Page 182 of Their Dangerous Game

My eyes meet Nico’s dark ones. More guys?

Luke’s fingers cradle my skull as he massages the back of my head. That feels really nice. I want to lean in and close my eyes, but I’m aware of Nico’s presence. It holds me back more than anything else could have. I realize I’ve given in to these guys more than I’ve fought them off.

Even this morning, if I wasn’t so deep in my feelings, I would have known they were taking me somewhere I might not want to go. Then again, if I had stopped them, they might have gone to Plan B: the locker room pep rally with me starring as the spankee.

Fighting them off would have been impossible, but when I gave in to them, it was explosive.

The problem now, as Luke’s fingers work magic on my scalp, is I want to lose myself in the heat of him. My gaze rises to his. His pupils are blown, as I’m sure mine are too. Will he kiss me?

Suddenly Luke tenses beneath me and his hand goes to the back of my neck. Outwardly, he’s just as laid back, but he’s coiled and ready to pounce. I straighten and see the cause.

The Cheermonsters have decided to join our party. Sidney, Emma, Hannah, and Ashley stroll toward the couch like someone invited them forward, breaking the “barrier” surrounding us. They all have on barely-there tight crop tops and skirts that offer little coverage. While I have a slender body, these girls have sculpted muscles.

“How’s the party, boys?” Sidney comes to a halt in front of Luke. She cocks her hip and tosses her long blond hair over her shoulder. The others fall into formation behind her just like they’re doing a routine. Well, a routine where they’re all bitchy.

“No complaints.” Luke’s other hand dips into the waist of my pants, and I try not to react. I know it’s a power move, another possession like earlier in the cafeteria, but like that kiss fromearlier, my body can’t tell the difference. Heat pours through me, settling between my thighs.

“Did you need something?” Jack asks.

“Just figured you let anyone over here.” Sidney nods toward Nico. “Since you have your little bitch and a guy none of us have seen before.”

Nico cracks a smile. “You don’t remember me, Sidney? Why am I not surprised?”

Nico really is gorgeous. I always thought he was cute when we were growing up. Both of us were on the outskirts of the popular kids. It never bothered us because we had each other. Then he had to move, but I found Kenz eventually.

“Should I?” Sidney turns to the other girls. Emma and Hannah shrug, but Ashley Kim steps forward.

“It can’t be.” Ashley’s eyes narrow on Nico, probably taking in how good he looks. Because he’s hot. Just as hot as any of the horsemen.

“Ashley.” Sidney almost commands her with her name.

“Nico moved away when we were young. Our families were friends.” Ashley almost sneers as she backs up. “He wasn’t much to look at back then.”

Nico’s smile grows. Obviously he knows he’s something to look at now. Never thought he’d grow up as cocky as the horsemen, but he’s equal to them in desirability.

“Then the question is why are you letting another loser into your ranks?” Sidney’s gaze flows over me as the first loser.

Luke’s smile turns feral. “You ladies don’t remember your place, do you?”

Luke passes me to Caden before he stands to get in Sidney’s face. Caden tucks me in against him and puts his hand possessively on my bare midriff. I lean back against him, craving his heat. Nico’s eyes widen at the sight, but then his face clears, as if he realizes now isn’t the time.

Eli and Jack stand behind Luke. Nico hesitates for a second before he joins them. My jaw almost drops open. What the hell is going on?

“Does he look like a loser to you?” Jack asks.

The girls’ eyes eat up Nico’s cut body, then move up to his sharp jaw and his thick hair. From my side, I can see his perfect ass and sculpted back under his t-shirt. Nico Lee is definitely not a loser.

Though he never was to me.

Hannah steps forward with interest in her eyes as she focuses on Nico. “What’s your deal?”

I almost want to growl at her, but I have no standing to keep him as mine. I already have four guys committed to being all mine this year, and I’m committed to them.

“Nico will join the football team,” Luke says, his gaze not wavering from Sidney’s. It’s almost as if they’re having a battle of wills. “He’s one of us.”

Sidney’s calculated gaze goes to Nico. “You don’t let just any football player hang out with you.”

“Nico isn’t just some football player.” Eli steps forward. “He’s a horseman.”

Say what?