Page 55 of Hollow Heart

“Oh, uh... hold on,” I reply as I lean forward, feeling oversized in the deep, ass swallowing seat.

My fingers are thicker than the keys, so it takes a couple tries to get the name ofPreston Academytapped out along with the address, but as soon as I do, Felix wastes no time backing out and practically speeding off.

Normally, I’d probably be concerned about how fast he’s going, but with my anxious heart and Principal Weatherby’s phone call, it’s almost like he can’t drive fast enough.

When we finally arrive at the academy, it’s in record time. I’m kind of surprised we didn’t get pulled over, but I’m thanking my lucky stars.

“Do you... want me to go with you?” Felix asks, and I can tell he’s somewhat uncomfortable, but I appreciate his attempt to be nice.

“I’m good, thanks.” I say the words much more briskly than I mean to, but I don’t really have time to waste.

“I’ll just stay in the car, then.” He nods, chewing his lip, the lip ring jiggling from his obvious fidgeting.

I nod back and climb from the expensive seat of the car, heading into the school.

I buzz the front desk, letting them know I’m here to pick my kid up, and they let me in without a fuss.

When I round the corner to the office, I meet Bobby’s gaze immediately. His eyebrows shoot up, and he looks worried, his lip swollen something fierce, streaks of dried blood accentuating the reality of what happened, but true to the Principal’s word, he looks just fine otherwise.

Well, a bit shaken up, but fine physically.

“Dad!” He jumps up and I don’t wait to pull him into a hug. His arms hover at my waist, as if he’s afraid to return the action, but I can’t say that I blame him.

I turn to see the Principal standing behind the counter. The man nods in greeting.

“We take fighting very seriously, and as such, Robert will receive a one day out of school suspension, while the other student will receive out of school suspension for the rest of the week.”

I ease up a little bit knowing whatever little asshole is responsible for my kid’s busted lip is at least getting some form of punishment, but I still don’t think Bobby should have to be punished at all. Especially if he was defending himself.

“Understood,” I say sternly as I nod at the principal.

“Come on, Bobby, let’s get out of here. You can give me the highlights on the way home.” I wrap my arm around hisshoulders and escort him out. Once we are out of the office, his entire body slumps and he won’t even look at me.

“Bobby...”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Dad, can we just...”

“No. You don’t get to weasel out of this one,” I say, shaking my head. “I had to leave rehearsal early, and you know I’m practically a zombie today, and?—”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to be such aninconvenience,” he bites, pushing through the solid doors.

I pick up my pace, my blood boiling once more as I chase after him.

“Don’t cop an attitude with me, Robert James,” I hiss as I catch up to him. I nearly knock him over as he stops, looking for the truck, obviously.

Which isn’t to be found, and suddenly I feel more on the spot than ever.

“Dad, where’s the?—”

My heart stops as I see Felix get out of his Porsche, all languid and badass, his aviators on like he’s God’s gift to women and men everywhere.

The last part is a strange assumption, but I don’t doubt he isn’t filling some man’s dreams somewhere.

Felix takes his shades off, narrowing his eyes at me and my son.

“Ah... you must be the kid,” he says as he approaches us cautiously.

I don’t miss Bobby’s wide eyes or his stutter as he looks between us.

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