Page 148 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

The Demilitarized Zone

Harper

Tingles of anticipation spark along my spine as my guys walk into the living room. Luke leans in to say something to Eli. Eli’s gaze flicks to me before he heads off into the house. I stop paying attention to Kenz and Penny talking over me and Nico.

My gaze locks on Caden, and he grins mischievously, lighting the fire he always sparks. Tonight I’m theirs. We get to sleep together in Caden’s bed without worrying about parents or any of the other noise in our lives. It’s a taste of the freedom college will give us.

When Luke and Jack move my way, I get caught up in Luke’s eyes again. His energy is so much larger tonight. I don’t know what it is, but fuck, am I drawn to it.

Jack moves to help Nico stand as Luke stops in front of me. He holds out his hand. At first, I thought it was juvenile or controlling the way he always took my hand.

But Death doesn’t hold hands with anyone but me.

And every time I take his hand, it’s like he’s claiming me all over again. There’s this charge that zips through me like electricity as I slide my hand in his. He helps me stand and draws me into his arms.

I press my cheek against his beating heart and close my eyes as I drag in his soft, seductive scent. The whole world could crash and burn around me, but as long as I’m in his arms—their arms—I’m safe.

“Where are we going?” Nico asks Luke. Nico’s hand caresses my hair, and I draw in another breath, catching the scent of rain blending effortlessly with Luke’s cologne.

“We need to talk.” Luke draws me away from him and wraps his arm around my shoulders, steering me through the party. His arm is heavy and possessive on me.

We pass a lot of people. More than the previous parties. When we head up the stairs, I glance back to see Jack and Caden helping Nico up the stairs. Nico’s lips tighten. He’s getting sick of being taken care of.

His dark eyes lift to mine, and they soften. He shakes his head and gives me a crooked grin as he lets the guys help him. Nico always liked doing things himself when we were kids. Refused my help at every turn, but loved helping me, or taking over.

We get to the door of the bedroom we met in last time we were at Jason’s. Luke opens the door, and again it’s empty. He leads me over to the bed and turns me toward him.

He takes the back of my neck in his hand, sending tingles firing all through me as I lift my gaze to his. His grip tightens, and his mouth is on mine. I open beneath him, letting him in as I grab his shirt in my fists to hold him here with me.

The door shuts. The world could explode around me, and I wouldn’t care as long as Luke continues to kiss me. I press in against him as he deepens the kiss. His tongue rubs against mine and all I can think about is climbing up on him or dragging him down on the bed with me.

I want so much more from him.

The door shuts again.

“It’s not like I have things to do.” Ashley’s bored voice washes over me like a bucket of ice.

I draw away from Luke, but he holds me close and searches my eyes as his thumb rubs my jaw. Even ice couldn’t put out the fire he ignites in me. I’m glad he stopped tonight before hurting Zach. Somehow it feels like that would have created a larger problem for us.

He steps back and turns to face Ashley.

“You wanted to speak to us?” Luke sits down on the edge of the bed and pulls me down next to him. Eli walks over and sits on my other side. Nico and the others sit in the small seating arrangement to the side of the bed.

Ashley stands with her hip cocked and her arms crossed. “Sidney’s mental, but we all knew that. I need to know the plan, so I know when to step up.”

“It’s already begun.” Luke leans back with his hands propped on the bed.

“She won’t win tomorrow night.” Eli nods to Caden who stands and brings over a chair for Ashley.

She glances at Caden before taking the chair. “Right. I still think they have plans for tomorrow night. If this was their only plan, this was a stupid plan. Why leave so many witnesses? Why create so much chaos? They had to know they’d be caught.”

Eli nods and leans his elbows on his knees as he looks at her. It’s interesting—the difference between the way Luke looks at Sidney and the way Eli looks at Ashley. I tip my head as I study him.

Eli respects her. There’s no love between them. At least, not from Eli’s side, but he definitely respects her. I don’t think a lot of people warrant that from him.

“With Sidney out, the crown will likely go to you.” Eli clasps his hands. “I’m not sure you wouldn’t have gotten it without Sidney being eliminated.”

Ashley arches her eyebrow.