Page 108 of Saved By My Buyers

It’s a fairly large property, and the acoustics are really good in all of the work spaces. I got here at six in the morning, well before any students would arrive to figure out my way.

Sullivan strides through the door at nine, and I know classes today start in an hour. Teachers have been through a little before him to prep for the day, but I think Thursdays have a later start.

“Good morning, Dee. What do you think?” he asks.

“I think you should be really proud of what you’ve built here,” I say honestly. “This building is beautiful, and I actually do feel safe, knowing how much security there is here.”

“Good, good,” he says, bobbing his head. I can see he’s musically inclined now that I’m really paying attention. His body kind of looks like there’s a melody playing in his mind that only he can hear.

“I think Jack would have my head if something happens to you. Students are going to be arriving soon. I should have mentioned that you’ll need a thick skin around some of them…”

Remembering my past and what I’ve gone through, I almost laugh. I think I can handle some snot-nosed musicians.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell him. “Are any of them physically dangerous?”

“No,” he says quickly. “That’s grounds for expulsion. They know I’d blacken their names to keep them from ever working in this industry again. Not all of them are solo musicians. Most of them need my support to be able to get gigs or connect them to the right people. They’re just assholes.”

Snorting, I cover my face quickly at his amused look. “I can definitely handle that,” I reassure him. “Thank you for the heads up.”

“Good. Ah, so, I had planned for the interview to happen tomorrow, but we aren’t going to be open then. Instead, the board wants to talk to you at four this afternoon.”

“Oh, shit,” I whisper, blushing as he grins. My hands drop to my sides as I think about that. “Everything is happening really fast, but it’s fine. You don’t mess around.”

“No,” he chuckles. “I definitely do not. I know it’s sooner than you expected, and that can be nerve wracking.”

“It is,” I agree. “I didn’t bring my notebook or anything to show that I’m worthy of being here.”

“Look,” Sullivan says. “What I read and the way you fucking talk about your work… I know you’re worthy of being here. The rest of it is a formality. I’ll see if Jack can bring your notebook, or at least send me those photos of your work. Either way, I’m not worried about that part, and neither should you be.”

“Okay…” I trail off as he nods and walks off. My new boss is super intense, but it’s nice that he believes in me.

The first students to come inside are two older teens that appear a little younger than I am. The girl has a nose ring, while the other is a guy who is covered in dark, angry looking swirls up his arms. While Jack has tattoos up both his arms, they aren’t as jarring for some reason.

“You’re new,” the girl sneers as I raise my eyebrow.

“How terribly astute of you,” I murmur. “I am. Today is my first day.”

The guy’s lips twitch in amusement, but I’m not sure if it's a good or bad thing. “Are you Hayes’ next charity project?” he asks. “He’s insanely talented and has connections that keep me attending this school, but his heart is too soft.”

My lips twist as I gaze at him. Sullivan doesn’t give off the bleeding heart vibes to me, and if necessary, I’d use the auction money toward tuition.

“I don’t believe that man has a single soft bone in his body,” I say honestly. “He is, however, doing me a solid, so I promised not to make anyone cry today. Go do whatever your spoiled brat selves need to do and remove yourself from my presence.”

“Harsh,” the guy mutters, pushing the girl to move as I roll my eyes.

I meant it when I said I had thick skin. I’m not impressed by any of the people who walk into the school. While some smile brightly, many gaze at me with suspicion. I don’t need to make friends at work, I have them at home.

At three forty-five, Jack comes rushing through the door, and I sigh as I gaze at him. I managed to catch a quick lunch, take a million phone calls, and field questions from students. He’s a welcome distraction.

“Hey,” I say with a smile. “What are you… You brought my notebook!”

It’s a mixture between a hiss and squeal. I’m still constantly surprised by these sweet gestures.

“Sullivan asked me to, but I got seriously pulled into my day. I feel as if I’m pulling a Hail Mary here. Traffic was a bear,” he says.

Reaching out to grab my hand, he tugs me around the desk to stand before him. His fingers drift up my arm, raising the hair on it due to the thin material of my cardigan, before the pressure of his fingers force me to look up at him.

Even in heels, he towers over me, making me feel tiny. Eating regular meals has helped me to gain some weight, which makes me cheer with happiness.

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