Page 82 of Their Wicked Secrets: Untouched, Vol 5 of 6

“Is everyone here?” Parker walks into our circle and counts us like we’re kids. “Good. We have five minutes before we need to be on stage. If you could line up with your partners.”

She looks down at her clipboard and reads off, “Sidney and Luke, Ashley and Eli, Emma and Caden, and Harper and Zach.”

No one moves, but we all look at her.

She blows out an exasperated breath. “You won’t have to say anything this time. You just need to be there when I call out your names. You step forward. Smile pretty for the cameras. And then you take your seats while I talk about the carnival and alumni. The principal will speak and we’re done.”

Arching an eyebrow, she gestures at us to fall into line. Reluctantly, my guys leave me, and I stand behind Emma, next to Zach. I cross my arms so he doesn’t try to take my hand.

“Once we’re finished, we’ll leave the stage. Then it’s up to you. Being seen at the carnival is a good way to get votes, but you don’t have to stay.” Parker clutches her clipboard to her chest. “I hope you guys stick around.”

Her gaze goes to Caden, and I arch an eyebrow. Does she honestly think she can have my man?

“Jealous, darling?” Zach leans in close so I feel his breath on my ear. “I mean, I heard she lasted all night with Jack and Caden. Another virgin. Riding their cocks. Seems like she could give you a run for your money.”

This is just like Tanner. Zach wants to draw me in. Wants me to spar with him because it makes it more fun. Instead, I reach into my purse and pull out a mint to hand to him.

“You might want to use this.”

He takes it with a chuckle. “Minty fresh breath? Do you want a kiss, Harper?”

“Not from you.” I cross my arms again.

“Relax, Harper. What can I do to you here in front of all these people?”

I narrow my eyes at him like I can think of multiple things he could do.

He chuckles. “I’m not about to ruin my future on a football slut. If I do anything to you, darling, it won’t be in front of an audience. At least not anyone who would corroborate your story.”

My heart pounds, and my hands are clammy, but he’s right. Tonight he can’t do anything to me.

“Enjoy the spotlight,” he says like we’re friends. “And know that when I do get you to an audience of my choosing, you’ll be the star for everyone that night.”

I swallow, but then we’re walking up on stage. I don’t want to think about what that will mean. What he plans to do to me that will destroy my guys. He discussed raping me casually, but what if that’s his end game? To rape me. Would he jeopardize his future to do whatever he wants to do to me so he can gain something from hurting the horsemen?

The lights are bright on the stage, but he’s right. Tonight I’m probably safe. But the days are going by too fast.

CHAPTER 26

Pick a Side

Nico

This isn’t the way I wanted my senior year to go. I’m listening live to Ashley while they do the announcement at the carnival of the Homecoming Court. Not that Mom would have let me go, but it would have been nice to be there to support Harper.

Eli must be leaning in to Ashley. “Everything good for tonight?”

She makes a little dismissive noise. “I know what I have to do.”

Then they’re quiet while the background noise increases and clapping happens. My door opens, and Mom pops her head in. I take one of my AirPods out.

“How are you doing? Any pain?” Mom sets some snacks on my nightstand with a soda. I haven’t had to ask for a thing, because she always brings me more before I need it.

“I’m doing okay.”

She sits on the edge of the chair next to the bed. I don’t mute the headphones, but I have time. They’re still doing announcements. Besides, Mom’s been lonely here, and the injury just gives her an excuse to focus more on me.

“How was your day?” She clears her throat and smiles. “I saw you and Harper napping, so I didn’t want to disturb you. Are you sure you have enough energy for school? You could stay home. Go back next week.”