Page 94 of Finish Line

My feet drag as I head to the kitchen, grab a bottle of Dr. Pepper, and chug it.

The sound of shuffling feet comes from behind me.

“You look about as good as I feel.” Nick walks to the fridge to pour himself a glass of juice.

I lean against the counter. “I’m spent.”

“School’s going to suck today.” Nick sips his OJ.

Once he’s done with breakfast, Nick grabs his bag.

I smile at the thought of not having to go to school. “Ready?”

Nick mock-glares at me. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Out of habit, I climb into the passenger seat, and Nick takes off.

When we arrive at school, the guys slouch against their SUV.

I exit the truck and wave to them, heading over. I’m almost there when Carrie and her Barbie squad stomp up the walkway, cutting me off and knocking me down.

“Where have you been?” Carrie whines as she stops in front of Dom.

Glaring at her, he shoves her out of his way to stride over to where I sit on the ground, holding out his hand. When I grab it, he helps me up.

Dom turns and faces Carrie, blocking me from her view. He says nothing to her, just stands with his arms crossed.

“We made plans to go away together,” Carrie tsks and looks around him to raise an eyebrow at me.

Laughter sounds from one of the guys.

“Yeah, I don’t think so. We’re with our girlfriend.” Mav walk around her to stand with me and Dom.

She points at me. “Who, her?”

“Yes. She’s our girlfriend.” Mav slides his arm around me. “Good morning, my queen.”

The reminder of my royalty upgrade from princess to queen makes me smile as he kneels at my feet, bowing his head.

I can’t help but chuckle. “Good morning, my Knight.”

Carrie makes this odd gagging and growling noise. “Not for long,” she sneers at me. “Once seen meat vic.”

When nothing happens, she tries another odd variation of the hypnotic trigger words.

“Shit, I can’t remember!” She stomps her foot like a toddler. “Where’s Hannah when I need her?”

She glances around for Hannah, which pisses me off.

“You mean oblivisci mea est,” Nick says plainly.

I hold my breath, hoping they won’t go back under.

“Yes, that’s it!” Carrie sounds so proud. “Now, come here and kiss me, Dom.” She puckers her lips.

Dom moves from my side and walks toward her.

As he leans forward, my stomach sinks. No! It didn’t work. I can’t go through this again. I grip Mav’s hands in mine.

---