Page 76 of Their Cruel Play
Kenz laughs. “You should at least get a trophy or a superlative at the end of the year.”
“Most fucked?” I giggle. “I don’t think the trophy place would have an appropriate topper.”
“At least not in the front of the store.” Kenz laughs as she pulls open the door.
Caden turns to watch us come out. He holds his hand out to me as he rises. I step forward and take it. There’s no denying he keeps me safe and protected.
We walk back down to the party, and I’m so done. I don’t want to drink. The noise is too loud, and people are having a good time, but I’m worn out. Worrying about the dinner with my mother, running into Luke’s dad, the actual dinner with my mom... it’s been a day.
Caden pulls me down between him and Luke again.
Luke’s hand finds mine, and he links our hands together. It feels so natural. I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder. He’s so warm. Caden rests his hand on my knee.
Eli tips his chin down a little as he studies me. His face becomes determined as he says, “We should go.”
I lift my head with an almost hopeful smile.
“Yeah, the cops will break this up soon.” Jack stands and stretches. “We should head out before that happens. Can’t let Harper get grounded.”
His blue eyes sparkle down at me. Caden stands and then helps me up. Kenz hugs me.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she whispers in my ear. I nod as I draw away. I need some girl time.
Caden puts his hand out to Luke, and they lock wrists to help Luke up. My brow furrows. How much pain is he in?
Luke wraps his hand around my waist and pulls me in tight against him. “Stop worrying, princess.”
Fuck. I need to be aware of my surroundings more. Clearing the worry from my face, I tuck into his side. Where is it safe to hold him? I don’t even know where he’s hurt besides his left side.
We make our way out of the party. My guys stop and say a few things to some guys. When we reach the street, Luke leads me to the back of Caden’s car. When I slide in, it surprises me when Luke joins me in the back.
Caden and Jack take the front seats. Luke leans his head back and closes his eyes. His hand reaches out, and I thread my fingers through his. He pulls our linked hands onto his lap. He needs me, and maybe that will be enough to get me through the school year.
CHAPTER 22
The Pale Rider
Luke
The car stops, and I jerk awake. Fuck, I hate pain meds. Harper squeezes my hand.
“We’re at Caden’s.” She watches me carefully, as if I might break. She’s been hesitant with me, like she can see I’m in pain.
“Come on.” Caden opens the door and offers me his hand.
I want to refuse but know that I can’t. Sitting for so long at the party made me stiff. I take it and bite back the moan of pain clawing at my throat for release. Harper gets out on the other side.
“Come on, sweetheart.” Jack wraps his arm around Harper’s shoulders, and we all head to the back of Caden’s house. Instead of stopping in the basement, Caden leads us up to his room and straight into the bathroom.
He flips his toilet lid down and points. “Sit.”
I don’t have the energy to refuse. The pain meds have begun to wear off.
Jack moves to the tub and starts the water, testing for warmth. Harper wraps her arms around her waist as she leans in the doorway and watches. Always watching. Any other girlwould yell at me for missing dinner with her mother. Not Harper.
Caden grabs my shirt. “Lift your right arm only.”
I grunt. “I don’t need a fucking babysitter.”
