Page 12 of Echoes of Temptation

“I can sit out here for a little while until someone brings me my work assignments,” he says. “Could I sit in the back?”

“Go ahead, Caden,” I say. “Whenever you need the silent room just go ahead and go inside, alright?”

“Thank you, Ms. Burton.”

The hallways are loud as the students arrive and make their way to their classrooms. I’m only waiting for three more students before I start class.

“Thank you, King,” I say distractedly as I unpack my school bag. He took me to get my lesson planner yesterday but wouldn’t let me get my car. I don’t mind. That just means he has to drive me where I need to go.

“Madeline,” he says.

After unpacking my planner, pens, water bottle, and Slim Jims, I finally look up into the man's waiting eyes.

I’ve looked into this man’s eyes many times over the past week but he’s never looked back at mine the way he is now. The hardness is gone and in its place is softness and wonder. Maybe even a hint of resignation.

“Fuck,” he whispers.

“Are you alright?” I ask, glancing at the students to make sure they’re not listening. They’re all too distracted talking about what they each received for Christmas.

“No,” he says, taking a step closer. He’s so close now that his scent surrounds me in the most wonderful way.

I have to look way up in order to look at his face.

“What can I do to help?” I ask, feeling a bit concerned. This man is always in control of himself. In the week I’ve known him, I’ve learned that his confidence flows from him like a tidal wave. But, right now, he looks, dare I say, defeated.

Is he giving up on me? Did he realize that no amount of money is worth my issues?

“You’ve shattered my whole fucking world, Madeline,” he whispers.

Confused, I open my mouth to ask what happened when he does something completely and utterly unexpected. He leans down and kisses my forehead.

“I’ll be back at three, baby. Don’t leave this building.”

“Bye, kids.”

“Bye, Mr. King,” Lucy responds followed by everyone else.

Well, that was strange.

“Alright, class, who wants to lead the pledge today?”

Wait. Did he call me baby?

Chapter Seven

King

The second I exit the school building I nod in Colt’s direction. This will be his first official task as a patched member of the Obsidian MC. His prospect term was over a few months ago and the vote to patch him in was unanimous.

This morning when Ghost gave him the assignment, I was perfectly content. Colt’s been training with Venom to fight in the Cage for over a year now so I know that he will be able to beat back any potential attackers after Madeline. But, after the realization that I just went through, Colt’s suddenly not enough.

I want the full force of the Obsidian MC out here watching over her while I hunt.

Fuck.

Marching over to Colt’s truck, I wait for him to roll the window down.

“I’ll be back at three,” I tell him. “Don’t take your eyes from that building until I get back.”

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