Page 41 of Cruel Steps

I spotted the two girls from the audition and walked over. Kara hadn’t been friendly, but I figured my odds with the new girls were better than those already poisoned against me by Hope. However, Kara ignored me and moved up a row, but Jenny smiled and nodded for me to take the mat next to hers.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Emerson, right?”

“Yep. Jenny?” She nodded.

While Hope continued to throw a hissy fit, I stretched out on the mat and focused on my muscles. The sound of feet pounding the ground grew loud, accompanied by male voices and then whistles. I glanced over my shoulder, shielding my eyes from the sun, and spotted the football team doing laps around the track. My mouth went dry when I spotted Holden.

Great googly-moogly.

Why was he so hot? No guy should be that sexy. Though, his attitude could use an upgrade. Arrogant ass.

As if he could feel my eyes, he glanced over, and our gazes locked. But unlike before, where heat and desire swirled, I found nothing. Swallowing, I dropped his gaze and almost choked on my tongue when I spotted who ran next to him.

Of course, they were friends. I really should’ve put that together sooner.

Colter’s golden skin shone with sweat in the sunlight, and I took the opportunity to check him out. Hot damn. Swallowing hard, my eyes traveled down his body, and I gripped the grass beside me. He wasn’t as defined as Holden—but let’s be honest, who was? Colter had lean muscles and was stocky. His football pants hugged his legs, and I got hot at the sight of his backside when he passed by. Holy crap, he had a nice butt.

“Not a bad view, huh?” Jenny asked, drawing my attention.

“I’ve had worse.” We both laughed, and the nerves I had about practice settled. Leigh called everyone to attention, taking us all through a stretching regimen. With how she stood up to Hope, it seemed I had her to thank for making the team.

“I take it you know Hope?” Jenny whispered, bending down to touch her toes.

“Unfortunately. Step-sister, but she’s hated me long before we had that title.”

“Juicy.”

I grunted. That was one way to put it.

After that, we didn’t talk, as Leigh, Brittney, and Kimmy took us through a routine. It was simple, and I quickly picked it up, amazed at some of the older girls who struggled. The more I watched the dancers, the more it seemed like skill was only a small component of being selected. They weren’t bad, but every member of my dance crew at Brighton could dance circles around the majority of these girls. I guess popularity contests never died.

Two hours later, sweat coated my body, and my skin had pinked where the sun beat down on it. I’d need to wear sunscreen for the next practice, or I’d get burned.

“Grab some water and pop a squat,” Leigh told the group. I did as she asked, staying in the back next to Jenny. “Great first practice, but many of you need to step it up. Most of the girls who auditioned on Friday could out-dance you right now. If you want to keep your spot, you need to be training on your own time, or I’ll host a mid-season tryout and replace you with dancers who deserve to be here.” Her eyes met mine, and my respect for her grew.

“She doesn’t want me to tell anyone, but Leigh’s my step-sister. Thankfully, she’s not a bitch like yours.” My eyes widened at her statement. Jenny chuckled around her water. “She’s wanted to take the team to Nationals for years, but until this year, she didn’t have the voting power. I was glad she fought to keep you on the team.” She knocked her shoulder into mine, and I smiled, feeling like I might actually have two allies on the Wolfettes.

Leigh reviewed expectations, costume fittings, and when the first game was. I zoned out, knowing I wouldn’t need to know any of it since I’d be Wolfie. She dismissed everyone after that, and I bent over to gather the equipment. Wolf whistles and laughter sounded out behind us.

“New meat, guys!”

“Hey, honey, what’s your name?”

“Shake that fat ass in my face, sweetie.”

I straightened, my face flaming when I realized who they were talking to. They laughed, and I tried to ignore them, used to guys talking about my body like I wasn’t a person. I pulled on my shirt to cover my stomach, but it was difficult with my hands shaking.

“You might suffocate me if you sat on my face, but what a way to go!”

“Shut the fuck up, Evans. If I hear another word, everyone’s doing suicides.”

Wait… Holden? But why?

I shook my head. It didn’t matter. He’d push me before the firing squad the second I trusted him.

A few dancers giggled and skipped over to the group of guys. They twirled their hair, flirted with the jocks, and touched their arms. I didn’t know if I’d ever be confident enough to walk up to a guy and just start touching him. My eyes sought out Colter, and my heart sank. Hope stood in front of him, batting her eyelashes at him. But it was the hand on his arm that got to me.

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