Page 124 of Teacher's Pet

"He won’t be bothering you anymore."

I texted Noah the second Elijah made his bold claim, needing to know what the hell had happened. His response?

"Meet me by my bike after class."

Nothing more. Nothing less.

I barely made it through the rest of my schedule, skipping more classes than I probably should have, but Mrs. Briar’s was the one I promised myself I wouldn’t miss.

Looking at her now, I wonder if she even wants to be here.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice cautious. I keep a fair amount of space between us, not wanting to startle her.

She jolts slightly, clearly not expecting anyone to speak.

Dragging her fingers under her eyes, she wipes away the remnants of what can only be tears.

What the hell is going on?

“I-I’m fine,” she chokes out, the words brittle, crumbling the second they leave her lips.

She’s lying straight through her teeth.

Stepping closer, I gently pluck the pencil from her fingers before she ends up swallowing the eraser at the rate she’s gnawing on it.

“Did something happen before class?” I prod, searching her face, piecing together whatever puzzle this is.

I can’t help but wonder if her not-so-charming husband has anything to do with why she looks like she’s been run through the wringer.

Clearing her throat, she straightens in her chair, her expression hardening.

“I know,” she whispers.

Something in my chest goes still.

I glance at her sharply, schooling my features into the best look of confusion I can muster.

“Know what?”

Playing clueless is the only option I have left.

Her hands tremble as she smooths down the fabric of her skirt, like she needs something to do, something to keep her grounded.

“You know what I’m talking about, Ana.” Her voice is sharper this time, her eyes laced with accusation, “Don’t make me say it out loud.”

My mouth parts, my heartbeat thudding in my ears.

“No, ma’am, I really don’t-”

“Noah.”

The name leaves her lips like a blade.

My stomach drops.

She stares at me, unwavering, the weight of her next words crashing down before they even fully leave her mouth.

“You’re sleeping with him, aren’t you?”

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