Page 22 of Forbidden Lessons

I’d meant to do much worse.

But the shock and confusion on her face did something to me. Those sad, puppy dog eyes.

How the fuck did she expect this to go? She’d pitch up here out of the blue and we’d just pick up where we left off?

Does she evenrememberwhere we left off?

Because it doesn’t fucking seem that way. Maybe she thinks it’s all in the past. Time heals all wounds, that kind of bullshit.

She’s out of her goddamn mind.

I lace my fingers and flip my hands up, cracking several knuckles at once as I stretch my arms to the intricately molded ceilings.

Ezra’s right. The sooner she’s gone, the better for Agony Hollow College.

Better for me, too.

They want me to abuse my power?

Let’s see what’s behind door number one.

Oh, right.

Me, snapping Haven like a fucking twig.

Chapter 8

Haven

I opted for a ballerina bun today. Makes my hair look less greasy, and I think it goes better with the calf-length yellow sundress I’m wearing. It’s thrifted, but it’s got Gucci on the label so I’m calling it vintage and rolling with it.

There’s even a lick of mascara on my lashes. Don’t know how long it was in the glove compartment before I found it, so I’m definitely risking an eye infection.

Worth it.

After listening to the ‘healing affirmations’ cassette tape I also discovered in the glove box, I’m ready to tackle whatever fresh hell comes my way.

I am happy.

I am successful.

I am worthy.

And fuck anyone who thinks otherwise.

Nora smiles when she sees me, and that smile blossoms into a grin when I slap the Financial Responsibility form down on the freshly polished counter.

“That was quick!”

I shrug like it’s nothing. “I told his guru it would mess with my dad’s positive vibes if I got kicked out of college because he was too busy aligning his chakras to sign a form.”

She giggles as she slides the form down to her desk and gives it a quick scan. “Beautiful, thank you, sweetie.”

When she looks up and sees a candy bar sitting on the counter, her cheeks turn rosy.

“They were on sale. Two for one.” I give her a wink, wiggling my fingers at her as I tuck my tote bag under my arm and head for the stairs.

I almost make it.