“I prefer it that way.” When I glance behind us, just in case, the Cheermonsters aren’t watching. I release my breath. “Thank you guys for coming. Can you do the same tomorrow and Friday?”
Because otherwise Luke might punish me. We can’t let our guard down just because it went fine this first time. That may be exactly what they expect, and Friday the guys will be occupied.
“Sure,” Izzy says with a grin. “I can’t wait until the party Friday night.”
The others nod and smile at each other.
Eli’s in my head now, because I can’t help but wonder what else they’ll want. I knew when Penny first approached me that they wanted to use me. I don’t know if they’re being honest about what they want now.
We step out of the locker room, and the girls part ways with me, saying they’ll text tonight. It’s kind of nice being in a group chat with them. It’s different from hanging with Kenz. But Kenz is my ride or die.
Kenz hangs back when the others leave.
Luke doesn’t move from his position with his phone, giving me a moment with Kenz.
“I don’t know if you can trust those girls, H.” She blows out a breath. “I don’t think they’re doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. These girls didn’t give two shits about you until Luke claimed you. And I’m not confident they’ll stand up to the Cheermonsters if they try something.”
I nod. I’m not naive enough to think the girls just want to hang out and be friends. “If those girls try something with the guys, they’ll fail or I’ll be free.”
“They’ll fail.” Luke’s hand wraps around my neck and draws me back into his heat. Holy hell, I want to sink into him. It’s like being cold and then someone throws a warm blanket over you.
“On that note, I should head out. Text me, H.” Kenz smiles and takes off down the hallway.
We’re alone when Luke begins to massage my hip. “How did it go?”
My pulse thrums in my ears as my body responds to his presence. I try to shake it off, but there’s just too much of whatever binds us together swimming through my veins. I close my eyes and lean into Luke.
“Princess.” His lips caress the edge of my ear as his voice weaves through me. His words are almost a growl as he says, “Answer me.”
Desire pulses through me, and I whimper, needing more. Always needing so much more of all of them.
“Now.”
I open my eyes to the empty hallway and try to orient myself. “They made more remarks about how you guys won’t stay with me, but thetradeoff went flawlessly. We have two more trades. Tomorrow and Friday.”
“Good.” He turns me in his arms, and I lift my gaze to drown in the heated pools of his eyes. His thumb caresses my bottom lip. “We need to get you home.”
For a second, we stand there. I want him to kiss me. This aching need for him clings to my bones.
Instead, he takes my hand and leads me out to his car. I try to calm my rioting hormones on the way to my house. Not sure I achieve much control.
“I’ll pick you up for Nico’s.” Luke pulls into my driveway, jarring me back to reality.
My car sits next to my mom’s. We drove here this morning so I could leave my car at home. I’m sure he needs to get back to practice, but part of me wants to linger in his presence just a while longer.
“Harper, if I stay any longer, I’ll fuck you, and we’ll both be in trouble.” He leans his head back against the seat. “I’ll see you in a few hours, princess.”
I blow out a frustrated breath, knowing he’s right. My mother is right inside. He has to get to practice. And I want nothing more than to straddle his lap and let him make me come alive.
I open the door and get out. Our eyes meet through the windshield as he backs out of my driveway. I don’t understand what’s going on with me and Luke. Maybe the chemicals are just too strong, but I’m drawn to him. It doesn’t matter that he’s an asshole most of the time.
Shaking off the feeling, I head inside and let my backpack thud on the ground.
“Mom! I’m home!” I take Eli’s jersey into the laundry room and put it on the cold cycle to wash away Ashley’s perfume. It’s light, but I don’t want to smell her on me.
When I come back into the kitchen, Mom sits at the island waiting for me.
“How was Penny’s last night?” Her eyes track my movements as I pick up my backpack and set it on the table.
