“I’m sure you’d scare any guy who wanted to date me.” Fortunately, none of them do. Well, maybe Nico would have, but he’s now one of my owners.
“You ever need me to make someone back off, say the word, Harper.” Mom puts her two fingers in front of her eyes and swings them to point at me and back.
“And what word is that, Mom?” I ask with a smile.
“Ah, honey, the word doesn’t matter. I’m here for you no matter what.” She looks me over. “Though maybe I should get you a Taser in case that future frat boy decides to get handsy.”
I shake my head as she heads down the hall. I don’t think a Taser would help me with Eli. He might get off on it. I keep thinking aboutthe Cheermonsters and their offer to step in if needed. Was that a genuine offer or a threat?
Neither Kenz nor I could make heads or tails of it. I can’t really talk to the guys about it. But what if the girls are right? If it’s up to me to contain the horsemen, how am I going to do that as one girl?
Not that they were all that tame before me, but I don’t have any special hold over them. Except I’m not willing to share. And I’m still not. Especially with no condoms, but even with, I don’t want to have a guy who cheats, even if it’s not technically cheating because we’re not dating.
Ugh, they wanted a year; I wanted no straying. Of course, I hoped they would be appalled and back off entirely. But that didn’t happen, so I guess I’m going to have to step up. At some point. Probably not tonight.
I drop my lip stain into my purse along with some balm. I don’t know if all of them will use my mouth tonight, but I know Luke will. He has a point to prove.
As I step into the hallway, I hear a knock on the back door, and Mom opens it. I don’t even know who’s picking me up tonight.
The deep rumble of a male’s voice is the only clue I have as I hurry down the stairs.
“I didn’t know your last name was Ross. Like Emily Ross?” Mom says as I rush to intercept.
“That’s my mother, Jennifer.” Caden stands next to the door. He has on a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his massive forearms. His dark blue jeans are carpenter jeans that leave a lot of room in the legs. His black boots match mine.
He can’t help looking like a mean son of a bitch even dressed nice. He’s too big and too much of a presence.
“Hey, Caden,” I say to stop my mom from asking more questions.
Caden’s green eyes widen when he takes in my outfit for the night. Heat flows from them, and a blush creeps up my cheeks.
“So you get to take Harper to the party tonight? Without the rest of them?” Mom asks with her eyebrows arched. She’s going to freak out if they keep rotating like this.
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll meet them there.” Caden steps toward me. “You look amazing, Harper.”
Thank god he didn’t call melittle nympho. Mom wouldn’t have let me leave the house ever again. Forget a chastity belt, she’d lock me in my room and throw away the key. She likes to think she’s okay with me being a sexual being, but I’m not sure she really is.
“We should get going,” I say to Caden. “Good night, Mom.”
“Have a good night.” Mom mumbles about a Taser on her way into the living room.
I walk up to Caden, intending to pull the door open.
“Did your mom just say she was buying you a Taser?” Caden whispers against my ear. Shivers wash down my back as his hands stop on my hips. The sparks whip up inside me.
“How else would I bring someone like you down to his knees?” I lean back so I can meet his eyes.
“All you have to do is ask, little nympho. I’ll go down on my knees for you anytime. Especially in that skirt.” His fingers start to lift it.
I slap my hand on his chest and glance over my shoulder to make sure Mom didn’t hear. “Let’s go before you get me in trouble.”
We go outside, and he opens the door to his Mustang. I slide onto the leather seat and wait for him to walk around the outside and get in.
“Fuck, little nympho.” Caden starts the car and throws it in reverse. “I’m going to be hard all night with you in that dress.”
“You say the sweetest things.” Giving him a fake smile, I shake my head at him.
“If you’re looking for sweet, you’ve got the wrong horseman.” His green eyes flash to mine as he shifts into gear and speeds down the street.
