Page 44 of The Forbidden Note

“How do you know…”

There’s a rustle of fabric and the coffin lid creaks.

At that moment, the top opens. The funeral director peers over us, his face tight with horror.

“Oh my. I’m so sorry.” He extends a hand to me. “Are you okay?”

“We’re fine.” I accept his hand and step out of the coffin.

It feels like we’re walking out of a nightmare.

My feet land on the ground and I start sinking. My legs fell asleep in the coffin and now a million ants are biting up my shin.

Zane wraps his fingers around my upper arms, steadying me.

I shake him off, feeling self-conscious and foolish now that the crisis is over.

“That has never happened before. Truly. Are you sure you two are okay?” He peers intently at me. I guess I look as haggard and weary as I feel.

“Yeah.” I clear my throat. “We should, uh, discuss the funeral arrangement now.”

“No,” Zane says stiffly.

I glance at him in shock.

He narrows his eyes at me. “You will.”

I remain in place, totally confused.

He juts his chin at the door. “I have things to do. Text me the details.”

“Are you kidding? You’re just leaving?”

Zane smiles, but it’s one of the cruel smirks. A villainous twist of his lips that makes me clench my fists.

My eyes darken in response.

“Let me remind you, tiger. We’re playing my game now.” He advances on me, blue eyes glittering. “You want to be treated like a teacher at Redwood. This is what that means.”

“Screw you,” I hiss.

His eyes are flat. His tone, cold. “You already did.”

I stiffen.

We’re locked in a challenging stare.

Two bulls clashing in the middle of a colosseum.

I remember his threat.

Do you want them to find out I touched you the way no student should touch a teacher?

He arches an eyebrow.

Jaw clenched, I glance at the funeral director. “I’ll take over from here.”

Zane stalks off without a word.

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