Page 26 of Brutal Savage

“What if I was? Would that be so bad?”

I don’t miss the way the skin peeking through the top of her blouse prickles.

“Yes, it would be bad. People would get the wrong impression. You’re a parent of a child in my class, and we cannot have an inappropriate relationship. Not that I’m saying you’re interested in being inappropriate with me.” She scratches the side of her neck. “But flirting or perceived flirting is just not allowed.”

My jaw tightens.

Being inappropriate with you is exactly what I want right now. Want to throw you up on your desk and shut your pretty mouth with mine.

“Noted, Elara,” I say instead.

Her eyes flare when she realizes I know her full name. Doesn’t she realize I know everything about everyone?

Ms. Hill may not want to like me, but her body does. And I wouldn’t be a Quinn if I didn’t use that to my advantage.

I start to get to my feet. “It was nice to see you again, Ms. Hill.” I give her a crooked grin, and her face flushes. “I’m sure we will be seeing a lot of each other. Let me know soon about the extra services.”

“Sure. Yeah…uh, no problem.”

She makes no attempts to stand, and I know her eyes are on me as I loop my attention to Brody.

“Come on, buddy. We’re going now.”

He drops the book he was reading and heads in my direction, giving her a long look. When I peek over at her, she’s got her focus on him as she gets up.

“I almost forgot!” She reaches into her desk drawer, a book in her hand. “I was at the bookstore the other day…” She approaches him. “And I saw this new graphic novel I thought you would like.”

Her mouth pinches into the sweetest smile. Like it could light up the world.

She hands him the book.

And as though this meeting couldn’t get any better, Brody smiles for her again.

For a moment, it feels like he’s the same boy he was back then, and I start to relive one of the last days I spent with him and Aiden. When everything wasn’t such a mess.

I want things to be good for Brody again, and I know I need Elara to make that happen.

I just need her to agree to my proposition first.

A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO

“Come on, Brody! Throw the ball just like I showed you,” I call over as he holds the football in both hands—getting ready to chuck it at my head, most likely.

He’s a funny kid like that. Takes after his father.

“You know he’s gonna aim that thing at your head, right?” Aiden chuckles.

“Yeah, was just thinking the same. Just like you as a kid.”

He sighs. “We had some good times when we were growing up, didn’t we?”

“We sure as hell did.”

Brody tosses the ball, and sure enough, he does aim it right at my head. I immediately catch it. He comes running toward me with a huge laugh.

“I throw better than you,” he giggles.

“Oh, you little fucker.” I start to chase him, and he runs away, laughing as he zigzags in front of me.

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