“You tell me what you want and I’ll do what I can to get it for you.” I let my arms hang at my sides, trying to be less intimidating. “I haven’t told the others you were the one who let someone in to get to our girl. They may not be as forgiving as I am. I’m giving you a chance, but this is a one-time offer.”
He looks down at his books.
“Caden got pretty enraged at the last guy who came at his girl.” Rubbing my jaw, I sit in a chair and prop my feet on thedesk. “You’ve got five minutes before the bell rings and the offer is off the table.”
He lifts his gaze to mine and I can see the shrewdness in his. “What if I can’t do what you need me to do?”
“I’ll teach you.” I shrug like it’s that fucking easy.
“Why don’t you teach them?” He jerks his head to the door.
“Because I’d have to start at ground zero or a little above. You’ve got the knowledge, I just need to focus it.” I put my hands behind my head. “Four minutes.”
“Hold on. What do you mean by what I want?” He’s suspicious and curious. Good.
I smirk. “Name your price. You need money? You need popularity? You need a girl? Grades? College acceptance? You tell me what you want and I’ll get it for you. Within reason, of course. I can only do so much. Consider me your genie. I won’t kill anyone or make anyone love you and no wishing for more wishes. You get one ask.”
Will glances at the door like he’s considering leaving, but something in him becomes resolved. His lips tighten and he turns to me instead and takes a step in my direction.
“There is something I want.”
I grin and kick out the chair across from me. “Let’s make a deal.”
Harper
Lunch isn’t pleasant. Zach and his crew are all at the table next to ours, acting like he didn’t discuss how he was going to rape me last night.
In art class, Tanner acted like I was beneath him, which suited me just fine.
Caden keeps me on his lap as we eat and the guys discuss the upcoming game. We need to keep up appearances, but we’re also aware people are listening.
Jack keeps glancing over at the girls’ table where Penny, Nat, Izzy, and Vicky sit. The other girls don’t quite preen at his attention since he put Becca in her place.
So far the day has passed pretty uneventfully, but I’m not looking forward to whatever talk is waiting for me when I get home. Mom came out of the classroom looking pensive. Luke had his arm around me as we leaned against the lockers waiting.
Her gaze went to Luke’s arm around me before she said she’d see me tonight.
Not looking forward to that at all.
“Hey.” Caden’s voice is soft in my ear. A little shiver races through me. I turn and meet his green eyes. “You want me to go beat him up for you?”
I follow his gaze to Zach as he eats his burger with his gloating eyes on me. What a fucking asshole. I lean into Caden’s ear. “Not today, but maybe tomorrow.”
His hand curves over my jean-clad hip. Today wasn’t a day I wanted to be exposed, so I’m wearing jeans and one of Luke’s sweatshirts he left at my house. It still smells like him and part of me really just wanted to feel him near me all day.
Caden tips my chin his way and our eyes lock. “He’s not getting away with it, little nympho. We’re just trying to be smart about it and not rush headlong into a battle neither of us will win. When we take him down, it will be completely.”
I touch his jaw. “I know.”
But honestly, I don’t see how. Sure, those guys aren’t quite the same level as the horsemen, but they hold power and sway over the student body. With whatever product they’re moving, this might be bigger than the school even. The balance might already be shifting.
Sidney turns Zach’s face her way, and she gives him an open-mouth kiss. When he draws her onto his lap, they begin to make out with some heavy petting. I shake my head and return my gaze to Caden.
He smirks. “We could do that if you like, little nympho. You want to show them how it’s done right?”
I lean in and press my lips to his chastely and then pull back. “I’ve already earned a slutty reputation. No need to keep feeding it.”
“Then let’s go find somewhere private to explore that reputation.” He slides his hand up the back of my sweatshirt, touching my bare skin, leaving a trail of sparks in his wake. “I miss being inside this tight little body.”
