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“Gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” I say, still feeling self-conscious.

Robert comes in with Mrs. Lee.

“When Nico told me you were all going together, I couldn’t wait to come take pictures.” Mrs. Lee smiles. “Then he explained that it’s more than just going to the dance. That you’re dating all of the guys. I’m not sure what that means for you all, but I’m here to support you.”

“Thank you.” Having most of the parents on board with our relationship makes this easier. I hated having to hide our relationship.

“Apparently, I’m on camera duty.” Robert clears his throat.

I don’t know how to feel about him right now. Did he intentionally send my father off to his death? I don’t think so, but how could he not report my father as missing? He had to have known something bad happened that night.

He nods his head toward the guys. “Whenever you’re ready.”

CHAPTER 9

The Dress Parade

Luke

I’ve never gone to a dance with someone like Harper. Yeah, we went as a group with Sidney and her girls, or we met up there. But we didn’t do the pictures or have our family there to witness this part.

There was no this part.

My dad didn’t care what I did, as long as I made sure to keep my grades up. He wanted me to become him. That meant not getting attached to anyone, especially not a girl. People existed for us to use. They weren’t friends or lovers. Just a means to an end.

Until Harper. She changed everything.

When Harper came out in that dress, I lost my breath at how stunning she looks. She’s like a fairy draped in purple and pink. While I love her hair in a ponytail that allows me to dominate her, the updo with the decorations is elegant while still simple.

The dress flows over her like it was meant just for her. Her back is bare, her skin smooth, and the updo gives me access to the nape of her neck. Her lips are a pale pink, and her makeup highlights her beautiful brown eyes.

And tonight, I’ll get to escort her for Homecoming court since Zach and Sidney are no longer contenders. For that reason, I’m grateful Zach pulled that stunt last night. He doesn’t deserve to touch her at all.

It’s a shame she hid so long. But I also know if we’d found her any sooner, we would have been careless with her. She would have remained a game, something to conquer. Not the only girl who captivates me and gave me her heart.

When her mom releases her, Harper comes over to us. I hold out my hand, and she smiles as she slips her fingers against my palm. I draw her into me and tip my head down so I’m speaking only to her.

“You look beautiful.” I lift her hand and kiss her knuckles.

Her cheeks flush pink. “You’re very handsome in your suit.”

Her gaze flits to the others. “You all are.”

“Let’s get the pictures taken, so we can get going.” Caden draws Harper next to him like he’s done this a thousand times.

For a moment, the rest of us hesitate, not knowing where to go, until Jennifer comes over. “I see your dilemma. How about Jack over here?”

She works her way through positioning all of us before backing up with the other parents who are here. For six seniors, there are only four out of ten parents here, and two of them belong to Jack. My father doesn’t matter. Eli’s been transparent about how frustrated he is with his parents, so I don’t blame him for not inviting them.

Caden’s parents took off to protect... him? Harper? Both of them? We haven’t really figured that one out. Bruce hasn’t asked Caden to use his connection with Harper to find whatever Sean took of theirs. Nico’s dad and mine both have though.

As I stand next to Eli while cameras flash, Caden leans down and whispers something to Harper. She lets out this little laugh like she couldn’t hold it back if she tried. When our gazes collide, her dark eyes dance with happiness, and she smiles softly at me.

My heart stutters. Fuck, I don’t want to see her smile taken away. I want her to stay just like this. Happy, not worried. God, I want her to be happy.

“We should do couple shots too,” Cathy says.