Page 147 of Cruel Steps

“We both know that’s bullshit. I’m not their type.” Emerson motioned down her body.

Hope nodded. “I realized too late they didn’t have pure intentions, and I’m sorry about that. I thought for once I was helping you, but I inadvertently helped other people bully you. They’re planning something.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“You do?” Hope’s eyes widened.

Emerson nodded and sat up, her posture softening. “I overheard two girls in the bathroom today…” she paused. “They made it seem like you were in on whatever they had planned.”

Hope nodded. “I was afraid of that.”

“Is that why you’re telling us? Because you got caught?” I asked, making both girls jump. It was like they’d forgotten I was here.

“No! I swear. I know my word doesn’t hold much weight, but it’s all I’ve got. When Torrence texted me today, I realized what they were really up to.” Hope searched our faces, her eyes imploring mine to believe her.

“Which is?” Emerson asked.

“First, they have a smear campaign planned. Spirit week starts next week, and you made the ballot for Homecoming Queen. They’re using all the information I told them to discredit you. Again, I didn’t know, and I didn’t tell them anything bad. But they’re good at spinning things.”

“What the hell?” Emerson blinked, her mouth falling open. Hope shrugged.

“You really don’t get on social media, do you?”

“Not after… No. I don’t.”

Hope grimaced. “Not my finest moment. I’m sorry about that.”

I smirked. “You’re popular, Wildcat.”

“I think you mean infamous. People think I hired someone to hit Hope and set Colter on fire after he found us together.” She laughed it off, but I caught the emotion laced in her words. Pushing off the wall, I sat on the bed, pulled her into my arms, and kissed her neck. She relaxed into me, and I cherished holding her. This girl was my everything.

“Don’t listen to that bullshit, Wildcat. I’ll take care of it.”

“I don’t need you to fight my battles, Jockstrap. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“I’m glad you’re together. You complement each other well,” Hope said, reminding me she was in the room.

I turned to her. “What’s the rest? Get to the point, Hope. I have plans.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’m so glad I’m at the other end of the hallway.” I lifted a brow, and she rolled her eyes. “You’re not as scary as you think, but I’m tired and need to take pain meds. If I had to guess, the gossip is from the Zetas. Contrary to their belief, they don’t run the campus. You have a lot of allies. There are a lot of posts in your favor. You’ve inspired a lot of people.”

“How? I didn’t do anything.”

“You didn’t bow to societal pressures, and you shared your truth. There’s power in vulnerability. You made others feel seen and heard. And because of that, they admire you. Not for what you’ve done, but because of who you are. The Zetas have a right to be scared of you. You don’t give a shit about any of that popularity stuff, making you a real contender. I think you could win Homecoming Queen.”

“That sounds like my worst nightmare, if I’m honest.” Emerson shuddered in my arms, and not in the way I liked.

“What do they have planned?” I asked.

“If the smear campaign doesn’t work, then they’ll do something to sabotage the ceremony. They’ll keep themselves clean by using a patsy, someone they made promises to but have no intention of fulfilling, just to get what they want. They skirt the zero-tolerance line very carefully. They’re experts in getting away with stuff because of their family money and legacies.”

“And they want my demise?”

“Specifically, their return to the top spot on campus. If they have to destroy you to get it, then they will. They’ve asked me to convince you to drop out of Homecoming.”

“Done. I don’t care about that.”

“I was actually thinking you should run.”

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