Page 84 of These Pucking Boys

“I will once you hear me out. You’re making a huge mistake, Jake.”

I glare at him. “Why do you care?”

“I don’t. At least not about you. I’m looking out for myself.”

I snort. “No surprise.”

“If you disobey our father, he’ll destroy your life and the lives of your friends. He’s obsessed with getting you back home. God knows why.”

“If he comes for my friends, I’ll obliterate him and you. You can bet your life on it.”

Gregory’s eyes widen, but he quickly twists his face into a grimace. “What can you do to us? You’re nothing but a glorified thug.”

The rage burning hot through my veins is about to explode. Gregory obviously has a death wish, and he’s lucky the valet returns with my car before I can make paté out of his face.

I force a chilling smile. “Watch me.”

CHAPTER 36

JUNE

On Monday, I arrive at school a bit earlier than usual. Winston did his morning business quickly, and the other pets were easy to handle. Last night, I received an email from Principal Prescott asking me to see her before class starts. I get along with her well enough, so I’m pretty sure she just wants to check on me.

Principal Prescott is a short woman in her fifties, and many underestimate her due to her petite size, but when it comes to fighting for her school and students, she has the tenacity of a warrior.

“Good morning, Priscila,” I greet her, addressing her by her first name when I’m not around students, per her preference.

“Good morning, June. How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thank you.”

She studies me intensely for a couple beats. “You do look fantastic. I’d say glowing even.”

My face becomes warm in an instant. She can’t possibly know the number of orgasms I had over the weekend.

“It turns out getting rejected by Bill was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Her expression becomes harder. “I’m glad you think so. What that man did... well, calling him a man isn’t accurate, is it?”

I smirk. “Definitely not.”

She rests her forearms on the desk, linking her hands together and leaning forward. “I asked you to come see me for two reasons. One, to make sure you were doing all right. And two, to ask for a favor.”

“Of course. Name it.”

“Do you think you can arrange for your new hockey player friends to visit the school and talk to the students?”

I don’t answer for a moment. She caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting that question, but in hindsight, I should have. That’s the kind of opportunity she wouldn’t miss. If they come, it’ll be great exposure for our school, which could result in more donations. But the idea of the guys coming to my place of work is a little unsettling.

“I can ask them. But I’m not sure they have the power to make that decision.”

“Oh, the Titans’ PR department will have to approve it, no doubt. But with your connection, we have a foot in the door.”

I nod, forcing a smile. I don’t want her to notice I’m freaking out. “That’s true.”

“Great. I’m counting on you, June. I’ll let you get ready for class now.”

“All right. I’ll let you know.”

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