Page 57 of Isabela

I think about the question as we get closer to the Advanced Math building before I answer. “I think it’ll be a good partnership, so I am leaning toward it. I have some trash to take out first, though.”

Lily smirks as she opens the door to the building. “I heard about some of the shit, said trash is up to, and I would agree. You need to take care of yourself first, Isabela. We’re going to help keep you safe.”

Her words settle me as I walk up the stairs with them to my class. Taking a breath, I enter the auditorium. I’ve taught for my professor a couple of times, but it’s always a little nerve-wracking to be in front of so many people.

Stepping up to the podium, I pick up the mic and make sure it’s easy to turn on and off. Watching as the students find their seats, I pull out my laptop and open the professor’s email, reminding me of the topic for today. As everyone is seated and the clock reads ten in the morning, I turn on the mic and clip it to my shirt.

“Good morning, everyone. As you know, I’m Isabela Cohen, and I’m going to lead today’s class. Let’s begin,” I say. Everyone pulls out their notebooks, ready to get started.

The next hour flies by, and I’m reminded of all of the reasons why I love math. I enjoy picking it apart, analyzing it, and then putting an equation to the test.

Glancing at the clock, I’m surprised it’s time to end the class. Putting the cap on the dry erase marker, I smile sheepishly.

Every student is on the edge of their seat, and I realize they haven’t noticed the passing of time.

“You all have been so wonderful, but it appears that’s all the time we have,” I say with a shrug. A few students check the time, groaning as they see the class is over. “I always find it a little scary to stand up here in front of all of you, honestly, but I enjoyed myself. Thank you for being so attentive. Have a great day!”

There are murmured “Thank you’s” as the students pack up to go, and I put my things back into my bag. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lily standing against the wall, waiting for me. Facing her as I sling my bag over my shoulder, I smile at her as I walk over to where she is.

“Michael is waiting outside,” she says with a smile. “We figured we wouldn’t bombard you in the classroom.”

“Makes sense,” I tell her as we walk out of the auditorium together. My next class is on the other side of the quad, so we begin walking through the building.

“You had those kids eating out of the palm of your hands,” she says as we walk.

“I love teaching, I just get really nervous when I have to do it,” I admit.

The crowd is nonexistent as we get to the doors, and it almost feels creepy.

“For such a smart chick, you’re kind of dumb,” she sighs, pulling out a needle.

“What the fuck?” I gasp, trying to move away from her. Lily grabs my hair, yanking me back to her.

“This really isn’t personal, Charles just promised me a job I really fucking want,” she growls, jabbing me in the neck with the needle and depressing the plunger. “I’m sure it won’t be too terrible being his little whore.”

“No,” I say, struggling. I manage to yank on her hair and lift my leg, smashing her nose. Lily’s hold on my hair loosens, and I hope Michael really is waiting for me outside.

God, what if he’s in on this too?

Pushing away from Lily, I shove the doors open, trying to scream as whatever is in my system hits me hard.

“Feisty little bitch, aren’t you,” Lily mutters, wiping the blood away from what is probably a broken nose. She runs toward me and wraps her arm around my throat, kicking out my legs from underneath me.

I struggle, but I feel sluggish and sleepy.

“Just fucking go down, whore,” she grunts. I can’t breathe and everything is getting dark.

Fuck. I tried so hard, and I’m right back to where I started. My nails dig into her skin as I see one of my Uncle’s guards come up to us.

I guess Michael wasn’t in on this after all. I’m a terrible judge of character, so I don’t know who to believe anymore.

My lungs are on fire, and the sedative makes my arms drop to my side. I want to fight back, but I can’t. My body gives out as my eyes roll back.

I’m sorry, Gael. I know you tried.

Chapter Fourteen

GAEL

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