Apocalypse Now
Nico
“I can’t back down from them or let you run them off all the time,” Harper says as Luke takes her hand and drags her into the school. Her brown eyes lock with mine, pleading for help.
I don’t know if she needs it, but I’m not going anywhere. Caden stops to talk to a guy. He seems familiar, probably on the football team. I’m still getting to know the other players. Luke turns down a hallway and pulls Harper into a darkened classroom.
The guy follows us. When we enter the room, he stands outside the closed door.
“Sit down.” Luke points to a desk. A muscle ticks in his jaw.
“Luke, you don’t?—”
“For fuck’s sake, Harper, do as you’re told.” He doesn’t raise his voice, but it’s clear he’s on the edge.
Her eyes narrow, and her lips press into a stubborn line, but she drops into the seat.
“What the fuck was that about?” Luke turns to Eli.
“Exactly what they asked for. Nothing more.” Eli glances at Harper. “Harper can make Penny and the others go with her. It will even the odds.”
“That was my plan,” Harper mutters, dropping her backpack on the floor.
Luke leans down with his hand on the desk and the other on the back of her chair, trapping Harper in. “What if those girls won’t do it?”
She gives him a mulish expression I’ve seen plenty of times before.
“They will.” Eli glances toward the doorway. “They want to feel what it’s like to be popular. We can give them that. But if they look for more, I’ll punish you, kitten.”
She tears her gaze away from Luke to gape at Eli. “Why should I get punished? It’s your idea, too.”
“But I’m not the one who told the cheerleaders they could change the terms of our arrangement.” Eli leans against the wall. “That’s on you, kitten.”
“If you can’t get the girls to go with you, you don’t go.” Luke grabs the back of her neck.
“Fine,” she spits out.
They look five seconds from either fighting or fucking.
“Great.” I clap my hands, trying to dispel the tension. “My mom is making lasagna tonight and wants everyone to come over for dinner.”
Luke straightens and looks at me like I’ve flipped my lid. He doesn’t understand the power mothers have. But the others will.
“Dad’s working late. When I asked if I could eat out, she suggested we all come over. It’ll be good.” My gaze goes to Harper. “She can’t wait to see you.”
“Her lasagna always was the best.” She glances up at Luke.
“Fine.” He blows out a breath and holds out his hand to Harper. She takes it, and he helps her stand. We all gather our stuff. Just as we get to the door, I drop my final bomb.
“By the way, I told Mom Harper’s my girlfriend.”
Harper
Luke presses me against the locker outside of first period. His eyes search mine. “I don’t likethis plan.”
I pat my hand on his chest. “It’ll be fine. The cheerleading advisor will be there, and probably the other girls’ coaches. It will be quick and painless.”
I hope. I don’t honestly know what to expect or why the Cheermonsters changed the plans. They hoped the guys would want to fuck them when they dropped off the jersey last night, but left disappointed.
