He heads down the stairs and off toward the section where the parents sit. Wearing jeans and a tight t-shirt that show off his fit body, my old best friend has grown into a man I don’t even know anymore. One who could give any of the horsemen a run for their money.
“Holy shit, Harper. He’s hot.” Kenz shakes my arm.
“Fuck.” My heart finally slows down and icy cold realization floods me. “What did you do, Kenz?”
“I invited the hot as fuck guy who hugged you to a party. You’re welcome.” Kenz waggles her eyebrows like this is a great idea. Does she want to see him beat into a bloody pulp?
“With my four asshole protectors. Who I don’t think will allow me to retroactively claim a boyfriend, even if Nico were interested in me in that way?—”
“He’s most definitely interested. The way he looked at you. Fuck, I got hot and bothered. I might need to drag Brandon off as soon as we get to the party. You’ll be occupied getting reacquainted with Nico.” Kenz has officially lost her mind.
My phone buzzes in my pocket a few times. When I check it, I murmur, “Shit.”
War (Caden):
You got a ride, little nympho? *winky face emoji*
Famine (Jack):
I’ve got a ride for you, sweetheart
Death (Luke):
You still riding with your friend?
They weren’t happy when I told them I’d ride with Kenz to the party, but it makes more sense than waiting for them. They have to finish getting cleaned up, plus the bonus that it would give me more time away from them. They mess with my mind when they’re near.
Me:
Kenz will drive me. See you soon.
Kenz bumps my shoulder, and I put my phone down as Nico climbs the bleachers back to us. His dark eyes hold mine and my breath catches. I’m so fucked.
CHAPTER 53
The Old Friend
Harper
“Can I grab you a drink?” Nico asks me as we walk into Caden’s downstairs. Kenz and Brandon are right behind us.
My stomach drops as I remember last night. It seems like so long ago that they had me practically naked, writhing on their laps, and I’m walking right back into their trap. No parents, no one to stop them. What fresh hell will tonight bring?
“Harper? Drink? Hey.” When he gets my attention, Nico nods toward Brandon, who paused to kiss Kenz. He bends down, bringing his mouth close to my ear. “This going to happen all night?”
Tingles ricochet through me. Fuck, that shouldn’t feel so good.
“With them? Yup.” I draw in a breath as someone bumps into me, pushing me against Nico’s hard muscles. My hand lands on his abs and I resist the urge to run my fingers over the ridges beneath them. Heat floods my body.
I’m so fucked. The horsemen will see it on my face when I look at Nico and know. I don’t want them to humiliate him like they did Grant. Nico doesn’t deserve that. What if he tries to stand up to them, and they do what they did to Tanner Lewis?
He’s just starting school here again.
It’s his senior year, and if they blackball him, maybe he won’t stay. Fuck.
Maybe I should push him away now so he doesn’t get hurt. Then I look up into his dark eyes and I’m sunk. Awareness courses through me.
Nico holds my arms and glares over my head at whoever ran into me. “You okay?”
