I make my lunch and text the guys to let them know my mom is in the kitchen and not going anywhere quick.
“Maybe I should stay with a friend tonight?” I say it but I don’t know how I’m going to sell it. We can stay at Luke’s or Caden’s with their bigger beds and no parents to worry about finding us. Of course, I doubt Mom would be cool with me staying at a guy’s house. Especially with no parents.
“Kenz?” Mom looks suspicious, with good reason. Kenz has younger siblings who are little terrors, and their house—while nice-sized—isn’t big enough for their family. And Kenz is messy, like the floor may or may not exist below the things on it.
I nibble on my lip, trying to think. “I was thinking maybe Penny.”
“Penny?” Mom raises a skeptical eyebrow.
“Penny Wright.” I pack my lunch into my bag. “She’s this girl I started hanging out with, and she said it would be okay to stay with her while you work.”
“Do I know her parents?” Mom’s brow scrunches as she does mental gymnastics to figure out who Penny is.
“I don’t think so. We never really hung out until this year, but if you want, I can ask her for her mom’s number so you can call.” I cross my fingers that it will be too much trouble. Maybe Penny will cover for me, but then I’d have to figure out how to pay her back. And that would mean punishment from Eli…
Unless I prove to him it’s useful to have those girls as friends.
“I should probably have her number in case I can’t reach you.” Mom stands and stretches. “Okay, sweetie, I’m heading to bed. Have a great day at school. Don’t forget your condoms.”
I choke on a mouthful of the coffee I just took a drink from. Hoping she doesn’t suspect anything, I say, “Oh, think I’m going to need more. And bigger ones too.”
“Ha ha. I’ll see you after school. We’ll talk about your nightlyarrangements then.” She blows me a kiss and disappears down the hallway. The stairs creak as she steps on the third one.
A knock sounds at the door. My eyebrows raise. The others wouldn’t come to give me a ride with Caden and Luke here. I walk over and look out the window at Caden.
“How did you…?” I open the door, and he steps in.
“Luke’s waiting in the car. You ready?” He grabs my backpack and jerks his head toward the door.
I blow out a breath and nod. Fuck it, I’m just glad I didn’t have to do a weird misdirection thing to get them out. I lock the door before following him to Luke’s car. “How did you guys get out?”
“Secret, little nympho.” Caden laughs low. “I’m going to go down the block and get my car. You ride with Luke. And behave yourself. You don’t need to be punished today.”
He grabs the back of my neck and kisses me before I can protest about behaving. It’s not my fault Luke finds everything I do vexing.
“Fuck, I love seeing you in my jersey. I’m totally fucking you wearing that.”
Pressing my lips together, I blush and hold out my hand for my backpack.
Handing it to me, Caden grins as he backs away. “Sorry, little nympho, just being honest.”
I open the door to Luke’s car and slip inside. His EDM plays low.
“Ready?”
Not even a little. Today is going to be hell. “Sure.”
CHAPTER 49
The Enemy Forces
Harper
When Luke and I pull up to the school, Nico, Eli, and Jack wait for us by the sign. As I move to get out of the car, Luke slides his hand under my skirt, clutching my thigh, holding me in place for a moment.
His touch makes butterflies dance in my stomach. I lift my gaze to meet his eyes.
He smirks. “I already let everyone know not to fuck you today.”
