Page 155 of Their Cruel Play
“You know there are only a handful of people that could be joining our group.” Tanner raises an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t know who it is?”
I shake my head. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to join a group with you.”
It just pops out. He chuckles. “Got a little fight in you today?”
“Just shut up and focus on the project so we can finish this.” I pull out the sheet I started yesterday and make a quick copy on a fresh sheet for him. “Fill in your stuff and then we should be good to move forward.”
I rip out the sheet of paper and push it toward him. Before I can take my hand back, he puts his hand over mine and holds it there.
I glare. My other hand tightens around the pencil in it and I’m tempted to stab his hand. “Let go of my hand, Tanner.”
He grins. “Or what? You’ll tell on me again.”
I shrug. It’s an option. Probably less messy than a pencil stabbing, but also less satisfying.
“My therapist was happy to call the office and Ms. Sullivan and explain the issues I’m having because I’m being bullied.” He releases my hand. “You’d be amazed at how quickly the system works when they believe a student is being bullied.”
“And you don’t think I can claim the same thing if you continue to act like a manchild?” My eyes narrow on him. Unfortunately, everything the guys did to him probably looks like bullying and not punishment because Tanner got away with what he did to Ava.
He leans back in his chair like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
“You’re a piece of work,” I mumble.
He chuckles. “Wow, strong words from the horsemen’s whore.”
“Just fill out the sheet so we can be done with each other.” I turn back to my sketchbook.
“I’m just getting warmed up, Harper. These are just the warning shots.” Tanner leans back in his chair. “I’m just doing this for fun. You’ll know when the actual battle begins.”
Fuck me. I can’t deal with him today. But besides the whore comment, there’s no reason to have him sent out and it will just prolong this project.
For five minutes, it’s quiet and he works on filling in the blanks on what I asked him for. For five minutes, I think maybe this will actually work. Maybe he’s not a complete douche nozzle.
He pushes the paper back to me. His answers are all fucked up. For his style, he put death metal. For his medium, he put a picture of boobs. I crumple up the paper as rage burns in my veins.
Fuck it. We have five more minutes before whoever is joining our group comes in. So maybe they can make Tanner actually work on the project. If I show Ms. Sullivan Tanner’s answers, he’ll get kicked out of class and because this is a joint project, I’ll get nowhere again.
Unless this would be enough to get him reassigned or out of the class entirely.
“Come on, Harper. Let me go tell Ms. Casey how bad I feel for acting up. Maybe she’ll give me another week in detention.” Tanner leans in close. “Maybe she’ll just pat me on the shoulder and tell me how much she understands how bullying is a real problem and that if she had her way, she’d make sure all the bullies were expelled.”
Ms. Casey is the student advisor. Of course, she’d be against bullying. And what Tanner was put through would be considered bullying by most people who don’t know him or the actual story. He wants my guys expelled. “You do know what you’re doing to me is considered bullying.”
The door to the art room opens, and I lift my gaze to see who’s joining us, half in fear it will be someone like Zach Gray. That would be my luck.
I straighten as I meet Caden’s eyes. Fuck, this isn’t going to be good.
Tanner sits back in his chair and folds his hands over his stomach with a cocky grin on his face. This is really not going to be good. I’m still tired because of Caden from last night which is making my filter a little low to begin with. Tack on my period and I’m just a little rage inferno ready to go off today.
Ms. Sullivan goes over to greet Caden and gestures toward our table.
“You both know Caden Ross.” Ms. Sullivan beams up at Caden.
His eyes never leave mine. I’m not sure why he’s here. Is it really just to be part of art or is it to make sure Tanner doesn’t try anything? Does he trust me, or is this his way of showing he doesn’t really trust me?
“I talked to Caden last week about seeing if he could fit us into his schedule.” Ms. Sullivan is so fucking happy about this. “After all, he’s one of the most talented artists I’ve worked with, and I really think he’ll bring a new energy to your group.”
Caden smirks, and I close my eyes. Fuck.
