Page 186 of Forbidden Lessons

They’re fresh. Deep. Passionate.

It’s not the first time I’ve seen injuries on him. I assumed he was on the hockey or football team.

But this?

Whoever bit him wanted to leave their mark on his smooth, tanned flesh. Claiming him? Or warning him?

An image of Haven’s bruised throat flashes into my mind, but I force it away.

Another replaces it instantly, nails dragging through skin.

“Was it Haven Lee?”

Poor baby. He triessohard not to let me in. But his face gives him away instantly. The flash of surprise, then the anger. He stares at me with wide eyes, jaw ticking, nostrils flaring.

“She put up quite a fight,” I say in a thick voice. “Did she win?”

Kai seems complacent with silence, but I’m not. I press down on that wound so hard that he jerks his arm out of my grip.

“No,” he grates out, his arm curling against his chest. “I did.”

I smile at him. “That’s what she wants you to think.”

Chapter 54

Haven

“Think I can make it back to the front entrance without someone spotting me?” I whisper, risking a quick peek around the ficus I’m hiding behind.

Melissa glances down either end of the hall. “Not enough potted plants in the world. Might as well have a target on your back. And the dean’s an excellent hunter.”

“You’re not being very supportive,” I hiss, ducking behind the leaves as a couple heads toward us.

“Think I’m going down in that Boeing with you?” She snorts. “Rats know when to abandon a sinking ship.”

But she hasn’t abandoned me, and I wish I had the time to figure out what she’s still doing here. Guess she’s waiting for the fireworks show when Dean Winslow finally figures out where I am.

I wish I could disappear into this trippy wallpaper.

“All I need is a big hat, and a pair of glasses. A fake mustache wouldn’t hurt?—“

“Forget it,” Melissa groans, turning to me with her head tilted and a sympathetic purse to her lips. “She’s coming.”

Get out.

He’s coming for you.

Maybe whoever sent that message was psychic…but not enough to get the gender right.

“Might as well face her like a man,” I mutter, stepping out behind the plant and adjusting my gown. And then having to force my hands to unclench from their fists.

Dean Winslow didn’t seem all that intimidating when she was up on the stage with me. But I guess that’s because she was smiling.

She’s not smiling anymore.

I didn’t know it was possible to stride in high heels, but that’s what she’s doing. I almost turn tail and run, but fear paralysis kicks in, rooting me to the spot.

Maybe if I play dead, she’ll leave me alone.

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