as he leaned in to kiss her softly. “Get used to it, Ms. Larson. You’re my girlfriend now.”

  “Oh?” she asked, gripping his lapel and pulling him to her for another kiss.

  “Yeah, I went public about thirty minutes ago. Hope you’re cool with that.” He grinned, but Sky knew he was asking.

  She answered him back with her eyes. She couldn’t wait to have him to herself again and do some “celebrating” of her own.

  “I’ll walk you out. We’ll be leaving shortly. Wanna wait for me back at the airstrip? I’d love to spend the remainder of my night with you. If you’re up for it?” His eyes held such promise that she almost moaned aloud.

  He took her elbow and motioned to Madi with his eyes, who in turn nodded, and Travis led Skyla out.

  “How was the food?” he asked as they walked down a long hallway.

  “Are you kidding? It was delicious. I always wondered what they offered in these boxes.”

  “Better than turkey legs and nachos, huh?”

  “Hmm, absolutely. Shrimp cocktail, beef Wellington bites, and crudités.”

  “Sounds great, I’m starving.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  Travis laughed big and turned her in the direction of the elevator to the tunnels. He pressed the button and stood waiting, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Don’t be. I’ll eat on the plane.”

  “Yuck.” Sky crinkled her nose.

  “Nah, it’ll be something good. We have our own private jet too, ya know? With a gourmet chef. I think someone mentioned it was French cuisine tonight.”

  “Wow. Living in the lap of luxury.”

  “Doesn’t hold a candle to your cooking, Fireball,” he confessed before pulling her into the empty elevator.

  The minute the doors closed, he literally attacked her, kissing her like she was the feast he’d mentioned. She helplessly melted in his arms as his hands roved over her, cupping her breast with one hand, her ass with the other. She moaned aloud as his mouth settled on her throat and licked down to her collarbone.

  “Fuck. Have I told you how much winning turns me on?” Travis murmured in her ear as he squeezed her ass cheek and pressed her further against the elevator wall, her thighs splaying instinctively. He pressed his growing erection into her belly and she gasped. “Mmm, I could take you right here in this fucking elevator, Sky, I swear to God.”

  “Mmm, Travis.” Sky’s breath came out raspy. She attempted to gain her sanity, sensing they were close to their destination. She pulled away just as it leveled out and a ding signaled they were stopping.

  Travis moved behind her and adjusted himself as Sky walked out in front of him. He took her elbow again and led her to a white limo behind the buses. Cameras flashed and she heard the media calling her name. She gaped and felt her heart hammer in her chest even as Travis pulled her to his side, ignoring them.

  He grinned at her again, his hand stilling on the door handle as he looked into her face. “Wait for me at the airfield. I’ll have my driver pick you up. I’ll make it worth your while, I promise.”

  Sky smiled and nodded. “Of course. I’ll be there.”

  “Don’t stand me up now.” He winked and took her hand, kissing her knuckles. He then opened the door and saw her in before turning and moving to the buses with his teammates who were filing in.

  Skyla inhaled sharply and let her tummy settle. This was like a dream come true. Only it was real. It was really happening. She was Travis’s girl. It was all she’d ever wanted. All she’d ever dreamed about. But the nagging insecurities inside her began to build. She’d seen the cheerleader talking to him. Wondered what the hell that had been about. Could she do this? Could she live this extravagant life? As much as she’d always wanted him, Sky wondered if she, indeed, would be enough for Travis Redmond. If she could make him happy. And what if she couldn’t keep him entertained, couldn’t keep him satisfied, couldn’t keep him faithful to her? She’d already had a man cheat on her once before. Could she go through the stigma of infidelity again? She closed her eyes and let her doubts take hold of her.

  When Madison Thomas moved into the limo, Sky tried to keep her muted tears at bay, but they wouldn’t be silenced.

  “Skyla. Are you ok?” Madison asked and scooted next to her. “What’s wrong?”

  That’s when Skyla proceeded to tell Madi everything.

  “Trav’s got a girlfriend,” Hunter playfully sang behind Travis as their private jet took them home to Atlanta.

  “Hell yeah he does, and she’s a little red fox,” Paxton teased next to him, getting a scowl out of Travis.

  “Can it, Point Break, before I rearrange your face.”

  “Ooh,” a roar of voices sounded around him, and Travis playfully rolled his eyes at his teammates.

  Linc patted his shoulder and gave him a wink. “She is really pretty, Trav.”

  “Ouch, touched a nerve. Sorry bro.” Pax laughed and slugged at him; Travis chuckled.

  “She and Madi hit it off pretty good,” Brett added in.

  “Yeah, and we know Mad doesn’t have many chicks for friends,” Hunter insisted.

  It was true, and Trav would have to remember to thank Madison for her hospitality tonight. She’d taken Sky under her wing, and he was forever grateful for her.

  “So, you gonna tell us what happened in that cabin, Ares?” Hunt’s brows went up.

  “Oh, listen to your Jack Johnson and hush,” Trav retorted and motioned to the Beats resting on Hunter’s neck.

  “Aw, shit. I know he’s got it bad now. At any other time, he’d be regaling us with his sex-capades. Guys, this is serious! I think we need an intervention.” Hunt put his hands out. TJ and Langley cracked up.
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br />   Travis rolled his eyes and looked to Brett. “You call this bozo your best friend.”

  “Not in large crowds.” Brett held his index finger to his lips, getting more laughter out of their teammates.

  “Dude, that is so not cool.” Hunt crossed his arms over his chest in a mock pout.

  “Y’all, Brett just made a joke, I think we need a doctor. Trainer! Trainer!” Pax shouted, acting panicked.

  Brett chuckled heartily. “Seriously though, guys. Hey!” He whistled to quiet the team of fifty-three players down. After all was silent, he stood and looked around. “Guys. I just wanna say—way to play, way to hustle. All our hard work is payin’ off. Hunt. Travis. You guys played like true gods tonight and although we’re Gladiators, I’m kinda feeling this whole Greek god vibe Trav and Linc have brought with them to our organization. I think we need to sell it, and if we keep playing like the team we did today, I see big things happening for our future. I know you got the game ball tonight, Redmond, but to you. Thanks, man.” Brett gave Trav a fist bump and for the first time in a long time, Travis felt really good about his life, his job, and the family he had made in Atlanta.

  He couldn’t wait to get home and make love to his woman. Things were truly looking up for him. Life was good. And he couldn’t wait to celebrate with the one who’d turned it all around.

  “Wow, Travis.” Sky looked around the beautiful mansion of Travis’s and loved everything about it. It was simple, elegant, and homey with modern furniture, glass and industrial touches.

  “You like it?” he asked. “I haven’t had it long, just since October.”

  “It’s gorgeous. I love the minimal touches.” She looked at the light grey kitchen walls with cream and sea foam blue accents.

  “Perks of being a bachelor, babe,” he winked and poured her a glass of Pinot Grigio. “Here’s to you.”

  “No, Mr. Redmond, you’re the MVP tonight, if I remember correctly.”

  “Oh, stop, not you too.”

  “Ha. Like you don’t enjoy being the center of attention,” she smirked even as he stopped in front of her and looked her over, making her hot beneath her dress.

  “Speaking of center, all I’ve thought about is being balls deep in yours all fucking day.”

  “Your language—”

  “Turns you on and don’t pretend like it doesn’t.” He pulled her glass from her fingertips and set it on the island counter.

  It was true, she couldn’t deny it. She let him pull her against him as the soothing sounds of piano and saxophone made her body tingle.

  “I loved having you at the game today, meeting my people, getting to know my CEO.”

  “She’s great, really.”

  “Isn’t she? But not as great as you.” His eyes stared into Skyla’s soul, piercing all those doubts she’d confessed to in Madison’s limo. Speaking to another woman about her feelings had made her feel good. It had been so long since she’d had someone to talk to, someone with common interests, someone who could understand her. Madi had soothed away her insecurities, saying how she shouldn’t worry, that the guys were used to unwanted attention; that it hadn’t meant anything.

  “I like Madi a lot.”

  “Uh oh. Do I sense competition?” Travis teased, and Sky laughed aloud.

  “Oh, Mr. Redmond, as much as you might enjoy for me to say I’m bisexual, I’m sorry to disappoint you; I only like cock.”

  “Mmm, say that word again, baby. I love it dripping from those lips of yours.”

  When she said it again, he moaned aloud and kissed her, thrusting his tongue in to torture her. He deepened their connection and had her breathless in seconds. She gripped his blazer and started to unbutton his shirt. He pulled back and grinned, watching as her desire made her eager. It made her ten times more ravenous as he seemed so unhurried while her sex throbbed painfully between her legs.

  “You’ll be surprised to know, I’m glad you don’t want women…or other men, for that matter. I’ll admit the thoughts of anyone else touching you the way I do makes me insane with jealousy.”

  “Oh?” she asked and ran a fingertip down the line of his chest and abs. “Likewise.”

  “I love what you’ve done to me, Sky. I only see you. Only think about you. Only want you. You. You. You. I think you’ve ruined me, dammit. I close my eyes and see you. Last night, you’re all I could think about while I laid there in that hotel room by myself. I finally had to turn my Calm app on and have that dude from Reading Rainbow put me to sleep.”

  Sky laughed and looked up at him sweetly. God, he was so adorable. “Oh, Travis.”

  She pulled him to her and kissed him gently, loving him with everything inside her. Loving that he was hers and he was here and she could have him again, without the fear of dying, the fear of Geraci and his men coming for them.

  Before she knew it, she was untucking his shirt and unzipping his pants, and he was pulling her dress over her head, admiring her silky black bra and panties with his fingers.

  “Damn baby, you in this and heels makes my dick ache.”

  “Mmm, then maybe I should torture you with it more.”

  “Fuck yeah, you should. Come with me.” He took her hand and led her to his bedroom where he shucked his blazer and shirt and jerked his pants and boxers down, revealing his glorious nakedness. She licked her lips, unable to hide her arousal at his prominent shaft, thick and pronounced.

  “God, you’re so beautiful, Travis.”

  He grinned and shook his head, pointing at her. “You did this to me. You, that body, scantily clad in those undergarments. They should be illegal.”

  “Lay down, Ares.”

  “Oh, baby. Aphrodite calling the shots now?” He cocked his head, and it was all she could do not to throw herself at his enticing body.

  Skyla pointed to the bed and waited for Travis to lay down atop it. He settled against the hoard of pillows there and propped his hands behind his head, watching as she sashayed her hips toward him. He licked his lips ever so slowly, and it did amazing things to her womanhood. “You like my fuck-me heels, Ares?”

  “Oh yeah, baby. Take everything off but those.”

  She did as he asked, slowly removing her bra and panties, giving him a little peek show as she watched his dick jerk in response, fighting everything within her not to jump on him and ride him like Seabiscuit.

  When she stood before him naked, he groaned and moved his hand to his erection, pumping it slowly as he said, “Touch yourself, baby. I wanna see what you did last night. Show me.”

  Before they’d had lights out, he’d called her and they’d had phone sex. It had been sexy and erotic, something Skyla had never done before.

  She bit into her lip and began to squeeze her breast in one hand, pinching her nipple with her thumb and index finger. He moaned aloud, which spurred her on. She moved her other hand between the delta of her thighs and slid a finger down her folds, smearing the wetness that had pooled there.

  “Oh shit, Fireball, look how hard you’re making me. Finger yourself. Tell me how much you want my cock inside you.”

  “Mmm, Travis…God, I love having your cock inside me.” Sky sighed as she spread her legs and did as her lover had bequeathed, thrusting her middle finger into the entrance of her body. “Oh, God.” She gasped and felt her walls clench as Travis pumped his erection again and again, his eyes making her desire unmanageable. “Travis?” she begged.

  “You love it?” he asked with a smirk. Sky nodded hungrily, wanting to fuck him like a wild banshee. As if reading her thoughts, he said, “Then come fuck it, baby. Come fuck it like you own it.”

  She didn’t need any further invitation. She pulled her finger from within herself and scrambled toward the bed, climbing his thighs and mounting him, sliding his rock-hard shaft into her wetness. They both gasped as she settled down on top of him.

  “Jesus Christ, Fireball,” Travis whined and gripped her hips. “How does it possibly get better each time with you?”

 
“Mmm,” Sky agreed and began to ride him. “Oh, God. You fill me so deeply.”

  Her speed increased as his moans excited her even more and soon, she was grinding on him like her life depended on it, slamming down on him hard as her body heat rose to a level that made her cheeks flame. She came violently as he sucked her nipples and smacked her ass, riding her orgasm out while he grunted, holding himself back with hisses through his teeth.

  Travis flipped Skyla over suddenly and was thrusting hard and deep, gasping as her heels dug into his ass. He pounded into her with a rhythm that rattled her teeth before he was soon roaring his release. “Oh, oh, shit, baby.” He shivered and quaked before he stilled inside her. She grinned up at him, running a hand through his tousled brown hair.

  “Mmm, Ares, I thought you owned me.” Sky’s brow went up.

  “I take it back, my alluring little Aphrodite. I don’t own you, it’s you who owns me.”

  She giggled even as he kissed her cheeks and fell beside her.

  She jerked the blanket from the foot of the bed, covering her chilled body and his as his eyelids began to close. She kissed them, then his forehead and smiled down at his handsome face.

  “Sleep now, mighty Ares. Your battle has been won.”

  “Mmm, I love you, Skyla. My naughty Fireball.”

  Those words swamped her soul, making her feel as full and complete as she ever had in her life as she fell to sleep, letting them echo in her brain.

  Skyla awoke to the stroking of Travis’s fingertips up her spine.

  “Time to wake, my love. I gotta be at the complex by nine for our team meeting. It’s film review day—joy.”

  Sky grunted and rolled over to face him, smiling into his handsome face. She gazed for a time, still unsure how she’d gotten so lucky. He appeared to be doing the same thing to her and soon, he was pulling her to him for delicious kisses that made her entire body hum with longing.

  “Sorry I crashed last night.” He looked down at his naked frame beneath the fuzzy blanket.