Page 129 of Teacher's Pet

"Roman Briar is a prominent face in Spokehaven,"I argue, forcing reason into my voice."There’s no way he’d jeopardize his family’s safety by associating with a killer like Echo-”

"Really?"Jake sneers."Because your altered social security number was flagged today. Things like that don’t happen unless you’ve made some very powerful people suspicious.”

Fuck.

Edentoldme.

Told me about Roman’s suspicions.

Begged me to give my side.

And I had saidnothing.

Now I see the real storm brewing.

"I have no quarrel with the Briars-”

"Yes, you do."Jake’s voice sharpens."You’re my brother, which means my enemies are yours.”

I grit my teeth, dread pooling like lead in my stomach.

"Listen, I’m willing to let you keep playing teacher, getting intel on the Briars. But I don’t have the luxury of loose ends.”He lets out a slow, deliberate sigh."If you’ve gone and fallen in love with a student, I assure you, I can quickly make that problem go away.”

Rage ignites like gasoline in my veins.

"She is nothing,"I hiss, forcing the words out before my emotions can betray me."Leave her out of this."

"Right,”Jake scoffs, amusement dripping from his tone."Well, then this should be simple. You get me what I need on the Briars, and Ana stays out of my grasp.”

His voice turns smug, taunting.

"Unless, of course, you need some extra motivation to do what I ask-”

Something inside me snaps.

I have tosellthis.

Have to make himbelieveshe’s nothing.

"I get what I want. You get what you want,"I snarl, forcing my voice into something cold, something cruel."Whatever piece of ass I’m tapping is none of your concern. If you’re smart, you’ll stay far away. I’m sure you’d love to dig into my wares, but I assure you-"

I clench my jaw, forcing out the final blow.

"When I’m done with the little whore, there won’t be much left to have fun with.”

Silence.

Then, a low chuckle.

"You’re right about one thing,"Jake murmurs."If you don’t do what I want… there will be nothing left of her.”

That’s when Elijah walked in.

He had heard too much and knew too little.

And after Eden overheard his outburst... I knew.

IknewI had to keep Ana far away from the storm my brother was creating.

---