Page 120 of Teacher's Pet

Storming across the room, I jab my finger into his chest, shoving him back a step. I get so close I can smell her on him, that familiar, intoxicating scent clinging to his skin.

His eyes widen.

He knows.

“I know,” I snarl. “I know about Ana. I know what you’ve been doing to her, and I know what it’s doing to her.”

My voice is darker than I’ve ever heard it.

“If you don’t want to leave this classroom bleeding, you’re going to cut off whatever the hell this is today. Right now.” I breathe hard through my nose, barely restraining the need to swing. “She may be just a little whore for your pleasure to you, but I won’t let you hurt her more than you already have, you sick, pedophilic piece o-”

Pain.

Sudden, sharp, crushing pain explodes across the side of my head.

Before I can react, I’m shoved forward, my skull colliding with the desk.

The world spins. My chest heaves.

He’s on me in an instant, his weight pressing down, his fingers digging into my skin like claws, holding me in place like some cornered animal.

My breath stutters.

“Do you think you can walk in here and threaten me, kid?” he snaps, his voice low and venomous. “Do you really think you understand anything about what’s happening here? You overheard one conversation and suddenly you’re judge, jury, and executioner?”

I grit my teeth.

“So it’s true?” I force out, my voice strained as I try to lift my head. “You’re fucking Ana? Using her like she’s some cheap whore?”

His body stiffens. His grip on me falters for just a fraction of a second.

I hit a nerve.

“She is not a whore,” Mr. Ackerman grinds out, his voice dangerous. “Let’s get that straight.”

Then, just as fast as he grabbed me, he lets go.

I stumble back, my head still ringing, watching as he runs a shaking hand through his hair, his breathing uneven.

“So… you too?” His voice drops to a whisper, something unreadable flashing behind his eyes. “What? Did Walker put you up to this? Too scared to confront me himself, so he sends her best friend to do his dirty work?”

Walker?

What the fuck is he talking about?

My confusion must be obvious because he narrows his eyes.

“Walker,” he repeats, his voice cold. “He did the same thing you’re doing. Trying to find a way to hurt her.”

The words hit me sideways.

He’s lying. He has to be.

“You say that like you care about her,” I snap, stepping forward. “How many students have you gotten away with fucking?”

His jaw tightens.

I take a step back when he moves toward me, but it’s too late.

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