Page 52 of Their Cruel Play
Eli pulls into my driveway,and I take a deep breath. It seems like every time I’m away from the guys something happens. I used to look forward to being home alone. Away from them.
Now even though it’s daylight, I’m worried about going into my own house.
He threads his fingers through mine. “Do you want me to go in with you?”
“My mom should be home.” It’s not really an answer, but I don’t know. Would I like him to go through every closet and look under the beds? Um, yes.
But can I do that with my mom here? Probably not.
Not without confessing to everything that’s been happening. A guy standing outside the window is a lot different than someone standing in my bedroom. There’s a lot I would need to confess to my mother if I went that route. Including the close call in the girls’ locker room.
Fuck, the guys at our school don’t play. They take it from zero to a hundred without even thinking it through.
“I’ll be fine.” I squeeze his hand, expecting him to release me.
“Kitten.”
When I turn, he’s right there. He cups my cheek with his other hand.
“You can come with me to practice if you want.” He presses his forehead against mine. Like he’s trying to give me his strength. I release the breath caught in my chest and just absorb this moment.
“No, thank you.” Not after some players asked when I’d be open for business. Definitely wouldn’t feel safer around those assholes. Though the guys would be there and they’ve become my safe space, which should terrify me.
Hiding from them was like creeping around avoiding the monster, but being with them is even scarier because even though they’re monsters, the monsters who hate them now know I exist too.
Eli leans back and rubs his thumb across my lips. “Call or text us if you need us. We won’t be on the field, so we’ll be able to respond.”
I nod and turn to look at the door again. If my mom would just look through the curtains or open the door, I’d know everything would be all right.
His hands slip from me. Eli opens his door.
“Wha—?”
He’s already out of the car and around the hood. My heart clatters in my chest as he opens my door and holds out his hand to me.
“Come on, kitten. I’m here to protect you. Let me.” He’s determined to do this for me.
Fuck it. I want him to come in with me and make me feel safe. I slip my hand in his and ignore the tingles that chase throughmy blood as he helps me out of the car. He slides his hand behind my neck and into my hair as he pulls me into his chest for a hug. His other arm wraps around me, holding me tight.
For a second I’m shocked, but then I wrap my arms around his waist and take his comfort. Last night was a lot. The game and the party. I breathe in his outdoor scent, which has undertones of Caden’s soap. Some of my tension eases as he cradles me against him.
He draws in a deep breath and releases it. Did he need a hug too? Is it possible these guys need me? The times Luke has crawled into my bed haven’t always been sexual. Maybe Eli needs someone soft and his.
It shouldn’t hurt to give him affection, right? To show him what he’s been missing?
We haven’t talked about his home life. There are issues with his parents, but we haven’t really talked. Maybe he needs me to help him open up.
“Are you okay, Eli?” I murmur against him.
Hetsksme. “Such a soft heart, kitten. I’m fine. I just needed reassurance that you’re here and whole. Come on.”
He draws away and takes my hand to lead me into my house. I unlock the door and walk into the kitchen. I’m not sure why I was so worried. It all looks like it should. It’s still home.
“Do you want me to look around?” Eli says softly.
I shake my head. “I don’t want to wake up Mom.”
He cups my jaw and tips my head up. He focuses on me. “Text if you need me. You sure you don’t want me to come upstairs?”
