Page 108 of Teacher's Pet

Before my mind can spiral further, a deep, rasped voice slices through the silence.

“You’re not Mr. Ackerman… are you?”

The question startles me.

Snapping my head up, I lock eyes with a man who is tall, dark, and entirely too intense.

His stare alone could peel back layers of skin, sinking into something deeper, something more dangerous.

The tattoo wrapping around his neck draws my attention first, dark vines and thorns, inked in sharp, interwoven lines. It stops just below his ear, like a warning.

Then there’s the gold band wrapped around his ring finger, gleaming under the harsh overhead lights.

Married?

Who the hell is this guy?

“No,” I whisper, gripping my pencil tighter. “He usually comes in fifteen minutes before the bell.”

The man gives a curt nod, then strides toward Noah’s desk without hesitation.

With zero hesitation, he rummages through Noah’s things.

Blatantly.

Like he has every damn right to be here.

My breath catches.

Who the hell does this guy think he is?

“Can I ask why you need him?” My voice comes out steadier than I feel.

But he doesn’t bother looking at me.

Doesn’t acknowledge the question.

Instead, he shoves a thick envelope into his coat pocket like he just finished a routine errand.

“Just needed something with his full legal name,” he mutters. “Mail will do.”

Mail?

My stomach drops.

Is this guy fucking insane?

Or worse, does he have a reason for what he’s doing?

The hair on my arms stands on end as I try again.

“Are you his friend?”

This time, he actually looks at me.

Not just a glance.

A lingering, razor-sharp stare.

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