Page 138 of Teacher's Pet

I know what happens when Noah and I “speak alone.”

It’s never just talking.

“Sure,” I murmur, but before he can take another step, I grab Walker’s arm, anchoring myself to something.

“But I have plans with Walker,” I add, my voice smooth, calculated. “So make it quick.”

Walker doesn’t argue.

In fact, he looks fucking thrilled to be dragged into whatever this is.

Noah’s jaw tightens.

“My conversation is not for Walker,” he warns.

“Well,” Walker grins, leaning into the tension like it’s a goddamn sport, “it is now. So go ahead.”

Noah flicks his gaze between us, waiting for me to say something, to dismiss Walker, to give in.

I don’t.

“What?” I challenge, tilting my head. “If you don’t have anything useful to say, then next time, just email my student email instead of bothering me.”

Walker laughs, slow and smug. “You heard the woman.” He gestures toward the door. “Run along, Ackerman.”

Noah exhales sharply, a humorless smile curling at his lips.

Then, he scoffs, lazily looking at the floor.

“Right.” His voice drops, mocking, laced with something venomous. “I’ve been around such lovely people lately, I almost forgot how fucking arrogant you are-”

Then it happens.

Without hesitation, without warning, Noah lunges.

Walker doesn’t even see it coming.

In a single movement, Noah grabs him, slamming him against the wall so hard the air rushes from his lungs.

The room spins.

My heart stops.

And then...

The glint of a blade.

Noah presses a knife to Walker’s throat, his grip unyielding, his expression feral.

The rage in his eyes is terrifying.

“Do you want to keep pissing me off?” he snarls, his voice unrecognizable. “You know where I was those two months. And you know damn well I can be long gone before you even open your fucking mouth about this.”

Walker stiffens, his chest rising and falling in short, uneven breaths.

“Noah-” I choke, but catch myself. “Mr. Ackerman. What the fuck-”

Walker’s voice is strained, barely a breath.

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