Page 164 of Their Cruel Play
“Do you think any of them have actually taken the test?” I arch an eyebrow as I take a bite of my burger.
“Of course, they have. I bet that’s their pick-up line with girls.”
I laugh, imagining Luke picking up girls with the fact he’s Slytherin.
Nico’s eyes sparkle. “There she is.”
I give him a questioning look.
“There’s my sunshine.”
CHAPTER 45
The Silent Storm
Harper
“Where are you taking me?” I turn and look out the back of his car toward the city lights. Wherever we’re going is dark.
“It’s a surprise. We’ll be there in a few minutes.” Nico seems a lot more relaxed after our debate on Harry Potter. We also talked about how it’s nearly impossible to disentangle the artist from their art, which got us talking about music.
Dinner was enjoyable. It was so different from the conversations I’ve had with the others. It was light and easy. More like talking to an old friend.
It’s hard to ignore our history on a night like tonight. We used to go out to eat burgers and shakes as kids. We rode our bicycles everywhere, including the field he got the flowers from. Debate about movies and which house we wanted to be in.
But there’s a huge difference in who we were then and who we are now. We aren’t little kids anymore. This isn’t a normal relationship. Right now, though, it just feels good to be out with Nico.
As the radio plays more Missio from his Spotify, I draw in a breath and release it. All the stress from being with thehorsemen is just gone right now. The people who hate me. The people who want to use me.
It’s just me and Nico.
He pulls onto a dirt road off the main road and parks the car. “We’re here.”
Before the headlights cut out, all I see is a field.
“Um, here? If you were Luke, I would think this is where you would hide my body.” A tiny shiver races down my spine. Even as I say it, I don’t believe it. From the beginning, I knew Luke wouldn’t kill me. That’s not what he does. But he can destroy me in different ways.
Nico chuckles. “Only if he planned to stay with you out here.”
I shake my head, but my lips curve into a smile. Luke will be in my bed tonight. He’s in my bed every night. I don’t understand Luke. I may never understand him or how he makes me feel. But I like that I know he’ll be there and that he’ll hold me through the night.
Nico reaches into the back of the car and grabs a blanket. He opens his car door and turns on his phone’s flashlight. “Come on.”
I get out and shiver slightly in the cool night air before following Nico to a spot in the field that’s been cut down.
“Hold this.” He hands me his phone.
I glance around at the dark shadows around us. It’s oddly quiet out here except for the chirps of crickets. Nico spreads the blanket on the ground and holds his hand out to me.
We sit, and a little glow pops on to the side of me and then goes out. Another one flicks on and blinks off.
“Fireflies? It’s late for fireflies.” I cock my head. Little lights go on and off over the grass. Just a small number, not like during summer. “Why are we here?”
Nico lies back on the blanket and puts his hands behind his head. “Because it’s hard to see the night sky in town.”
He pats the blanket, and I lie down next to him. When I shiver, he wraps his arm around me, drawing me into his warmth, and rubs my arm.
“I should have brought a sweatshirt for you.”
