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“You’ll love Boston,” Eli says as the servers remove our salads and bring out another tray filled with silver-covered plates. “The city is lively, but less chaotic than New York City.”

“But New York City is the place.” Jack shakes his head and takes my hand on the table as he argues with Eli. “Boston has a lot to do, but New York City is the epicenter.”

It’s interesting to watch them argue about anything, but when the server sets my plate in front of me and removes the cover, I gasp at the sight before me. Steak, macaroni and cheese, and fries.

My gaze collides with Caden’s, and he gives me a knowing grin.

“I know what my girl likes.” He winks and nudges Luke.

Luke just shakes his head as he picks up his fork and knife. “We all know what Harper likes.”

The servers are already gone again, leaving us alone. I’m grateful because while I acknowledge I’m in the weirdest high school relationship with five guys, I don’t really want to broadcast it to everyone. Especially people who may not understand. Who may judge us.

It’s much easier to talk about the future than to worry about tonight. Even if we didn’t have Zach’s threats hanging over our heads, we still have to get through the Homecoming court that got postponed from Friday night.

What happens if Sidney wins? Do they just pick a different girl?

I lift a forkful of my mac and cheese and ask, “How do we explain our relationship in college?”

I slide my bite into my mouth and almost moan in delight. The mac and cheese is as amazing as it looks, and I savor the flavor explosion in my mouth.

“Explain to who?” Luke asks with an arched brow before taking a bite of steak.

I wave my fork in the air. “People are obviously going to wonder which ones of you are available. I’ll probably have to fight off a whole gang of Cheermonsters and sorority girls who think you’re fair game.”

“While I think it would be hot to watch you fight, little nympho, the only one responsible for making sure people know we’re taken is us.” Caden leans back and watches me with hooded eyes. “It’s up to us to keep the women from bothering you. But you don’t need to worry, because we’re not going to stray.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. That’s exactly what I think is going to happen. I might be able to hold their attention in high school. Most of the girls here the guys have already decided whether or not they want to fuck. I was their last.

But college is a whole new batch of girls for them to consider. It’ll be different because it won’t just be kids we grew up with or who were in the same high school as us. It will be people who chose this college. Who have similar goals and dreams as my horsemen.

And when they find girls who are their perfect match, who’s to say they won’t slowly wander away? Maybe one at a time. They’ll find the girl who is all theirs and not shared with four other guys. Even if those guys are their best friends.

“Hey.” Nico touches my cheek. The others are chatting a little while they eat.

When I meet his gaze, he searches my eyes.

“What’s going on in that head of yours, sunshine?” He brushes the back of his knuckles along my jawline.

A little shiver goes through me. “Just thinking about college.”

I force a smile, but his eyes narrow on it. Fuck, probably too much.

“We need to talk about this later.” Nico tips my chin up, forcing me to maintain eye contact. “We’ve got other things we have to deal with tonight, but if there’s something bothering you, we need to talk about it. Not just let it fester.”

I draw in a breath, remembering how he confronted them about Rebecca for me. Leaning in, I kiss him softly.

“I won’t. But not right now,” I say quietly so the others won’t overhear. They’re relentless like a dog with a bone sometimes.

He nods and kisses me. “I won’t let you forget.”

CHAPTER 11

The Last Stand

Harper

The conversation stays light. When I finish my meal, I rise, and all eyes turn on me.