Page 34 of Shattered

I hate the way he watches me sometimes. It’s as if he sees all good and not bad. It’s as though he stares at me with a sparkle in his eyes. I’ll never be that person, but no matter what I say to him or do, I can’t do any bad in his eyes and this has my mood souring.

I hate people seeing anything good in me because there isn’t.

It’s all bad.

His eyes shift back and forth, his brow furrowing as the light in his eyes fades gradually.

I snatch my bag and toss it onto my shoulder.

“Let’s go.” I sigh.

Lan’s anxious eyes shift back and forth between mine as he urgently tells me, “We’re running late.”

I take a quick check at my watch. Technically, class started a couple minutes ago, so we’re already late. Lan wanted to leave the coffee shop about half an hour ago, but I wanted to enjoy my coffee in the on-site café on campus. Throughout the last half hour, his leg bounced vigorously while his eyes constantly checked the wall clock and observed my remaining coffee.

“Chill. It’s cool, Lan.” I chuckle while smiling. There’s no denying that Lan is both a massive geek and an even bigger time fanatic.

Once we’re in the halls, Lan picks up the pace and moves into a jog. I struggle to hold my laugh in and stop, doubling over. The sight of me stopping fills Lan with complete horror as he turns around. “Brayden, hurry,” he whines. His voice has me laughing even more as I wipe tears away from my eyes. Lan, in his current state, neglects to look ahead and unintentionally runs into someone. My laughter comes to an instant halt when the person turns around. As blue eyes meet mine, a rush of butterflies fills me.

For fuck’s sake.

Mr. Stiles shifts his focus from me to Lan and then back to me. His jaw clenched and eyebrow raised.

“Late to class, are we?” Mr. Stiles addresses Lan as I am transfixed by his face, unable to speak. A rush of warmth fills my cheeks and my heart quickens. My body is buzzing with a new energy.

My body needs to stop this shit and having these reactions toward this man.

Lan stumbles over his words, “We-uh-well-I’m.” Mr. Stiles raises his hand.

“Yes, we’re late, sir,” I reply, walking to stand beside Lan.

“And why are you late?” As he crosses his arms, Mr. Stiles’ eyes give me an icy stare. Curiously, I tilt my head to the side, trying to understand his attitude. When has he cared about the rules, let alone being five minutes late?

“We—”

I cut off Lan, “Time passed by, sir. We were too busy to be checking the time.” With a smile, I attempt to appear completely innocent.

“Is that so?” Mr. Stiles’ gaze bores into me, his sapphire blue eyes darkening with intensity. “It’s clear to me why your academic performance has been declining so much. Class clearly isn’t a priority.” This time, anger causes my heart to quicken as I observe his flexing jaw. I’m pissed that he would openly comment on my academic performance in front of others. “It would be a good idea for you and Lanson to get a move on.”

I casually drape my arm around Lan’s shoulder and steer him forward, intentionally pushing Mr. Stiles aside. I pivot on my heels, bringing Lan along to face Mr. Stiles as we walk by.

“By the way, Mr. Stiles, his name is Lance.” With a smug expression, I turn around and continue to walk down the hallway, pulling Lan tightly to my side.

Chapter twenty

Bohdi

My leg bounces furiously under my desk as I keep peeking down at my desk drawer, wanting to open it and down the entire contents of the bottle that is inside. All day, I have thought about the encounter I had with Brayden andLance. Instead of being in class, Brayden is fucking some guy. I can’t believe I was willing to help him—in my spare time—when he doesn’t give a fuck about his grades. I glance up, checking the time. He’s due here any minute now and right now I’m too angry that I don’t even know if I can teach this class to him. As I battle with my thoughts and debate getting up and leaving, the door opens and in walks Brayden, head held high. He takes a seat at the desk directly opposite me, placing his bag on the floor. His eyes meet mine, emotionless.

My eyes roam his body, his hands, his legs, his neck, his lips.

Were they all over Lance earlier? Did Lance kiss those lips? Did those hands roam Lance’s body?

My mind is fucked, but I can’t help but accept it. Whatever these feelings are, I can’t ignore them. I can’t turn them off. This invisible string that connects me to him tugs at me day in and day out. He plagues my mind all day and my dreams are flooded with him all night. I can’t escape him. I know he’s my student and it can’t go anywhere, but even seeing him, being near him, settles something in me, even when I’m angry. Well, was.

Now, my body instantly relaxes that he’s here. In my proximity. Near me.

“What are you teaching me today, then?” He stares at me with a bored expression. I rise from my seat and take off my suit jacket, then roll up my shirt sleeves.

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