35. Incite #2
“Don’t sell yourself short, darling. I admit I didn’t notice you the last three years, but this year, you’re looking hot. That’s all it takes to be popular as a girl. And to put out, which everyone is aware you do.”
My cheeks heat, but I don’t say anything because it will just fuel whatever crap he wants to tell me.
“I mean,” he leans in close to me, “don’t get me wrong, you’ve got the five arguably hottest guys in school drooling after you. And a few who wouldn’t mind their sloppy seconds.”
Would anyone really blame me if I punched him in the throat? I mean, arguably he’s a dick who deserves to choke for a while.
“You could win. Isn’t that what every girl wants?”
“No, it’s not what every girl wants.” I turn to meet his calculating blue eyes.
“Not every girl wants to be popular. Not every girl wants to be owned by the most popular guys. Not every girl wants to be thought of as a sex object.” I bite off my words as the principal holds his hands up to calm the student body.
“I see why they like you,” Zach says softly. “There’s fire.”
I draw in a breath and release it, because that’s all he’s getting out of me. He never should have gotten that much, but fuck, why does everyone assume I want this? Any of this?
Would I have hidden for years if any part of this appealed to me? No.
The cheerleaders run out and lead a cheer for tonight’s game. When they finish, Ashley, Sidney, and Emma join us on the stage. I edge away from Zach as he leans in to say something to Emma.
Her cheeks flush, but it’s not with pleasure. She looks angry. Does anyone like this guy? After all, even Sidney still tried for Luke while having Zach.
I don’t know what to make of Zach. He’s popular. Athletic. He should be a fucking catch, but he doesn’t compare to my guys.
All I know is if something isn’t done about his ego when he gets to college, he’ll leave a trail behind him.
Maybe his parents are wealthy enough to make that trail go away.
Or maybe someone won’t want to take away his future over a “mistake” he made.
And he’ll never be brought to justice for what he does.
It’s frustrating to think about, but I don’t know how to stop him. I don’t know that anything will stop him from becoming the man he’s already showing us he is.
Izzy. Emma. Sidney. She may say it’s consensual, but she’s taking drugs that knock her out, and who knows what he does to her then? He threatened me, and I have no doubt he would have followed through.
“Your Homecoming Court!” The principal gestures to us, and we rise and wave like good kids. “Your votes are being counted, and we’ll have the announcement at tonight’s game.”
The principal smiles at us before turning back to the rest of the student body. “The game is tonight, and the dance is tomorrow night here in the gymnasium. We hope you’ll attend, and tickets will be available at the door.”
It sounds like he’s winding down. Thankfully.
“Let’s go, Mustangs!” he yells into the mic. The audience calls back with the same words and then they start filing through the doors.
The principal comes over to us. “Thanks for staying after. We just need to run through the schedule tonight at the game.”
I put my hands under my legs to keep them from shaking. I just want all of this to be over already.
“It’ll be halftime. We’ll give you ladies some time to get into your dresses in the locker room. Coach tells me that you do stats for the team now, Miss Davidson.”
“I do.” I meet Luke’s eyes for a moment before looking at the principal again.
“You’ll go down with the cheerleaders to change into your dress.”
I swallow. The thought of being in that locker room again makes me nauseous. Maybe I should have bought a backup dress. While I think Emma and Ashley are more on my side than Sidney’s, that doesn’t mean they’ll be friendly with me.
“The gentlemen will be in their uniforms and you, Mr. Gray, can change into your suit in the men’s bathroom or the locker room, but you need to be mindful not to disrupt the players.”
Zach smiles. “I’ll be fine, Mr. McGrath. We’re all friends here.”
I control the eyeroll that wants to break loose at his statement.
The principal nods to him. “Good. Any questions?”
No one says anything.
“Great.” The principal looks at his watch. “There’s a slight chance of rain tonight. If that happens, we’ll postpone the announcement until the dance.”
Fuck, I hope that doesn’t happen. I’m ready for this part to be over with.
“We’ll see you tonight.” The principal heads out the door.
As I stand to get away from Zach, my phone falls on the floor. Zach scoops it up and holds it out to me. When I reach for it, he pulls it away and laughs.
“Just kidding, Davidson. Here you go.” He holds it out, but I don’t trust this asshole.
Caden reaches around and takes my phone from Zach’s hand.
“Thanks.” He slaps Zach on the back hard enough that Zach stumbles forward a little. “You might want to think about messing with my girl. I don’t think you’ll like the results.”
Zach shakes his head but doesn’t lose his smile. “Don’t worry. I don’t think we’ll have a problem much longer.”
A shiver of dread trickles down my spine.