Page 11 of Teacher's Pet

I glance down at his hand, my heart racing as the sensation sinks in.

Resting my hand over his, I give his fingers a soft squeeze, silently reassuring him that the touch is more than welcome.

Once Megan and Elijah have gone back to their own conversation, Walker leans in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, "Sorry, that was nerve-wracking as hell, and I didn’t know what to do with my hand."

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. I let myself relax into the feeling of his hand still resting on me.

"It’s okay," I whisper back, allowing the connection between us to settle comfortably.

"So, Walker," Elijah starts up again, his voice smooth with curiosity. "How well do you know those players on the baseball team?"

Objective #2 for Elijah: find more bi-curious men.

I roll my eyes inwardly, excusing myself from the conversation. I grab my tray and make my way toward the bins by the back exit of the dining hall. Tossing away my empty items, the chill of the outside air washes over me as it creeps into the dining hall, calling me to step outside for a moment of relief.

I glance back at the table. The three of them are deep in conversation, so lost in their exchange that they won’t notice if I take a few minutes to breathe.

Stepping outside, I’m met with the quiet stillness of the courtyard. Most students are in class or back in the dining hall, leaving me with the peaceful solitude of the open space.

The golden leaves have begun to turn a murky brown, a subtle sign that winter is on its way. I take in the sight of the gothic architecture that defines the campus, leaning against the wall between two grand pillars, feeling the cool stone against my back, hidden from the world.

I close my eyes, letting the calm of the courtyard seep into my bones.

These moments of stillness bring clarity.

Maybe life doesn’t have to feel like a fine line I’m constantly walking. Maybe I can indulge in the warmth of Walker’s presence and find some solace in my chaotic life.

“Anastasia?”

The voice that cuts through the quiet is grating, sending a cold shiver down my spine.

My eyes snap open, and my heart pounds faster with each beat. Standing in front of me with that cocky, infuriating expression, Cole blocks my view of the peaceful courtyard. He’s standing uncomfortably close, his body radiating heat that makes my skin prickle.

Where the hell is his little sleaze?

“What do you want?” I snap, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

The last thing I want is to entertain a conversation with this man.

"You always were so mouthy," Cole scoffs, taking another step closer. I feel the cool concrete of the wall behind me press into my back, the pillars shielding my friends from seeing how dangerously close he is.

"Which is why I'm here," he continues, his voice low. "I heard whispers the cops might extend their suspect list to this university. If they come sniffing around, the last thing I need is your big mouth saying the wrong thing."

I try to block out the memories of that night, but they claw at the edges of my mind. I shake my head, trying to push them away.

"You know what happened wasn’t my fault. You are the one-"

"You are the one who walked away, Ana," he hisses, his voice venomous. He shoves me back into the wall, the impact stealing my breath for a moment. His hand presses possessively against my hip, while the other closes around my throat, pinning me in place.

I freeze, petrified, unable to move.

"You are the one who got out and tried to help. You compromised both of us," he murmurs, his breath hot against my skin. He squeezes my neck, and I feel my head spin, dizziness creeping in. "I’m finally getting my life together," he whispers, tightening his grip. "The last thing I need is my slutty little ex running her mouth and ruining it all."

His words cut through me, and I gasp, struggling for air.

"Consider this a reminder of how easily I can overpower you," he sneers. "I figured after the first time you wouldn’t need a reminder."

I try to pry his hand off my throat, but it’s like he doesn’t even see me.

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