I fight for every point like my life depends on it, sun-browned and defiant in front of the crowds. But Samuel's quiet authority can stop me cold, and I obey before I can think twice about it.

We look like the ideal doubles pair, shoulders aligning over the tournament clipboard as we plan our path to the championship. What no one knows is how easily I place the belt across my open palms in the narrow equipment room, waiting for whatever he decides next.

One wrong move and the whole circuit learns our secret. Our title, our sponsors, everything we worked for would vanish. Still, I can't stop needing the next time he tells me to remain still.