Page 130 of Teacher's Pet

The one piece of solace I had in all this chaos is now slipping right through my fingers.

Gripping the keys to my bike, I tip back what’s left in my flask, knowing damn well there isn’t enough whiskey in the world to soften the blow of this conversation.

I was vague with Ana. Gave her little context for why I needed to see her. The last thing I need is Roman Briar knocking on her door, followed by Seth Antonov cornering them both to get what he wants.

Ana is not safe with me.

And that... that’s a reality Ican’tstomach.

“Drinking before you’re even off campus?”

Her soft voice cuts through the air, laced with an uneasy laugh.

Reality slams back into me as our eyes lock.

She shifts uncomfortably, her movements hesitant. Her eyes are swollen, her cheeks red, streaked with the evidence of wiped-away tears.

Who made her cry?

No.

Ican’tdo this.

Ican’tmake her my problem.

“Seemed fitting,” I murmur, keeping my tone vague.

“Fitting? How so?” She glances around, cautious. “Why meet here and not at your apartment?”

Fuck.

Here goes everything.

“You’re not coming back to my apartment,” I say, voice sharp.

Her face falls.

“Not for Walker. And sure ashellnot for me.”

Forcing the anger into my tone, I let it wrap around every syllable like barbed wire.

She takes a step closer.

“Noah-”

Holding up my hand, I step back.

“Don’t fucking call me that. Don’t say my name like we know each other.”

Her lips part, confusion flashing across her face.

“Did something happen-”

“Yes.”

The word comes out like a gunshot.

I grab the front of her shirt, yanking her toward me, making her stumble.

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