Page 155 of Their Dangerous Game
“Do you know what time it is, Harper Lynn? And a school night. You need to come home. Now.” Mom’s voice is sterner than I’ve ever heard it.
“I—”
“Now, Harper.” Mom cuts the call.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. I’m not used to my mom needing to reel me back in. I haven’t taken advantage over the years. Really, I’ve been the model kid, but she knows four guys are very interested in me.
Movement makes me open my eyes. The guys tug their shirts on. Eli grabs my bra from beside his chair and heads to me.
Part of me is relieved Mom called when she did and part of me is frustrated beyond anything I’ve ever felt. That buzzed feeling still floats through my blood. I was so close. Eli hands me my bra.
“Thanks.” I shove it in my purse instead of taking my top off to put it back on. I don’t want to be naked in front of the guys again so soon. My gaze lifts to Eli’s. “I have to go.”
He promised to take me home if I asked.
“We heard.” Luke steps beside Eli. “I’ll take you home.”
I can’t meet Luke’s eyes. Will they punish me for this? Sure, it isn’t really my fault, but most of what I get punished for isn’t my fault.
Eli draws me into his arms and hugs me. I tense up, wondering what’s next. As I realize he’s just offering me comfort, the tension eases from my body and I return the hug.
When I step back, I glance at Jack and Caden. A wry smile graces Jack’s face, while Caden has a sour look. Theirdisappointment is apparent, but when Mom calls, that’s the end of the evening. Parent trumps horsemen.
Luke takes hold of my elbow, and I hiss at the contact. I’m still keyed up and sparks flow from the simple touch. My gaze darts to his, and his light blue eyes capture me with the heat still lingering in them.
My body throbs with want.
“Come on, princess, before you turn into a pumpkin.” Luke leads me out of the basement and into the cool night air. At the sudden loss of warmth, I shiver. Luke wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close against him.
It stirs something odd in me. As aggressive as he always is with me, this feels comforting, like something just for me. It reminds me of the night he slept at my house. Like he’s protective of me. My heart pounds a little heavily and I swallow down the weird feeling stirring in my chest.
“I’m not going to get punished for this.” I’m not. My mom wanting me home on a school night isn’t my fault, and he can’t say that it is.
Besides, the ache between my thighs is punishment enough. I doubt I’ll fall asleep, even with what I assume will be my nightly show of Jack and whoever else getting off. While I’m not allowed to do a damned thing about this ache unless I want all of them to do whatever to get me there.
“Is that a question or a statement, princess?” Luke’s tone is cool as we reach his car.
“My mom is right. It’s a school night, and I should be at home doing homework or getting into bed.” Not stripping and making out with four guys. My life has changed. I’m not sure for the better.
He steps away as he opens the door for me. I shiver at the sudden cool breeze sweeping over me.
I wish I had something more to wear than my skirt and top, especially without my underwear, but I know not to ask for it back. After I slide into the seat, Luke closes the door and walks around.
Without a word, he starts the car and puts it into gear. The silence is a little daunting. I straighten my skirt over my thighs and wish I’d taken the time to put on my bra. At least then, I’d feel a little less vulnerable.
I can’t stop thinking about possible punishments. Eli has something to punish me with tomorrow, but he doesn’t worry me. He wants to have me alone when he punishes me, and I’m beginning to trust him a little. At least, more than I trust Luke.
“If you’re going to punish me, can we just do it now before I get home? I don’t want to worry at school about you dragging me in front of everyone and?—”
Luke hits the brakes, effectively cutting off my speech. Fuck, that worked.
Oh shit, that worked. I can’t believe I pushed him to punish me when we’re alone. My pulse flutters and I straighten my shirt and skirt as he pulls off on the side of the road.
We haven’t really left Caden’s neighborhood, so the houses are spread out and no streetlights keep the darkness at bay.
I didn’t really think this through. My words ran away with themselves. I don’t know what to say to make Luke forget it and not end up with even more punishment.
The dashboard lights illuminate Luke’s face. Closing his eyes, he takes a breath and turns the car off. Darkness and silence fall over both of us. I don’t know what to expect, but I do know that being alone with a horseman I’ve recently teased is probably not a good thing.
