Page 160 of Forbidden Lessons

“Um…listen…before we…”

He stops walking, frowning at me. “Is something wrong, Miss Lee?”

Yes.

I’m fucking broke as fuck.

Which isn’t new for me, but puts me in a sticky—fuck you, Kai—position.

I reluctantly mumble, “I kinda lost all my money.”

Hadn’t meant to say, ‘all’. Hadn’t meant to sound so defeated. But it wasn’t enough for Kai to jizz all overmelast night, he had to do it in my car too?

Bastian’s car.

Like he was marking his territory or something?

…did you fuck him?

So I’m reeling. Furious. And trying so desperately hard not to show it, all that comes through is the desperation.

“Did it fall out of your purse?” Bastian’s frown is deeper now, his mouth in a line. Is he pissed because I told him I was going to pay and now I can’t? Or because I lost my money?

Aw, that’s adorable, he thinks I own a purse.

I should rat out Kai. Why the fuck am I trying to protect his sorry ass, anyway? Maybe if Professor Rooke knew what he was doing to me, he’d?—

“Must have, yeah. Look, I’m really sorry. If you want to leave?—“

His laugh cuts me off. “You’re in luck, Miss Lee. I just upped the limit on my credit card, soI’llpay for all three nachos and seventeen tacos…and whatever you’re having.”

It should have been condescending. I almost wish it had been. Would have made setting boundaries a hell of a lot easier. But his laugh is too easy, the twinkle in his eye too genuine, and despite vowing vengeance on Kai and still trying to get my fingers clean, I’mgiggling.

Milo, the cute guy at the taco stand, recognizes me as soon as I walk up, giving me a wide smile. “Back for more, huh?”

“If you mean the best tacos in town, then yeah.”

“Of course.” He grins. Glances up at the gray clouds building overhead. “Looks like we’re finally getting some rain tonight. Cool things off a bit, yeah?”

I giggle, because he’s got the dopiest grin and the silliest small talk.

Bastian bumps into my arm, tearing my attention away from the server. “I’ll have whatever she’s having, and throw in some nachos and a michelada too, please.” Bastian turns to me, shrugs. “Can’t have nachos without beer.”

I glance at Milo, but he’s checking out Bastian like he wants to punch the guy. Which makes no sense, because Professor Rooke is being really polite.

“Make that two,” I say.

Milo frowns at me, and for a moment I think he’s going to protest, but then he just shakes his head, sighs, and takes Bastian’s card.

As he turns away to prepare our order, Bastian turns to me, ducking his head until his mouth is right by my ear.

“Iama bad influence,” he says, chuckling.

It takes all my willpower not to blush and turn away. I tilt my head back just far enough to make eye contact and wish I hadn’t.

Professor Rooke’s irises are studded with flecks of gold, his pupils shifting in size as he focuses on me just inches away from him.

I lick my lips, and his gaze darts to my mouth.

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