Page 53 of Vengeful Secret

“She doesn’t know,” I say quickly. “But he’d like to speak to you in the hall? Just for a few minutes.”

I’m terribly embarrassed, but I know Gray doesn’t back down when he wants something.

She nods. “I’ll be right in the hall, kids. Be good!”

They answer in unison. “Yes, Mrs. Sampson.”

“Hello,” Gray says with a charming smile, and I notice her eyes widen again, probably at how handsome he is.

I feel a slight stab of jealousy but push it down. This isn’t the time for those feelings. I’ll have to explore that at a later time.

Or maybe never.

“I’m Gray Burke, Ciara’s father,” he says when she introduces herself. “I wanted to know how she’s doing.”

“Ciara is a very bright little girl,” Mrs. Sampson says with a smile. “She might like to talk a little too much, but she always pays attention when I ask her to.”

He chuckles. “So, she’s a little outgoing?”

“Very,” Mrs. Sampson says, glancing at me and back at Gray.

“We should let Mrs. Sampson get back to her class.” I take Gray’s elbow, and he frowns but nods.

“It was lovely to meet you,” he says, and Mrs. Sampson is staring at him like he’s some kind of Greek god.

“You too,” she mutters, and I usher Gray out into the hall.

The security guard nods at me, smiling, but Gray goes right over to him.

“Excuse me. My daughter goes to this school, and I’d like to know about the security measures,” he demands.

I can understand his worry, but I wouldn’t let Ciara come here if security wasn’t tight.

“You don’t have to worry, sir. I’m here every second of my shift.”

Gray hums. “What about a metal detector?”

The guard’s eyes widen. “For an elementary school?”

“You never know.”

“I’ll make mention of it to the higher-ups,” the security guard says.

Gray doesn’t seem placated, but I take him by the arm and out to the SUV.

“Sorry,” he says quietly. “I just want to make sure she is safe and learn more about her.”

I can’t help but soften. “I know.”

“What about the security measures? I was able to just walk in there?—”

“Only because I spoke to her first,” I assure him.

He nods. “Good. And how long will she be in school?”

“Until two-thirty. We can come back and pick her up then.”

“You’re sure it’s safe? She’s safe?”

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