25. Touch and Go
Touch and Go
Harper
I stare out the car window at the lights passing by as Jack drives us to the carnival at the school. The court has to be on stage for the opening and then we’ll be free to hang out. Which is encouraged so we get votes.
“Everything okay?” Jack reaches across the car and takes my hand in his, putting our joined hands on his thigh. His eyes remain on the road.
I drag in a breath and smile, thinking about dinner. It was a nice break from the usual stress. And my mom was there. “Your family is nice.”
He smiles and glances toward me. “I’m glad you think so. You weren’t put off by my mom’s talk about birth control and births at the table?”
I laugh, because as Cathy discussed it, Lucy nodded along like she had heard all of it before. It wasn’t anything inappropriate. “Nothing my mom hasn’t discussed with me a thousand times. I don’t think either of our moms would approve of our current methods.”
“Of course they would.” He squeezes my hand. “Birth control pills are an excellent form, plus we got tested before and we’re monogamous.”
I laugh. “You might be but I’m not.”
“But you’re only with us. It counts.” Jack turns toward the high school.
My nerves kick in. I’m not ready to be in front of everyone again. To be put on display. It’s easier than the spanking was, but I’m still not looking forward to it.
“Your dad seems nice.” I need to distract myself and still be prepared for Zach’s presence.
“Dad’s a good guy.” Jack frowns slightly, and he sighs.
He squeezes my hand and glances my way. “I don’t know if he was directly involved in your father’s death though.
We know my dad told your dad about the meeting.
He may have not known about anything else.
We also know that Eli’s dad wasn’t there. ”
I nod and rest my head against the car seat. “I won’t hold you guys accountable for your fathers’ actions. You aren’t your fathers.”
A small shiver goes through me. Alumni will be attending tonight. Meaning Luke’s father might show up. What does it mean that Sidney slept with him? What’s her plan?
Jack gives me a sly look. “Eli will come over a little later tonight, and he can sneak in.”
My insides heat at Jack’s words. I’m excited to find out what being with just the two of them will be like. “You two have shared a girl before?”
“Yeah.” He looks at me. “Does that bother you?”
I shrug and glance out the window. My heart clenches a little, but they didn’t love her. They both love me.
“If you need us to slow down at any point, just let us know.” Jack gives my hand another squeeze. “We’ve got the rest of our lives, sweetheart.”
Warmth spreads through me. It seems like so long.
“It’s not that. I’m excited about our night, but I have to get through this carnival first.”
We’re pulling into the parking lot as I speak, and my hands tremble.
“I won’t let you out of my sight. Promise.” He pulls into a parking space.
The school looks dark and ominous tonight since everything is set up in the field near it. I don’t know what to think as we get out of the car. When Jack rounds to my side, I step into his arms and let him hold me close.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight either,” I whisper. As much as I’m supposedly the one in danger, they’re all vulnerable if they’re only paying attention to me. What if that’s the plan? Keep them distracted with watching over me so Zach and his crew are able to pick off my guys one by one?
“Come on. Let’s get this over with.” Jack kisses me softly before taking my hand and leading me through the parked cars.
I cling to his hand and study the surrounding area for anything that might be a trap. Now that I have them, I don’t want to lose any of them.
The noise of the fair intensifies as we draw closer. Bells from the games, music in the background, and the rides whooshing by with accompanying screeches of joy.
I avoided the fair every year. It would have been too easy to run into a horseman and get on their radar.
The smell of fried and candied food fills the air. Tonight is the short night, because of school in the morning, but the fair is mostly for alumni. Tomorrow night will be the pep rally and bonfire. And then the game with the announcement of the king and queen.
Then the dance. Which reminds me, I have to get a dress. I was looking forward to the silver dress, but it might be nice to buy something new. To dress up and show off for my men.
“I shouldn’t have eaten so much for dinner.” Jack pats his flat stomach. “I forgot how good the carnival food is.”
“I’ve never been.” My attention is drawn to all the flashing lights.
He stops and takes my shoulders. “You’ve never been?”
Like it’s a crime against humanity or something. I shake my head.
“Is this another thing we took from you?” He cups my cheek and searches my eyes.
I shrug. “Mom works, and she couldn’t always give me a ride. It’s fine though. I would have just played third wheel to Kenz and Brandon most likely.”
“Then we’re definitely hanging around and riding some of the rides before we go pick up your clothes.” Jack smirks and kisses me.
A hand touches my hip, and I jerk to the side.
“Easy, princess.” Luke gives me a smile. Caden and Eli are behind him. He closes in on my back, putting me between him and Jack. “You okay?”
“I’d feel better with a weapon.” I lean back against Luke and straighten the front of Jack’s shirt.
“I’ll be your weapon, sweetheart.” Jack brushes his thumb over my lower lip, sending tingles through me.
“Are we all ready?” Luke asks.
“As ready as we can be.” I don’t want to leave this moment. It would be better with Nico, but this right here is my happy place.
Jack smirks, and we all turn to walk together into the fair. My gaze bounces between a bunch of stands. Games and food mostly. What I wouldn’t give for a corn dog.
The guys lead me through all the people. and I notice the eyes following us. I mean, the guys are tall and well-built. They would draw attention just from that. But they also have this aura about them that makes people sit up and take notice.
Knowing the attention is on them and not me helps me relax a little, but then we approach the stage and all the nerves rush in. Jack touches my hand.
“I’ll be watching and I’ll be wherever you are.” He can’t go to the prep area with us.
I nod and swallow. Jack walks away from us to go around to the front of the stage. Luke wraps his arm around my waist.
“Don’t leave our sight, princess.”
I nod. “I’ll do my best, Death.”
He chuckles as we approach the principal and the head of the Homecoming committee, Parker Ford. She’s pretty and popular, but in a nerdy way. She’s wearing round glasses and her thick dark hair is pulled into a high ponytail.
This girl gave her virginity to both Jack and Caden. Though it must have been Jack to actually take her virginity since Caden’s only taken one. Mine.
“Hey, guys.” Parker’s smile is big. “And Harper, right?”
“Yeah.” I feel Caden close in on my back and he draws me against him.
“So you guys are all together?” She taps her pen against her red lips as she takes in Luke and Eli with interest.
“Where do we need to be?” Eli asks. His dark eyes are cold as he waits for the answer.
“Oh.” Parker blushes and gestures to where Sidney and Zach are standing. “Over there. You don’t have to partner up just yet.”
“Thanks.” Caden guides me over to where Sidney and Zach are, but away from them. There are some chairs set up for us and water bottles.
I don’t even think of taking one. Apparently with a fine enough needle someone can spike even plastic bottles. And while I should be safe here with the guys, I want my wits about me to deal with Zach.
Zach’s attention falls on me, and I press back against Caden, wishing I could disappear.
Luke steps in front of me when Zach starts our way. “What’s up, Zach?”
“Just wanted to make sure my partner for the night is ready.” He smiles and glances around Luke to meet my eyes with a smirk. “After all, this is her first time. I want to be gentle.”
“We can take care of our girlfriend.” Eli steps up and blocks my view, and Zach’s. I relax into Caden.
The smirk in Zach’s voice is obvious. “I’m just trying to help Harper have a memorable experience.”
Caden laughs. “Sure, that’s what you’re doing. Why don’t you go back to Sidney and give her a more memorable experience, so she doesn’t come knocking on Luke’s door anymore.”
Zach’s laugh sends chills down my spine. There’s no humor in it. “I don’t dictate where Sidney goes or how she finds her pleasure unless I’m the one giving it to her.”
“Hey, guys.” Emma comes up beside me and Caden. “What’s going on?”
It must look like the guys are guarding me the way they’re standing. But I don’t care right now, because in ten minutes, I’ll be left alone with Zach.
“Not much, Emma.” Caden’s tone is pleasant.
Ashley walks past us. “Come on, Emma. We need to talk to Sidney.”
Ashley’s gaze flashes to Eli’s and she gives an almost imperceptible nod to him as she takes Emma’s hand and heads Sidney’s way. Eli steps back beside me.
Zach watches them over his shoulder. “I should really be thanking you guys, honestly.”
“Why’s that?” Luke asks.
Zach’s smile is full on creepy. “The girls are much more willing to experiment. I mean, if Harper can handle the five of you... Oh, wait, is it just the four of you now? Since Nico is out of commission?”
“Nico is fine. He’ll be back to playing football before you know it.” Luke takes my hand.
Zach makes an exaggerated cringe face. “Oh, but not this season, right? That’s too bad really. With him you could have gone all the way to state.”
“We’ll still go to state.” Caden’s voice is gruff.
“I don’t know.” Zach smirks. “Accidents do happen. And football is such a rough sport. All it takes is one concussion, or a knee or shoulder injury, to take someone out of the game for long enough to fuck up your winning streak.”
Is he threatening my guys? I step forward without thinking, and I’m next to Luke, almost in front of him to protect them.
“There she is.” Zach’s eyes narrow on me, and his grin grows. “See? That’s what I like about you, Harper. Always so willing to defend someone who doesn’t need defending. It’s an admirable trait, but it’s going to get you hurt.”
I don’t shrink away, but I hold Luke’s hand tighter. He doesn’t try to draw away but just holds my hand.
“At least I care about the people I hurt.” I glance toward Emma. I want to remind him that he hurt her and that we know about it.
When Zach follows my line of sight, he laughs. “Be protective of people who actually need your protection, darling.”
“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.