Luke opens the guest bedroom door and leans in the doorframe. “I won’t let anything happen to her.”
Mom shakes her head. “You getting boyfriends is either the worst ever timing or the best. I haven’t decided which yet. Stay safe. I’ll be home in the morning.”
She gives Luke a look that I’m sure he’s going to ignore. A little shiver of anticipation slides through me.
“Good night, Harper.” She draws me into a hug. “Good night, Luke.”
“Good night.” He nods. At least, he respects my mother.
She hurries down the hallway to finish getting ready. I step out of my room and jerk my head in the direction of the downstairs.
“Want some ice cream?” My heart picks up tempo. I’ve been alone with Luke a lot. But this feels different.
He shrugs and follows me downstairs. I get out the ice cream while he gets out bowls and spoons. It’s odd that he’s so comfortable in our house already. But it’s probably odder how comfortable I am with him given how this all started.
Mom comes downstairs and grabs her keys and purse. She smiles as I dish out some ice cream into the bowls. “See you at six.”
“Have a good night.” I’m worried she’ll be too tired. “If you need me to come get you in the morning?—”
“I’ll be fine.” She squeezes my shoulders before she heads to the door. When she gets outside, I hear the lock snick in place.
As I’m putting the ice cream container away, her car pulls out of the driveway, leaving Luke and me alone and in silence.
He grabs our ice cream bowls and takes them into the living room. When he sits on the couch, I drop down beside him.
“Is it weird that I wish the others were here too?” I take my bowl and curl up, leaning into him.
“If this were a normal relationship, probably. But I understand.” Luke leans back on the couch. “We’re doing what we can on Zach.”
I let my ice cream melt on my tongue. “It’s just hard to see him walking around like he’s untouchable.”
“It was hard last year with Tanner too. Caden wanted to kill him, but we had to wait and take care of him the right way.” Luke nudges me with his elbow. “Zach won’t get to you again.”
“How do you know?” I meet his pale blue eyes.
“Because I’m not leaving your side unless someone else is with you.”
My heart flutters. I take another bite to break the eye contact. It’s too much and makes me want to tell him about my heart.
“Tonight, I’m supposed to take over for Jack.” Luke clears his throat. “I won’t leave you alone though.”
“So, what does that mean?”
Luke’s been the only one who can sleep with me on a consistent basis. Fuck, his father practically told him to and my mom has a soft spot for him. Caden’s parents are still in town, so maybe Caden is coming over.
“It means we’ll figure it out, princess.”
I fallasleep in Luke’s arms, quickly and effortlessly. I vaguely wake up when he presses a kiss to my cheek. After a moment, the cold moves in and I swear I hear voices whispering.
Then someone slips into bed with me. The scent of rain fills my nose. Nico.
I snuggle back into him.
“Careful, sunshine,” he whispers against my ear. “It’s been a while since I’ve had you to myself.”
I turn in his arms. “When did you guys decide this?”
“I could get away tonight.” Nico rubs his cheek against mine. “Dad didn’t come home and Mom fell asleep after drinking her wine.”
