Jamie doesn’t say anything else as we head for our chemistry class, but I know that’s not because he’s lacking questions. I’m sure every single person walking these hallways wants to know why one of its star football players is now slumming it with the Sinners.
Well, they can all go fuck themselves, because for once, I really don’t give a shit about what they think.
The day drags. Each class seems to take longer than the last, and each teacher piles on the homework until I swear I’m going to drown in it.
The only good thing about the day is that I blow off the team at lunch and spend it sitting at another table in the sun with Sadie and the guys. I keep my back to the rest of the school, not wanting to witness them all gawking at me. I don’t need to turn around to know they’re doing it; I sense it every time Rhett or Dane growl at someone.
“Who knew you two could be so protective,” Sadie murmurs with a smile playing on her lips, clearly aware of what they’re both doing.
“We’re looking after you, princess. Don’t read too much into it. We couldn’t give a fuck about Pretty Boy here.”
“Sure,” she says, reaching over and placing her hand high on my thigh. Her heat burns through the fabric of my jeans, making my cock harden.
I glance over at her and she smiles at me, knowing what her touch does. I drop my hand to hers and pull it higher letting her feel my length. Her fingers squeeze me through my jeans and I damn near come in my boxers from her touch alone.
Leaning over, I brush her hair away from her ear. “Wanna blow off last period and go have some fun?”
Her breath catches at my suggestion before she shoots me a wicked smirk. “I know something I want to blow.” She winks and I groan in pain, desperate to feel her lips wrapped around me again.
“You should make use of the girls’ bathroom by math. They’ve got these mirrors…” Dane bites down on his fist, lost in thought. “There’s nothing fucking better than watching what she does to you.”
“Dane,” Sadie hisses.
“What, babe? I know you loved it just as much as I did. Being able to watch my co—”
“Enough,” she barks, throwing one leg over the bench and turning her attention to me. “As much as I’d love to, I’ve got to go to class. I’ve got a test.”
She’s right; if I miss any classes, no doubt it’ll somehow get back to my dad and he’ll delight in teaching me a different kind of lesson the next time he has the opportunity to get his hands on me.
He was on his best behavior when he got back to the house not long after Mom and I were dropped off by Dee yesterday. It was cringeworthy listening to Dad apologize to Mom, telling her that she’s the single most important thing in his world.
All of it was bullshit, but she sat there and soaked up every word like he wasn’t saying the same things he has to her over and over.
Reaching up, I run my fingers through my hair, pushing it out of my face. “Let me walk you to class?” I ask, although I’m already aware that the other two won’t be very far behind. They’ve made it more than obvious that they don’t trust me to protect her if shit were to go down.
I, however, know that I’m more than capable of protecting what’s mine. I just haven’t had a chance to prove it yet.
“Sounds good.”
Dumping our trash in the nearest can, the four of us head inside. “I’ve got practice after school,” I tell Sadie.
She looks over at me, something brewing behind her eyes.
“What are you thinking about, trouble?”
“Can I come watch?”
“Practice?”
“Yeah.” Desire darkens her eyes.
Turning toward her, I force her up against the wall, aware that our shadows come to a stop somewhere behind us. Her breasts brush against my chest and she gasps at the sensation.
“I’ll let you do anything that puts that look in your eyes, princess. We’ll be out on the field. I suggest you and your bodyguards come and find a spot on the grass to… Work on your assignments.” I wink.
“Will you take your shirt off for me?”
“You’re wicked, Sadie Ray Dalton.” I lean in, brushing my nose against her.
“You love it.”
“Damn right.”
“Come on, kids. Class calls,” Dane announces, the joy in his voice telling me that he’s enjoying cockblocking me a little too much.
“Weren’t you the one suggesting we make use of the bathroom not so long ago?” I ask him when he joins us.
“Yeah, and she turned your ass down in favor of a test, so let’s go.”
“Asshole.”
“You love me.” Dane blows me a kiss and Sadie bursts out laughing.
“I think he’s got a thing for you,” she says through her laughter.
My face must show all my thoughts because Dane quickly jumps in. “You might be pretty, Noble, but it’s gonna take more than a pretty face to turn me. Sorry.”
“Fucking hell, let’s go.” An impatient bark comes from behind us and when I turn, I find Rhett standing there with a murderous expression on his face.
He hates school, that much is obvious at the best of times, but right now he looks about three seconds away from putting someone out of their misery.
“Come on, Sadie Ray. Let’s get you to class.”
I take her hand and pull her away from the wall, resuming our journey.
“We’ll see you after,” she says, looking up at me with her huge green eyes when we come to a stop outside her class.
“You’ve got to convince them that they want to spend two hours watching a bunch of guys run around the field.”
“I’ve got a way of making them see things the way I want,” she sasses.
“You sure do. That’s a powerful skill right there, Sadie Ray.”
“I’ll make sure I use it wisely then.”
“Good luck on your test.”
“Is it bad that I’m regretting my decision?” She bites down on her bottom lip.
“You can make it up to me another time.”
“Deal.”
I drop a quick kiss to her nose and allow her to duck into her class before she’s late.
“Come on, Pretty Boy. Let’s get you and our boners to class.”
Flipping Dane off, I march ahead of them, assuming that they don’t actually want the three of us to hang out like we’re all friends or some shit.
20
Sadie
The week drags on much the same. River, Quinn and I are chaperoned to and from school, at least one of the guys with us at all times. By the time Friday rolls around, I feel like I can’t breathe.
Don’t get me wrong, I like having the constant attention of three hot guys, but I hate being imprisoned at my house, or Quinn’s, or at the compound. I’m not used to being confined; I never have been.
I get it. Darren Creed is still on the loose, and every day that ticks by is another day my dad and the guys grow even more pissed—and worried—than they already are… but I need my space.
I need to breathe.