Page 27 of The Forbidden Note

Distracting me with those full lips.

Making me feel like an awful human being for noticing those things about a student.

“Any questions about the chapter you read?” I ask.

A hand shoots up. “Not a question so much as a rant.”

“Go ahead, Maisy.”

“I readRomeo and Julietand I still don’t understand. Why make life so complicated? If you know youshouldn’tbe with someone, then don’t. I’m tired of the drawn-out, forbidden love story. Shakespeare should write something else.”

I lick my lips. “That’s an interesting stance. But I’d like to point out two things. One—Shakespeare wrote many different types of plays. Two—Romeo and Julietis a tragedy not a love story.”

“I disagree.”

My pulse begins to hum and I look up with the rest of the class to the Redwood prince lounging in his chair.

Unlike the other students who at leasttryto adhere to the school rules, Zane doesn’t bother. He’s a walking dress code violation from his tight-black T-shirt to his scrunched up jacket sleeves, jeans and military boots.

Tendrils of his violet-black hair skate lazily over his eyes.

I fold my arms over my chest, heat skittering down my spine. “And what do you disagree with, Mr. Cross?”

“A tragedy. A love story.” He moves his drumstick back and forth. “It doesn’t have to be one or the other. It can be both.”

“Love stories should end in happily ever afters.” Maisy is my best student and she’s also competitive.

Her face mashes into a frown. “This play ends with the two main characters dying.”

“But they diebecauseof being crazily in love. You can’t have the tragedy without the romance. That’s like a one-night stand without the sex.” A wicked glint in his eyes, he adds casually, “Romeo and Juliet were banging when they weren’t supposed to. They knew what could happen, but they did it anyway. Even if you don’t call it love, you gotta admit it’s something close.”

Hot pockets of sweat roll down my back.

My nostrils flare.

Zane stares me down. “Right, Miss Jamieson?”

My chest heaves.

I curl my fingers into fists.

Maisy turns to look at me.

So does the rest of the class.

I offer a wooden smile. “I think this is exactly whyRomeo and Julietis still relevant today. There’s a lot to be discussed. Now, if we’ll move on to chapter—”

“Cop out.”

My eyes meet Zane’s sky-blue ones, and I swear, as light as they are, I see shadows gathering like a storm to crowd his gaze.

My back stiffens. “Mr. Cross?”

“You didn’t answer the question.”

I narrow my eyes in response. “And what exactly was your question?”

“Falling for someone you can’t have. Losing everything in the end.” His eyes caress me. “Love story or tragedy?”

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