Page 13 of Their Cruel Play
But it would mean we’re finished. My heart stalls in my chest. Not long ago that’s all I wanted. To be released from them. Now?
My eyes widen. Oh, shit. I don’t want to be released.
“You ready to go, H.?” Kenz takes my hand and tugs me toward the exit.
“See you tonight!” The girls are chatting excitedly. They’re all cute and pretty and girly. They might jump at the chance to be with any of my guys.
My guys. Fuck. They aren’t mine. Not permanently. They’re just using me. But they are mine for now.
“Hey.” Kenz’s voice is soft as we get to her car. “Do you want to ride with me to the game?”
“Sure.” I mean, the guys will bring me to whatever party afterwards, so it would be better if I left my car at home. But first, I have to figure out how Sidney wants to do this trade.
Luke
My phone buzzes and I glance at it. Harper’s name flashes across my screen. No one else looks at their phone. Curious. I unlock my phone.
Harper:
Do you have Sidney’s phone number?
I don’t stop to think. I just call her. She answers.
“What’s going on?” I can feel their eyes on me, but I don’t look at anyone, waiting for Harper to answer me.
“Penny said Ashley said we’d do the exchange before the game instead of after school. I don’t have Sidney’s number toconfirm where she wants to meet. So, I figured you’d have it.” Her voice trails off toward the end.
Fucking Sidney. I should have figured something like this would go down. She’s changing the terms again. Making it so my girl is all alone with no backup.
“I’ll deal with it.” As much as I want to see Harper in my jersey, I won’t put her at risk. I don’t know what game Sidney is playing. For all we know, she’s the one helping terrorize Harper.
“Kenz will be with me. I’ll be fine. If I have her number, we can arrange somewhere public to exchange.” She blows out a breath. “You can’t fix all my problems.”
Just the ones I create. Jack catches my gaze. Fuck, maybe he’s right, and she needs to feel more like part of us than a pet. I don’t like this though.
“Fine. I’ll text her number, but I need you to check in.” I wait.
“Okay.” Her voice is a little begrudging, but it’s better than outright defiance.
“You ride with me tonight, princess.” I lift my gaze to the others around the table. We’re in my house in the kitchen. We needed a place with no interruptions.
No one says anything as they meet my eyes. Good. Tonight she’s mine.
“I’ll text.” She disconnects the call.
I take a moment to send her Sidney’s number before I call it.
“What?” Sidney’s voice is a little belligerent, but also a little hopeful. “Your pet not doing it for you?”
I release my breath. “What will you offer me?”
“For what?”
“For changing the terms again.” My hand fists on the table. This girl is making my life difficult, and I’d love to return the favor. “If she’s not wearing my jersey tonight, I will make your life hell.”
Sidney laughs. “As long as she shows for the trade. Maybe she doesn’t want to wear your jersey. Maybe she’ll finally grow a backbone and tell you all to fuck off.”
I disconnect the call. I made my point. Setting the phone down, I return to my friends.
