Page 190 of Forbidden Lessons

I storm past them, heading for a smaller doorway down the hall. When I realize Bastian’s right behind me, I turn and glare at him.

“Stop following me!”

He takes another two steps, and then halts.

I should feel relief, maybe even a hint of triumph. I just told Professor Rooke to stand down, and he listened to me.

But then he rakes his nails through his hair, and almost absently pushes up one sleeve of his tux before turning on his heel and stalking away.

Something about the way he leaves feels…violent.

The door opens into another hallway with “staff only” plaques on the doors, but at the end, thank God, there’s a glowing EXIT sign and it’s not locked.

The smell of distant rain hits my nose seconds before the stronger fog of some flowering plant nearby. Sickly sweet, it tickles my nose.

I’m at the side of the building, a few yards away from a small shed. I frown when I spot the donation boxes I’d seen at the entrance earlier. What are they doing out here?

But I’m more interested in the row of bushes between this part of the building and the lawn, especially because they’re not right up against the wall.

Leaving more than enough space for me to sidle in, squat, and pee.

Fuck, that feels good.

I’m just about to stand up when I hear footsteps.

No, no, no!

Don’t tell me that fucking snake charmer followed me out here? I hurriedly press a hand against the wall behind me so I don’t fall over, and beg my thighs not to give out.

The footsteps come closer, closer, and then stop a few feet away.

Soft rustles. A few clinks and clanks. Then the footsteps walk away.

I quickly risk a peek over the top of the bush.

Is that…?

Straightening, I step out behind the bush, dusting off my hands as I watch Kai’s brother, Ezra, heading for the woods.

Every cell in my body is telling me to follow him, but I laugh off the thought and go back inside the country club.

Nope.

Nothing good could ever come from following someone into the woods at night.

Chapter 55

Haven

My stomach rumbles, but I’ve gotten good at ignoring it the past few months. I’m back in the ballroom, trying to blend into the shadow cast by a tall naked lady statue. And blending does not include sticking your neck out every time a tray of food comes past.

I wish it did.

I’m starving.

I knew I should have driven the Land Rover here. Now I’m stuck at this stupid dance and Melissa’s not answering her phone. Unless I pickpocket someone, it’s not like I can call a cab.

@lee.haven

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