Page 114 of Forbidden Lessons

I can’t believe he’d be motivated enough to track me back all the way to the trailer park where I hung out with Kai.

But what I really can’t believe is that all he found wrong with my application was a fudged residential address.

Unless hedidfind more.

Maybe he’s planning some blackmail of his own.

I press my fingers against my lips when my mouth curls into a smile.

I’m in no position to be enjoying this, but I can’t help myself.

I’ve always loved playing games.

So why, when Bastian sends me a message, why wouldn’t I text back?

@rooke.bastian

I have news.

Join me for dinner tonight.

@lee.haven

Can’t. Working.

@rooke.bastian

You have a job?

@lee.haven

I’m living out of my car. What do you think?

@rooke.bastian

Get someone to cover your shift.

I should tell him to go fuck himself. And while I’m pondering which emojis to use to lessen the sting, he sends another text.

@rooke.bastian

This is important, Haven.

Oof, is it getting hot in here? Yes,Daddy.

What the hell’s gotten into me?

Maybe it’s the fact that Bastian is the only person in Agony Hollow who’s treating me like a real person with real feelings, and not a punching bag or a chess piece.

I’m looking at you, Melissa Parker.

My foot taps furiously on the floor as I stare down at my phone, still trying to figure out how to reply. It’s been a quiet night, so I know Danielle will let me go without an issue…but do I want to go back to Bastian’s domain so soon?

It’s like he knows me already, though. Because, fuck, am I curious about why he wants to see me so badly.

Maybe he’s going to interrogate me about the missing ice cream. With whips and stuff.

I think I’d like that.

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