He moves into the spot next to me.
“Your Homecoming court!” Parker steps away from the microphone, clapping while everyone applauds.
Someone takes our picture. I’m sure I’m pale and look like I’m about to faint. Caden’s warmth next to me steadies me a little.
Zach leans down and whispers, “You’re all mine now, darling.”
CHAPTER 45
The Good Offense
Jack
Fucking Zach Gray. We should have figured he’d pull this shit. Harper looks petrified up there on stage. It would have been easier if I got nominated to protect her, but with everything I need to get done, I could use some time off from being popular. And the guys will be with them every step of the way.
“That usually you?” Nico leans in close and asks.
“Yeah. It sucks balls too, and not in the good way.” I shake my head as they all stand there as Coach talks about tonight’s game. “See, that’s like social prison. Yeah, you get chicks you never noticed crawling out of the woodwork to be with you, but you also have to do the whole pomp and circumstance shit. They’ll trot those poor bastards out every chance they get next week.”
“So our girl has to be seen with Zach all week?” Nico’s gaze narrows on Zach.
“It’s better than the alternative.” I shake my head, knowing Harper is freaking the fuck out. Having to stand next to her would-be rapist and smile? That’s a nightmare. Fuck, I’d give anything to fix this for her, but we can work with it.
“This doesn’t seem like a good thing.” Nico looks at me like I’ve lost the plot, but honestly, I’m fucking exhausted. And knowing exactly where Zach will be and when is helpful.
“It means he won’t be creeping around behind the scenes. He’s going to be on stage in front of everyone. Which means I won’t have to track his every fucking move. I might actually get some sleep.” This weekend, I’m finding some alone time with Harper for some naps between working on the files. I don’t plan on spending the whole time sleeping, but I know I sleep better when she’s in my arms. It’s been a long fucking week.
“I haven’t found anything in the videos from Sidney’s room.” Nico runs a hand through his hair as the crowd of students applauds for something Coach said before he steps back to let a couple of cheerleaders speak.
“Is she even staying there?” I ask, because I know when Luke and her were hot and heavy, she’d spend the night.
“Yeah, but not often.”
Sidney sits next to Luke on the stage, looking pleased with herself. Harper sits stiffly next to Zach as he manspreads like he owns everything surrounding him. He catches me watching him and winks.
Arrogant fucker.
Darius shifts down the row from me, drawing my attention. When we talked this summer, I never would have guessed he’d turn out to be an assistant coach to a high school football team. He’s built and definitely plays sports or keeps active, but he seemed like he’d have a higher purpose.
Maybe that’s what he gets from volunteering at the other school. A purpose. Those kids could use a role model like him.
He catches my eye and then looks away. I seek out Harper, because I made my choice. I don’t know that she ever really was a choice. She’s ours. End of story.
She’s still pale and looks five seconds from bolting off the stage to hurl. Attention isn’t her friend. She doesn’t like it, but in another life, she could have gotten to Homecoming Queen on her own. No need to stuff the ballots or whatever Sidney and her crew did.
Harper is beautiful and sweet and caring. She would have been popular and everyone would have loved her.
But she hid herself away because of us. We made her into who she is today, but we wouldn’t be whole without her. And I’ll do everything I need to do to make sure she’s safe.
Harper
This is torture. The cheerleaders rise and leave the stage to perform once more.
Zach leans in closer. He invades my space every chance he gets. I’m tempted to raise my hand and ask for another chair for his ego.
“Who do you think would go after me first if I touched your knee?” Zach chuckles as I pull my legs far away from him. He rubs his chin. “Caden is the hot head. He’d probably take me down before I could slide my hand up your skirt.”
I cross my legs and glance at Caden. He looks casual, but on edge, ready to snap Zach in half if he tries anything. Which would get him kicked out of school for a few days and miss tonight’s game. Fuck that.
