Page 19 of Forbidden Lessons

What would it take to make him unravel?

Oh, God, he just said something to me, and I wasn’t listening.

Again.

“What?”

He looks away, shaking his head as he lowers himself into the driver’s seat. I swear I hear him speak again as he closes the door, but it had to have been my imagination.

No teacher in his right mind would say something like that, right?

Fuck, I love a hot mess.

Unless…

Maybe Professor Rooke’snotin his right mind.

Chapter 7

Kai

The temperature’s already dropping in the evenings, the warm afternoon sun dipping too quickly behind the hills this suburb is known for. Night in Hillside might not get as cold as they do down at Riverside, but there’s a reason this area is deserted come Christmas.

A large majority of us end up in the Hamptons, or Palm Beach.

A smaller handful take it to the next level and go to Aspen to improve their snowboarding and binge drinking skills.

Mom mentioned something about Napa, but I can’t remember if she planned that over the Christmas break, or only in the new year. I don’t even know if I’ll go with them. This year is quickly becoming one of those make-or-break moments in my life.

My footfalls ring loudly off the curb as I stride down Maple Row, the sound becoming hollow as I trot up the wooden porch steps leading to the NEX frat house’s front door. I take out my key and let myself in, expecting the usual ambient noises—at least two flat screens in different rooms set to different channels, one finance, one sports, someone using the blender in thekitchen, guys with too many beers or whiskies in them shouting to be heard over the other—but I’m met with silence.

Fuck, am I late? Ezra gets so fucking pissy when I don’t arrive on time.

I race up the stairs, barely registering the Neoclassical paintings and polished brass fixtures I zoom past. A thick Persian rug swallows the sound of my approach, but none of the guys look surprised when I fling open the door to the War Room.

They’re too busy arguing.

“—told you I was fucking sorry, but if you’re gonna be a fucking bitch about it, I’ll?—“

“…guys…”

“—tell him he’s being an ass? Someone’s gotta do it.”

“…guys…”

“I fucking loved her, man!” Nolan blurts out, and I swear there are tears in his eyes.

Ezra shoots to his feet, slamming his fists on the table. “Guys!” Then he looks up and sees me, and his face clears.

Nolan, and Myles must have been going at it for ages if he’s this pissed already.

“What the fuck did I miss?” I ask, grabbing the closest chair and swiveling it around so I drop into the seat. Dark leather harshly contoured to the smooth, ergonomic shape with brass studs, paired with the dark oak wood panels, make this room feel like a portal into hell.

“He fucked Mandy,” Nolan yells, stabbing savagely in Myles’s direction. “He knew was I into her, and he fucking fucked her anyway.”

Myles leans forward over the table, a wicked grin on his mouth. “In the ass.” He lifts his hand, holding up two fingers. “Twice.”

Nolan thumps the table with his fist, grabbing the armrests of his chair and swiveling half-way around like he can’t even stand to look at Myles.

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