“Harper will be on the sidelines again at the game.” I’m not making it a question that he can say no to. I need to make sure she’s safe during the game.
“She did a good job at stats last time.” Coach Turner nods. “As long as you guys stay focused, she can help out.”
I wasn’t asking but fuck, I can’t rock the boat. We have the game tomorrow and then maybe Eli’s place for the weekend. If not a party or two to get more intel.
“You guys okay?” Coach Turner hasn’t left and his question makes my hackles rise.
“Yeah, man.” Jack steps forward and walks past the coach. “We’re doing fine and don’t need a babysitter. We’ll get our sleep and eat our Wheaties and kill the competition tomorrow night. Do you need anything else?”
Coach Turner’s eyes narrow on him, but he shakes his head. “As long as you don’t fuck up Friday, we’re good.”
“We’re good then.” Eli steps next to Jack. “We’ll see you tomorrow and on Saturday.”
Fuck, are we all committing to that? Because I love waking up with a sleeping Harper in my arms.
Coach Turner nods his head and strolls away.
“Is he going to be a problem?” I lift my gaze to Jack.
Jack glances after the coach but shakes his head. “I think this is more a caring about the players thing than a me thing. We have been dragging ass this week.”
There’s grumbles of agreement. “Then we should all go to bed early tonight and not see our girl except on webcam.”
CHAPTER 43
Combined Arms
Harper
The house is quiet when I walk in and hang my backpack on my hook. Mom is waiting for me somewhere and it’s time to face the music. I don’t know how to explain to her that the guys have changed.
I’m not sure what Mr. Wick told her, but they aren’t the same guys from a few weeks ago.
Yes, they’re aggressive. Yes, we kiss and I like it a lot—maybe I’ll leave that part out. But they are mostly good guys who care about me. They protect me and want to keep me.
Yeah, maybe I won’t tell her all that. I guess I’ll just wing it.
When I enter the living room, Mom has the TV on. She hits pause and watches me walk in and sit on the chair facing her.
“What did Mr. Wick want to talk to you about in private?”
We don’t keep secrets from each other generally. There’s a lot she hasn’t told me about my dad, but I understand that. I was too young. She was too hurt. Time and distance got away from both of us.
Mom’s cheeks flush with color. I’m not sure if it’s anger or embarrassment or both. I brace myself for anything.
“He let me know that he’s seen you and them in the hallways.” Mom’s eyes meet mine. “That even though Nico seems new, he’s falling in line with the others.”
I nod. Nico is one of them.
“He also implied they’re like a gang.” Mom shakes her head. “But when I asked him what that meant, he didn’t really have an answer for me.”
“They’re close friends.” I’m not going to say they do everything together. “They walk me to class. We already told you someone at the school is targeting me. The principal is aware of the picture. The guys just want to keep me safe.”
“There was an incident with a guy tied to the flagpole?” Mom leans forward. “Were they involved with that?”
I shrug and my cheeks heat. “If so, it was a prank. They’re high school boys.”
Mom blows out a breath. “Are you safe with them?”
