Page 24 of Their Cruel Play
“Is she okay?” Nico.
“Why was she in there?” Eli.
A soft touch on my back. “Hey, princess.”
I release my breath. I’m safe. They’re here, and I’m safe. He didn’t get to me. Tears keep welling and running down my face.
Caden sits down on the bench, but I don’t release him. I can’t. My arms tremble from holding the door for so long, but I can’t let him go.
Caden’s hand strokes over my hair. “She was in a fucking closet.”
“Was she locked in?” Luke.
“Not when I entered, but the door to the laundry room was closing like someone might have run out right before I got there.” There’s anger beneath Caden’s words, but I’m not the target.
“All right, guys,” an authoritative voice calls out. “It’s time to head back out. Let’s huddle up.”
My grip tightens on Caden. He has to go. He has to leave me.
“Fuck,” Caden sighs, but his arms don’t even loosen. “Tell Coach I’m sick. I’ll get her home and take care of her until you guys can get there.”
“I can—” Luke’s words are cut off.
“No. You need to play. I’ve got her. Go.” Caden’s hands tighten on me like someone might pry me away.
Luke brushes his hand over my hair. “Later, princess.”
He kisses my head.
“Kitten.” Eli touches my back and kisses my head.
“I can go.” Jack touches my shoulder. The shaking hasn’t stopped, but his hand is warm.
“No, go play. I’ve got her.”
Jack kisses my head.
“I’m going with you.” Nico.
“I have a decent backup on the field. You don’t. We’re not losing tonight. Go play.”
“Fuck.” He kisses my head. “Fuck.”
His disappointment is tangible. I don’t have the strength to remain angry at them right now.
The coach yells, “Where’s Caden?”
“Sick,” Luke says.
“Huddle up.”
Caden sighs and holds me as the coach gives a rousing speech that hypes the players up. Soon they shuffle out of the locker room, leaving Caden and me alone.
“I need to change, little nympho. Then we can go home.”
My breathing has returned to normal. My tears stopped during the speech. The nervous energy drained out of me, leaving me exhausted. “Okay.”
I loosen my grip and sit back on his lap. He cups my cheek and searches my eyes.
