Page 68 of Teacher's Pet

Cole stiffens, fumbling to fix his pants, his face flush with embarrassment.

Taking the opportunity, Elijah and I slip past the tension-thick crowd, weaving toward Ana.

But Walker isn’t done.

A rough grip latches onto my arm, halting any escape.

"She’ll fuck you over-" Walker starts, voice thick with something almost desperate.

The response is immediate.

"Go to hell," Ana hisses.

Ana moves without hesitation, prying his fingers off with ease.

"I’ll expose you-" Walker tries again.

Ana doesn’t flinch.

"Go ahead," she snaps, eyes flashing. "Let’s see if anyone believes you. You’ve pissed off some powerful people, Walker. Daddy’s money won’t hide your little track record with women."

Walker’s face twists, but no words come out.

Ana’s attention shifts.

Cole.

The shift is instant, her posture stiffens as her voice lowers.

"You both should tread carefully." Her warning is lethal. "I’m done being your goddamn punching bag."

No one stops her as she turns, dragging Elijah and me through the crowd, leaving no room for either of them to speak.

No more threats. No more games.

Ana has finally won.

"Ana, what the fuck? Where were you?" My voice comes out harsher than I intend, but I don’t care.

She lingers in the hallway, arms crossed, looking as if she’s already bracing for a fight.

"Meg, I got caught up with other things-"

"No way," I snap, stepping closer. "Is he here? The guy who’s been consuming your every thought?"

Ana’s silence is answer enough.

Guilt flashes across her face, and before I can push further, Elijah finally speaks up.

"I think maybe we should take this back to the dorm-"

"Then go," I cut him off, the words laced with frustration. "I’m not leaving until Ana and I are done with this conversation."

Elijah’s jaw tightens as he looks to Ana for confirmation.

She hesitates, then whispers, "Go. I’ll see you tomorrow."

He doesn’t move right away, gaze flicking between the two of us, something unreadable in his expression.

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