His eyes flare hot at the name, but his voice is cool and collected. “Sure, who doesn’t know the bitchy cheerleader?”
“I used to give her sessions. She may have information I need and she’s willing to trade, but I can’t betray my girlfriend by helping out Ashley.” I search his eyes.
He remains cool, but there’s a hint of interest. “What kind of session?”
“Caning.” I don’t need to draw this out. “She likes it hard and swift and doesn’t want someone who thinks she’s fragile and can’t take it.”
He rubs his fingers over his lips. “And you think this is something I can do for her?”
“It’s worth an ask.” This is the part I don’t like, showing my cards. “Someone’s gunning for us and going through our girl to do it. Ashley might have information that will be useful.”
“So why don’t you just do it?” Wilder acts like it isn’t a big deal.
“I’m being respectful of my girlfriend’s wishes.”
“Meaning she doesn’t want you to do it.” Wilder smirks and leans in. “That’s why I don’t let a bitch control me like that.”
“What will it take?” I’m ready for whatever he wants.
His smile is evil when he leans back. “She’ll know it’s me?”
“It makes sense.”
“I’ll do it, but only if she doesn’t know it’s me. I’ll cover my face. She lets me do what I want with her within her limits.”
I stroke my jaw. “If she agrees to that, then yes.”
Wilder holds his hand out and I take it. It feels like a devil’s bargain even if it doesn’t cost me anything, but if Ashley will agree to that and has information that’s useful, I’ll be ahead of the game.
CHAPTER 24
The Vanguard
Harper
“Come on.” Penny grins and drags me toward the coffee shop. Kenz raises her eyebrows when I glance back at her and the other girls. Penny is way too excited about this.
This is theappear like we’re actual friendsportion of my day where I spend time with Penny, Nat, Izzy, and Vicky to show the cheerleaders they do have an in with me. I was really hoping the party had been enough, but Jack assured me it wasn’t.
Eli has a plan for Ashley, but we won’t know if she’ll give us the correct information. So having the girls as turncoats is still a priority.
I made sure to bring Kenz because if I’m hanging out with friends, she’s always top on my list. Of course, for a long time, shewasthe list. But also, I trust her to have my back if things get bad.
We decided on the coffee shop with the notorious bathrooms. I haven’t been back here since that first time when I got dragged to the bathroom twice. My cheeks heat just remembering that study session.
How anyone thought I was still a virgin after that day blows my mind.
Penny stops once we get to the counter. We all order and then grab a table. There are a few other students at different tables. Some studying. Others talking. They all glance our way at least once.
It’s hard to be here without the guys. It’s hard to be anywhere without the guys. They keep my attention on them so I don’t notice the looks others give us as much. But now it’s just me and the girls.
But the wholeme and the girlsfeels really good. I haven’t had a group of girlfriends since kindergarten. When I couldn’t be part of clubs or go to sleepovers because of Mom’s schedule, kids stopped inviting me. There were too many things I didn’t know becauseyou had to be there. I stopped fitting in and pulled away after my dad left.
Vicky giggles nervously when our eyes meet. This is really awkward.
“So.” I hold my coffee in both hands and look around. “How does this work? Do we pick a topic? Talk about boys? Hair? I’m completely clueless.”
“How’s your art project coming?” Nat sat next to Kenz. Am I jealous they get to work together? I was, but now I have Caden. My cheeks grow warm.
