Page 40 of Teacher's Pet

I narrow my eyes. "Sophomores are required to live on campus-"

"Not if your family pays enough to administration to turn a blind eye to that silly little rule," he interrupts, flashing an egotistical grin that makes my fingers itch to rearrange his teeth.

This little shit.

I’ve seen his kind all over campus. The rich, entitled brats who have never worked a day in their lives, who think their family name is a free pass to do whatever the hell they want. In front of Ana, he plays it well, humble, unassuming. But out here, with no one to impress? The mask slips.

"You talk like you have Briar money," I scoff.

For some reason, when Eden first mentioned her last name, it didn’t click. Eden isn’t justanyprofessor. The Briars are one of the wealthiest families in town. And yet, they don’t flaunt it. From what I’ve seen firsthand, they carry their wealth with quiet power, not arrogance.

Walker? He’s the opposite.

"Not quite, but pretty damn close," he smirks. "Gilmore real estate. My family owns this building."

He pats the marble wall by my door like I’m supposed to be impressed. Like I should be bowing at his fucking feet.

If only he knew who he was talking to.

My family’s affairs would make his look like a lemonade stand.

"Must be a recent move if I’m only now seeing you."

"Since the semester started," he says, shrugging. "Figured I’d rather have my own place than bring women back to a dorm." His grin widens, smug. "But, given how much time I’ve been spending with Ana thanks to your class, it seems I made the smart move."

My grip tightens around my keys, but I keep my expression unreadable.

"If you say so," I mutter, already done with this conversation.

I shift toward my door, making it clear I have better things to do than entertain his bullshit.

"Well, I have papers to grade-"

"It’s actually great I ran into you," Walker interrupts, that arrogant smirk still plastered on his face. "My apartment’s at the very end of this hallway. Figured it’s my neighborly duty to let you know things might get a bit loud tonight. So, you know, don’t hesitate to tell us to keep it down."

I arch a brow, already hating where this is going.

"Big plans with Ana tonight?" The words slip out before I can stop them, my curiosity getting the best of me.

Walker grins, eyes glinting with something smug.

"Plans with her and a few others. Throwing a little back-to-school get together. You know how these things go, a little too much vodka, and suddenly no one knows how to keep their voices down when they’re having a good time."

The way he says it.

Theimplicationlaced in his tone.

It takes everything in me not to slam his head against the fucking wall.

"You realize telling me all of this isn’t exactly in your best interest, right?" I say, my voice steady. "It’s a school night, and you’re openly admitting your plans to get wasted-"

"I just want to make sure we’re clear, Mr. Ackerman," he cuts in, his voice shifting, laced with something darker. "If Ana does decide to show up here tonight, the last thing either of us needs is her somehow finding her way to your apartment."

I go still.

The words hit me like a slow-burning fuse.

"What the fuck are you insinuating?"

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