“You’re right, it’s not the only way, just the most effective one. Usually when there is mint chip ice cream involved.”

“Now, that’s something I haven’t had in a really long time.”

“I know, everybody forgets about the power of the mint.” This has her throwing her head back and letting out a roar of a laugh.

“The power of the mint. That is classic, I’m definitely stealing that line.” She catches her breath, and adds, “Okay, when would you like me to stop by?”

“Today would be fine, I mean, it is only ten past eight in the morning.” I point out, noticing the look on her face when she realizes she’s late.

“Oh snap, I’ve gotta go. See you later!” She calls out over her shoulder.

Yes, my dear, I’ll see you later but not before I see what the others are up to first. I watch her scurry off until I can’t see her any longer, that’s when I turn around and leave.

“Time to get to work.”

Chapter Twenty Four

Athens

Goodness,Ican’tbelieveI’m late. Ugh, nothing is worse than that when you’re trying to set an example for your students or class, or whatever the heck you call them.

I’m so frustrated that I charge into the classroom and start firing off directions and whatnot, not giving them a chance to do what I’m asking.

“What’s wrong, Teach? Need to let that frustration out on someone?” Carson calls out.

“That outburst will land you in the dean’s office, Mr. Rider, but keep it up if you don’t mind that.” I’m not in the mood for these shenanigans at all. We’re not even two months into the semester. I just need to breathe.

“As long as you’re there, I’ll go with a smile.” Talk about smiles, I watch as his face morphs with a grotesque smile that gives me the creeps while we have a staring contest.

I won’t let him intimidate me in my own classroom, so I give it my all and pray to God I don’t blink first.

After what feels like an eternity, he looks away first.

“Now, get out your textbooks and turn to page seventy-five and get ready to discuss what you’ve learned from the chapter.” I say, still staring at him, waiting for him to make another move.

“If I were you, Carson, I’d let the professor teach her class, or Iwillhave you thrown out.“ I would know that voice anywhere because it’s like warm honey, it just drips from his mouth and wraps itself around my body, making it feel all warm inside.

Why does Wyck keep crashing my classes? My biology lectures are the same all day. He just sits there baiting me. Thinking he’s gonna win this game we play. Each time the heat between us melts my panties. But he’s not gonna break me. I did try to go to the dean but it seems he’s right about one thing, he seems to own this school. There’s nothing I can do to officially stop him.

Carson growls like a caged animal. “You can’t do that, Wyck.” Pretty sure spit just flew from his mouth because he’s angry.

“Wanna bet?” Wyck challenges, and I have to put a stop to it.

“Gentleman, if you are quite done, I’d like to continue on with my class.” Our eyes meet, mine settling on Wyck while his burn holes the size of craters into Carson’s head.

“Please, continue, Miss A.” I don’t know whether to call him out for calling me something else besides my name or offer him a warm smile for standing up for me.

“Thank you.” I speak loud and clear, continuing on.

The entire time, I could feel the tension rolling off them as I moved fluidly across the room, continuing on like nothing ever happened.

By the end of class, my palms are sweaty, my pits need a new coat of deodorant, and I’m in desperate need of some wine.

“Alright, class, time’s up. Please deposit your exams on my desk. Hope you have a good weekend, I’ll see you Monday.” My voice comes out shaky, but I cover it up with a warm smile.

“You may have escaped me this time, Hellcat, but your knight in shining armor won’t be there to save you next time.” Carson grunts near me as he slams his test on my desk. Wyck wastes no time reaching out and grabbing his wrist and twisting it in an unusual angle as Carson first cries out, but that soon turns into evil laughter. “Oh, I finally think I’ve found something that makes you tick.”

“If you value your life, Carson, you will walk the fuck away right now, or when I get you alone, your death won’t come fast enough. Begging and screaming for mercy while I rip your body to shreds right before I take your fucking life.” Wyck whispers, but it’s loud enough that I hear the promising threat behind it.