Page 186 of Teacher's Pet

Their families stand alone, glancing around anxiously, searching, just as I am.

A sharp unease grips me as I push through the crowd of people, weaving between clusters of conversation. My pulse hammers in my ears when I spot Megan and Elijah. Without hesitation, I cut into their exchange with their parents.

"Sorry to interrupt," I whisper, my voice hushed but urgent. "I’m your kids’ English teacher, and I was hoping to discuss their recent reports before the night gets away from me."

Elijah and Megan exchange a look, catching the hint despite their parents’ puzzled expressions.

"It’ll only take a second," Elijah says smoothly, flashing a polite smile as he steers Megan away from their families and toward me.

The moment we’re clear, Megan rounds on me, her tone sharp. "Care to explain?"

I don’t have time for her attitude.

"Was Ana with you guys?" I demand.

Their shared look of confusion sets my nerves even further on edge.

"No," Elijah murmurs, glancing at Megan. "Her parents were talking with ours, but they couldn’t seem to spot her in the crowd. Meg and I figured she was with you somewhere, as much as we wish she wasn’t-"

"You haven’t seen her at all?" I press, urgency slipping into my voice.

Megan scoffs, arms crossing over her chest. "I thought I saw her by the drink table a little while ago. She was talking to your brother, the guy from the bar-"

Her voice fades.

My heart slams against my ribs.

I don’t wait for her to finish. My hand is already in my pocket, pulling out my phone as I turn away.

My finger trembles as I scroll through my contacts and press his name.

The ringing stretches on, each second tightening the knot in my stomach. When he finally picks up, my breath catches.

"I was wondering when I’d get your call," Jake drawls, his voice dripping with malice.

"N-Noah?" Ana’s voice trembles on the other end, raw with fear. Every defensive instinct in me ignites.

"Is that Noah-"

"I told you to keep your mouth shut!" Jake snarls.

Ana yelps. The sound sends a bolt of terror through me.

"Don’t you fucking dare hurt her-" I hiss.

"Already have," Jake sneers. "And I’ll keep going if you don’t listen."

My jaw locks as I scan the crowd, desperate for a glimpse of Roman, hoping he’s finished whatever the hell he and Eden disappeared to do.

"You have my attention," I snap. "What the fuck do you want?"

"I told you what would happen if you didn’t listen to me," he says smoothly. "Ana is clearly a distraction-"

"Don’t listen to him, Noah-" Ana cuts in, her voice urgent.

"Alright," Jake muses. "Clearly, you need a lesson."

"Jake-" I try to stop him, but Ana’s scream rips through the phone.

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