Page 14 of Brutal Savage

“I just heard you’re dangerous. That’s all.” I stick with honesty because I’m sure he knows exactly what people say about him.

“Hmm. That wouldn’t be a lie. And what about you, Ms. Hill? Are you dangerous?”

My eyes grow, and I quickly look out the window, trying to find a reply that won’t get me a bullet in my temple. “Me? No. I’m just a teacher. I’m not the one who’s supposedly connected to the Mafia.”

Crap. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

“You think I’m connected to the Mafia and you just freely offer up that knowledge?”

“I guess I’m not that smart.”

It’s back. His touch… A single finger crawling up my thigh.

My pulse throbs in my neck as I wait to see where it lands.

“I find that very hard to believe.” His voice oozes with prowess, and I ache for him to do more.

I imagine myself touching the stubble riding up his angular jawline, while his eyes drift to a close, enjoying it as he holds me on his lap. Those big hands on my hips, keeping me just where he wants me.

I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

My God, when was the last time I was this attracted to a man? Much less this brazenly.

His hand disappears, and I’m both relieved and sad. It’s been so long since I’ve been touched. Since I’ve wanted to be touched.

That’s what this is. Lust. Pure, undulated lust.

“How do you like it? Teaching.”

His question has me clearing my throat. Definitely need to keep the conversation on normal things like my job. That’s safe.

His hands on me, on the other hand? Not very safe.

My smile widens when I think about the kids. “I love it. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I love helping them, getting through to them. It fulfills me.”

He nods. “And is that what you did back where you moved from?”

Shit. I don’t want to give anything away, yet I have to give him something. There’s no way he knows where I’m from or that we’ve been moving from place to place for the past year. This town is the longest we’ve lived somewhere.

“Yes.”

“Commendable. We need more teachers like you, who care.”

“Thanks.” I stare at the empty road ahead. “Wish I could do more, though. You know, for the kids who need it.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, it’s hard. Some kids come from heartbreaking situations and need extra love.”

“Someone in class is being hurt?” He looks in my direction, and his icy glare makes him appear almost human. It nearly looks like he’d care if a child was being mistreated.

“Oh, nothing like that.”

We continue to lock eyes, and I instantly regret it. He makes me feel things. Bad things. Or good. Depends on how you look at it, I guess.

“Then what, Ms. Hill?”

Can he stop saying my name like he’s constantly flirting with me?

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