I swallow them down, refusing to cry anymore. Even as this emptiness threatens to consume me whole, I force a smile. “I’m good.”
His thumb rubs my jaw, and his eyes narrow like he can see through my bullshit.
“Let’s go,” Caden calls out, breaking Jack’s attention.
I walk past him into the bedroom and head toward Caden’s voice. His house is still a maze, and I swear I’d get lost if one of them didn’t direct me.
Luke waits for me in the hallway and walks next to me. His hand falls on the small of my back, and he guides me the correct way to the kitchen. I ignore the sparks dancing through me from his fingertips. My messed up hormones make me want to lean into him and take comfort. FromLuke.
That’s pretty fucked up.
Caden sits at the large table with a breakfast spread that would feed a small army.
He kicks out the chair next to him. I’m tempted to go around to theother side and take a seat there. Just to be stubborn. But Luke doesn’t let me veer off course.
I drop into the seat and look at the various baked goods set out. My stomach growls angrily, but I don’t reach for anything. Luke sits next to me and grabs a few things for his plate before setting a couple on mine.
Sighing, I relent to my stomach. When I look down, what’s on my plate is exactly what I would have chosen. My heart bursts with a weird feeling of warmth, but I don’t let my surprise show. So what if Luke paid attention when we’ve eaten together before. He’s a smart guy. That doesn’t make him a nice guy.
Jack drops into the chair across from me. He’s dressed for school in clothes I know he didn’t bring here. My lips part to ask, but instead, I shove a Danish in my mouth. It’s none of my business. I’m just a toy to them.
“You’ll tell us everything he says to you.” Caden’s voice is rough. “If he touches you, even accidentally, you tell me.”
Caden reaches out for me, and I flinch. I didn’t mean to. My eyes widen as I lift them to his. His brow furrows, and I swear hurt flashes in his green eyes. He withdraws his hand and sets it on the table between us.
Fuck, why did I do that? I’m not afraid of him. I swallow the delicate pastry like it’s a lump of coal. My appetite is gone. “Can we go to school now?”
Luke stands. “You ride with me, princess.”
Nodding, I rise and avoid looking at the others as I grab my stuff and follow Luke out of the house. Today is going to be hell.
I don’t knowif people can sense not to mess with me today, or if the guys make them stay away. Either way, I’m glad that, for once, I can focus on school.
Unfortunately third period comes way too soon. Caden walks me to class, but Tanner isn’t in the classroom yet.
Caden tips my chin up and blows out a breath. “I don’t want him to hurt you, little nympho.”
His green eyes are soft as they search mine. Tanner hurt his sister. I’ve never forgotten that fact, but I’m not his sister. I’m not young and naive enough to believe Tanner’s bullshit.
“I won’t let him, War.” My voice is low and soft.
He leans down, and my breath catches in anticipation of his kiss. He’s still searching me, still trying to get inside me. I need him to know I’m not afraid of him. I lift on my toes and press my lips to his.
When I pull away, his hand grabs the back of my neck, and his mouth claims mine. He aims to conquer me, claim me, make me his. As his tongue slides against mine, my traitorous body softens, melting into him. I grab his shirt to keep him close.
A low growl rumbles in the back of his throat as he presses me up against the lockers. The noise of people chatting and racing to their next class disappears in a haze of desire I’m not strong enough to fight off.
“Caden?” Ms. Sullivan’s voice breaks the spell woven around us.
Caden lifts his head. Our eyes lock for a second, and his longing makes my insides clench. A dull ache thrums through me, reminding me of last night. He turns to Ms. Sullivan as his grip loosens on me.
“Ms. Sullivan.” Caden doesn’t turn toward her, probably to conceal the erection pressing into my hip.
“We miss you in art.” She smiles like he isn’t the fiercest guy in school. She also doesn’t acknowledge we’re still wrapped tight together.
“If I could have fit it in my schedule…” He gives her a half smile.
“It’s a shame.” She shakes her head. “We miss your energy.”
