Page 12 of Branded Hearts

Dahlia’s hand shoots up, and I call on her next. “Miss, why does the caterpillar eat all that stuff? It’s yucky!”

I chuckle at her question. “Uh, well, the caterpillar eats all those things because he’s preparing to build his cocoon. It might seemyucky to us, but it’s just right for him!”

The children giggle, and I continue reading, the story captivating their young minds. Then, suddenly, I’m interrupted by the sound of the door opening. I glance up and am caught off guard when Mrs. Higgins enters the room, withBradley Mitchelltowering behind her.

I freeze, my heart skipping a beat, and stop reading instantly. The kids all turn to look in the direction I’m facing, their eyes widening with shock. A few let out audible gasps.

“Who’s that?” one of the kids whispers loudly.

“Oh my gosh, it’s the police!” another exclaims in shock. I raise a hand gently, trying to calm the room.

“It’s okay, everyone,” I say, forcing a smile.

Mrs. Higgins says, her voice cheery, “Amelia, sorry to interrupt, dear, but Officer Mitchell would like to have a word with you.”

I stand up slowly, trying to compose myself. “Oh. Um, of course. Kindy, I’ll be right back. Continue listening to the story with Mrs. Higgins.”

I can hear the kids start to whisper and a low chorus of “ooo’s” coming from the boys. I can’t help but smile at their curiosity, even in a moment like this. As I walk toward Bradley, worry gnaws at my chest.

Why has he shown up unannounced? What could he possibly want to discuss with me?

My heart races as I notice him in his uniform, the crisp lines and polished badge.Stop, you foolish girl, before you get all flustered.

His towering figure commands attention, and I can’t help but feel a rush of nerves.

Nerves now dance throughout my body, sending tingles down my back as I approach him. He nods toward the door, indicating for me to step outside with him. I follow him out into the hallway, the sounds of the classroom fading behind us.

“Amelia,” he begins, his voice serious yet gentle. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to show up unannounced. Especially while you’re at work.”

“Oh, that’s okay. This is the most exciting thing the kids have encountered all day today, most likely.” I laugh. He doesn’t.Don’t be awkward, Amelia.

“Uh, so why are you here?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “Oh my god, sorry, that came out so rude. What Imeantto say was, do you normally check up on people like this? Sorry, I tend to ramble when I’m nervous. Sorry.”

So much for not being awkward, loser.

A smirk appears on his mouth ever so slightly. Are my eyes deceiving me, or did Bradley Mitchell just smirk?

“You’re nervous?” He says, his voice so, so deep.My goodness.

I feel my heart skip a beat, his words sending a jolt of electricity through me. “Y-yes,” I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. “You make me nervous, sorry.”

That slight smirk remains on his face, yet his brows furrow, his eyes holding mine so intensely.

“You just apologised like four times,” he drawls.

My eyes widen.Did I?Omg, how embarrassing. I blush furiously, feeling embarrassed at my nervousness.

“You don’t need to apologise, Amelia,” he says. “If anything, I should be the one apologising for showing up unannouncedandmaking you nervous while you’re at work.”

His words catch me off guard, and I can feel my cheeks burning even hotter. I glance back at the classroom; I notice that all the children are watching us, their eyes wide with curiosity.

“Look, I… I just wanted to make sure you’re okay after yesterday. And no, this isn’t something I normally do. But something about yesterday... It just didn’t sit right with me.”

Oh.Oh.

It’s not something he normally does? Yet he came here anyway to check up on me?Amelia, don’t get your hopes up; the man is just polite.

I hear the kids chatter start picking up, so I look past Bradley’s tall frame, and observe Mrs. Higgins trying to continue reading the story, but it’s clear that the kids are more interested in what’s happening over here.

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