Page 171 of Teacher's Pet

Ana.

She stands there, holding out a handkerchief, her delicate fingers steady despite the silent concern written all over her face.

"You better explain what just happened," she whispers, her voice low, guarded. Then, with a glance toward the dance floor, she adds, "After you dance with me."

For the first time all night, a small, tired smile pulls at my lips.

Chapter 31

Anastasia

"Is this allowed?" Noah whispers, his voice low, his nose still red from Roman’s punch.

I don’t give him a chance to protest. Gripping his wrist, I drag him toward the center of the gazebo, weaving through the swaying couples under the golden glow of the lights.

"It’s for charity," I whisper back. "Teachers sponsor dances with students. It’s a way to show how ‘hands-on’ the staff is." I smirk, dabbing away the last trace of blood from his skin. "Besides, we need to talk about what the hell I just saw."

Other staff members awkwardly shuffle with students, the hum of the music masking our conversation.

I tilt my head, arching a brow. "So, dance with me, Professor."

Noah doesn’t hesitate. His hands find my waist as I wrap my arms around his neck, the warmth of his touch grounding me. His eyes roam over my face, lingering like he’s memorizing every detail.

"You look fucking breathtaking, Princess," he murmurs.

Heat rises to my cheeks.

"You don’t look so bad yourself, handsome," I tease. Then, pressing closer, I add, "But flattery aside, you’re telling me what just happened."

He exhales slowly, pulling me into a gentle sway. His grip tightens.

"I’m handling the problem."

"By letting Roman Briar punch you?" I scoff.

Noah shakes his head, leaning in just enough that his breath ghosts across my skin. "Jake needs to believe I threatened Roman. He needs to think I’m under his control."

I narrow my eyes. "And the truth?"

Noah hesitates, then quietly, "I asked Roman for help."

I stiffen. A chill snakes down my spine. "How do you know that’s safe? How do you know Roman won’t lump you in with-"

"I don’t." His voice is resolute. "All I know is that you will be safe. That’s the only thing that matters to me right now."

The song slows, and he dips me back with it.

For a moment, everything else fades. Our noses barely graze, his grip steady, his breath mingling with mine.

"That will be the only thing that ever matters to me," he whispers, his gaze locking onto mine, "so long as you are in my life."

I want to kiss him.

Fuck.

I want to kiss him and disappear from this place. I want to run, far, far away, and never look back.

But the moment shatters.

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