Page 14 of Gifted

“I don’t know, but it’s going to take a lot more than canned questions in a classroom. How will we have a different experience in here if we act the same way they do out there?” I allow my eyes to wander to Daniel and flinch at his intense return stare. Another layer strips away before he averts his gaze. He isn’t remotely the person they think. Why does he play the part?

“I see. Well, I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m sure your experience is the exception not the rule.”

“For the sake of all those here, I hope so, but I doubt it.”

The instructor fixes her gaze on Daniel. “Is there a specific example you’d like to share, Rebecca?”

Daniel’s glare turns hot at her taunt, and my pulse races.

“No. I’m new, like you said…”

“Sure, but something you experienced shaped your opinion. What’s the gossip that concerns you?”

“Leave her alone, Chambers. You know she’s talking about me,” Daniel mutters. He challenges the room with a direct stare. “You all protect yourselves and your status by sharing a common enemy. You want peace and harmony? That’s the only way you’ll get it. Agree to hate someone more than you hate each other.”

“Daniel…”

“What? That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it? You want honesty? You want me to participate in these stupid verbal orgies? Well, there’s your truth. Go masturbate to that.”

The instructor slams her notebook on the floor. “That’s enough!”

“Oh, right,” he says with a smirk. “You only want the shiny brochure-honesty. If that’s what you’re looking for, why the hell do you keep making me come to these?”

She purses her lips, back stiff. “Alright, I think we’re done for today. We’ll meet again this afternoon after private sessions. For now, take some downtime before morning activities.”

“Not you,” she says to Daniel when the rest of us rise to leave. His expression is blank as he slouches in his chair and studies the floor. I hesitate, looking from her to Daniel.

“Do you need something?” Chambers asks me, impatient. I’m sure I didn’t win many points with her today either.

I pull in a breath, raking my mind for a response. “We’re roommates. I was just waiting for him so we could walk back together.”

Surprised, the older woman crosses her arms, stare hardening on Daniel. “Really? A new friend, Daniel?”

The corner of his mouth lifts in a mocking half-smile. “You know me. We’re starting a book club actually. You want in?”

Asshole. My eyes narrow on him as heat spreads over my cheeks. Is he serious? The jerk won’t even look at me. So much for giving him the benefit of the doubt.

“I guess I won’t wait then,” I fire back. Maybe his jaw tightens at my retort, but he certainly doesn’t apologize or try to stop me as I storm off. This is what I get for standing up for him.

Once outside, I face the door to hide from passing students as emotion threatens my barrier. I should’ve known our breakthrough yesterday was all in my head. I’m not special in his world. Heck, maybe he’s not even misunderstood. Maybe he’s just a dick like everyone says.

Unfortunately, my position leaves me with a clear view of the door window and a backrow seat to Instructor Chamber’s animated tirade once they’re alone. Daniel studies the floor while she barks at him, flinching a few times, but otherwise, barely reacting. When she finishes, he looks up and says something that sends her into a rage. He stands to leave, and she shoves him back into the chair, screaming as he rests his head in his hands. I find it fascinating how he can absorb her fury without acknowledging it. Suddenly, she calms down as if a switch flips, and squats to his eye-level. This time, he just nods in response to her lecture, and she lets him go. As in, toward the exit—and me. Shit!

I’d gotten so caught up in the show, I forgot I was supposed to be storming off. I quickly escape into the flow of students, hoping my three step head-start is enough to avoid a guy who’s quickly becoming unavoidable. But this one’s on me. Yet again, I could have run and didn’t. His very essence sucks me in, capturing my fascination with these perplexing dimensions I can’t seem to figure out. No more, though. He wants to push me away? By all means. We’re starting a book club. Bah.

I pick up my pace and think maybe I’m in the clear when a tug on my arm sends me crashing into a pillar of muscle. Hisfamiliar scent—a sensual mix of spice and leather—combined with the instinctive reaction of my bloodstream tells me everything I need to know.

“Ouch, watch it,” Daniel says, releasing that deadly smirk before scanning the hall and pulling me into an empty classroom.

“What do you want?” I ask, yanking my arm away. At least I wore long-sleeves today. I’m not in the mood for more disturbing visions, even if I’m tempted to make contact by slapping that sardonic smile off his face. Maybe I would’ve risked it if his face could handle another blow—and I didn’t want to kiss him just as much. Gosh, I hate this strange, confusing, beautiful boy.

“Wow, you’re really upset,” he says, flirting with an amused expression that makes me bristle. Gah, he’s infuriating!

“What do you care? Or do you really want to start a book club?”

His smile grows as he pulls out a chair. “Will you sit?”

“What?”

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