Chapter 52 The Unknown Ally
The Unknown Ally
Harper
We won the game. Of course. Kenz and I sit in our normal spot toward the top of the stadium. I’m glad I have her here with me because the looks I get from most of the girls and the Cheermonsters aren’t friendly at all.
Penny, Izzy, Vicky, and Nat wave to us from down front as they stand to leave.
They wanted front-row seats and even saved us spots next to them, which I have to admit was impressive.
Close seats go quick at the games, but Kenz and I always sit towards the top of the stadium.
I give them a wave back, and Penny holds her phone up to indicate she’ll text me. I nod.
The word must not have gotten around since lunch today about the standoff between the Cheermonsters and the horsemen. That I’m the only chick the horsemen are interested in this year. Or maybe Penny still hopes being friendly will grant access.
Kenz leans against the back of the stands, and I settle in next to her.
“I can’t believe the Cheermonsters actually tried to bargain with sex.
” Kenz shakes her head as we wait for the rest of the stadium to clear out before we even think about heading down.
I don’t really want to get stuck in the crush of people.
“I mean, is this an every year thing or special this year? So many unanswered questions.”
“They tried to claim the horsemen, and the guys weren’t having it.”
“So the party tonight?” Kenz smiles and grabs my arm, shaking it hard. “I can’t believe you’re finally going to a party. Your first party.”
“It’s not like I have a choice in any of this.” I look out over the field as the crowd moves down the cement bleachers and filters out of the stadium. The field is empty, but I can’t help thinking of the horsemen’s and my lunch out here. And the kisses.
Shivers roll down my spine as the memories of the closet drift through my mind. It wasn’t all bad, but it was terrifying at the same time. They aren’t slowing down. If anything, they’re shredding boundaries right and left. They have full access to my body besides penetrative sex.
“If you’re worried about tonight, just hang out with me and Brandon.” Kenz pats me on the shoulder. Like it will be that easy.
I laugh. “That’ll work until you two disappear to have sex.”
She laughs and nods. “You’re right.”
Our laughter dies as we watch the people leaving.
“Are you scared?” Kenz glances at me. During the game, I told her about what happened in the closet and last night
I take a breath. “Of the horsemen? A little. Shit, Kenz, you should see Caden’s dick, and the rest of them aren’t exactly little.”
Kenz leans in and whispers, “There’s a reason they’re legends.”
“I’m sure the rumors don’t come close to the truth.” I shudder.
We meet each other’s eyes and giggle. Fuck, I’ve missed this. Sure, we have third period together, but we never get to just hang out anymore. At least not as often as we did in the past. She always made time for me, but the horsemen own my time now.
“It was on webcam, so it’s possible the camera added to the size.” Kenz bites her lip.
I shake my head. “I got to see Caden’s up close and personal on my birthday, and I’m sure I’ll get to see it again in person tonight.”
“Already?” She squeezes my hand.
“Not intercourse. At least I don’t think.
” I stare at the field. Luke made it clear earlier that he wants me to put my mouth to use, meaning blow jobs.
No idea what sort of game they’ll have for this decision of what order they get to take my mouth and for how long.
All I can think is how sore my jaw will be.
“I just hope Caden doesn’t go first anymore.
I mean, he’s enormous. You’ve seen his hands. ”
Kenz gets a distant look in her eyes. “I’ve seen his hands. Even his fingers would put a lot of guys to shame.”
My cheeks flush with heat. In the dark, I couldn’t be a hundred percent sure, but I’m positive Luke and Caden were the ones whose fingers were inside me. Theirs were definitely bigger than my two fingers. Even now, my panties get wet thinking about them all touching me, driving me to explode.
“That look is interesting.” Kenz cocks an eyebrow.
“This whole thing is weird.” I meet her eyes, and we dissolve into giggles again.
“I’m so glad we got to hang out tonight,” I breathe out when I can. “At least for the game.”
“It’s a weird year,” she says. “Who knew you should have gotten laid over the summer like everyone else?”
“I wish someone would have let me know it was a race.” Grinning, I bump her shoulder. “I could have been a contender.”
“If I’d known, I would have held out a little longer.” Kenz blushes.
“No, you wouldn’t have.” I laugh. “Besides, it’s not your fault deflowering horsemen rule our school.”
“Oh my god. You should offer them your precious flower. Maybe they’ll be so confused they’ll let you go.” Kenz laughs again, and I join her.
“I can almost see Luke’s disgusted face at me calling it that.” I take a deep breath to settle my insides. “They’re lucky I’m not a prude, just someone who didn’t want to get swept up in the drama.”
“So you think it will happen soon?”
“That I’ll give them my precious flower?” I can’t even get the words out before I dissolve into giggles.
“Harper?” a male voice asks.
I’m still smiling when my gaze collides with brown eyes in a very familiar face. Surprise fills my voice when I realize who it is. “Nico?”
He climbs the stairs two at a time as I stand. His arms go around me and pull me into his hard chest. Last time I saw Nico Lee, we were in sixth grade. Shocked, I let him hug me close and draw in his scent, fresh, like rain.
When he left, we were the same height, but now he’s as tall as Luke, and from the press of his body against mine, just as cut with muscle. I draw back and smile at my old friend.
His black hair and dark eyes are familiar, but his face is more angular with a square jaw. He definitely grew into his Korean father’s looks. His hands remain on my arms as he looks me over.
Fortunately I remember where we are and who might come out at any moment.
“What are you doing here?” I step away from his hands and glance down at the field. The guys should still be inside, but I don’t want to risk it. I don’t want Nico to get hurt.
Nico was my best friend once upon a time, until his family moved for his father’s work. The horsemen won’t care about that though. All they care about is keeping me their property.
“Dad’s company transferred him back here, so I’m back for our senior year.” Nico runs a hand through his thick black hair and gives me a flirty smile. “You grew up well, Harper.”
Heat courses through me at the look in his eyes. I’m way too familiar with that particular look. I’m just not used to it coming from someone who isn’t a horseman.
“Hi, I’m MacKenzie.”
I completely forgot Kenz is here. “This is my best friend, Kenz. Kenz, this is Nico. My best friend who left me to go to New York.”
While Nico holds his hand out to Kenz, I try to rein back in my weird feelings. Nico is attractive and built like one of my horsemen, but I already have four guys trying to get in my pants.
If Nico had stayed, I might not have had to hide from the assholes. Tingles rush through me when he reaches out and touches my arm. If he’d stayed, I might have had a boyfriend. I did have a crush on him when he left.
“I was hoping to find you here.” Nico’s dark eyes fall on me again, and my heart kicks up a notch. “I don’t start school until Tuesday. When I called your house, your mom said you’d be here.”
He talked to my mom. What all did she tell him?
“So much has happened.” Nico smiles, and it’s a really good smile that makes my heart beat a little harder. I’m hopeless. “I was hoping we could hang out tonight and catch up, or sometime this weekend.”
Before I can open my mouth, Kenz says, “There’s a party. You should totally come with us. I was worried about leaving Harper alone, but if you come, then I can wander off with my boyfriend.”
Nico turns to her. “That sounds great.”
Meanwhile, I’m mouthing what the fuck to Kenz behind him. When he turns back to me, I smile. “Yeah, you should totally come with us.”
“Great. Let me go tell my parents. I’ll come back and find you.” Nico grabs my arm and his hand trails down to squeeze mine. Sparks follow his touch. What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve already got four men. “I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve missed you.”
My pulse kicks up another notch. “I’ve missed you too.”
He heads down the stairs and off toward the section where the parents sit. Wearing jeans and a tight t-shirt that show off his fit body, my old best friend has grown into a man I don’t even know anymore. One who could give any of the horsemen a run for their money.
“Holy shit, Harper. He’s hot.” Kenz shakes my arm.
“Fuck.” My heart finally slows down and icy cold realization floods me. “What did you do, Kenz?”
“I invited the hot as fuck guy who hugged you to a party. You’re welcome.” Kenz waggles her eyebrows like this is a great idea. Does she want to see him beat into a bloody pulp?
“With my four asshole protectors. Who I don’t think will allow me to retroactively claim a boyfriend, even if Nico were interested in me in that way—”
“He’s most definitely interested. The way he looked at you. Fuck, I got hot and bothered. I might need to drag Brandon off as soon as we get to the party. You’ll be occupied getting reacquainted with Nico.” Kenz has officially lost her mind.
My phone buzzes in my pocket a few times. When I check it, I murmur, “Shit.”
War (Caden):
You got a ride, little nympho? *winky face emoji*
Famine (Jack):
I’ve got a ride for you, sweetheart
Death (Luke):
You still riding with your friend?
They weren’t happy when I told them I’d ride with Kenz to the party, but it makes more sense than waiting for them. They have to finish getting cleaned up, plus the bonus that it would give me more time away from them. They mess with my mind when they’re near.
Me:
Kenz will drive me. See you soon.
Kenz bumps my shoulder, and I put my phone down as Nico climbs the bleachers back to us. His dark eyes hold mine and my breath catches. I’m so fucked.