Page 17 of Devil's Bargain

He smirks and stretches his arms above his head. I don’t miss the way his t-shirt rides up and reveals a trail of dark hairs that lead down to the front of his jeans and beyond...

My cheeks warm.

“So, what are we dealing with?” he asks, leaning forward and scanning his eyes over the paper while I take in every detail of his rugged face.

God, he’s good-looking! I can’t believe Emily fucked him for two years. Lucky woman!

He rubs his mouth in thought and makes some notes.

I try not to stare, but it’s hard. His dark hair curls enticingly at the nape of his neck, and he has this sharp jaw that begs to be traced with kisses.

The clearing of a throat next to me startles me enough to make me jump in my seat.

“It’s a group assignment, April. Are you helping Rick?” Scott asks, crossing his arms. He’s dressed in a navy-blue shirt and a slim black tie. His pant-clad crotch is staring me in the face.

He smirks as if he knows where my thoughts have strayed.

Rick looks up from the paper. “It’s okay, Mr. Scott. We’ve discussed it, and I’m writing down the findings.”

Scott quirks an eyebrow. “Have you now?” His eyes are intent on me.

Shame crawls across my skin as I drop my gaze to the table.

“Yes!” Rick’s voice is sharp.

Scott taps his knuckles on the desk. “Very well. I need to see you after class, April.”

His footsteps retreat, but I keep my head down. My vision is blurred with tears. Sometimes, I feel fucking useless!

“Hey,” Rick says softly. “He’s a dick! Ignore him.” He lifts my chin and searches my eyes. “It’s just a task. It’s not the end of the world.”

I blink rapidly and wet my lips. “Maybe not for you, Rick. But for people like me, failing mathisthe end of the world.”

“People like me?”

I gesture to his clothes. His shoes. “Everything you wear costs more than my mom could ever hope to earn in a month. The car you drive…” I avert my gaze. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s just finish this.”

He wouldn’t understand. His life is easy. He doesn’t have to sell himself to afford the rent because his parents are useless.

As if sensing where my mood has gone, he sighs. “Alright.”

I feel bad for snapping at him.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper as he lowers the pen to the paper. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

He looks up. “It’s okay. I get it.”

He doesn’t, but I don’t point that out. “Do you miss Emily?” I ask before I can stop myself. Squeezing my eyes shut, I curse. “Sorry, you don’t have to answer that.”

He swallows thickly. “It’s okay.”

I meet his hazel eyes. “It’s not! I’m sorry!”

Collecting my bag, I stand up and walk out. What the fuck is Scott going to do? Fail me? Choke me with his dick? He’ll do that anyway.

I burst through the main doors, ignoring Mr. Emerson and his pink slips. He can shove them up his backside.

I hurry down the front steps and run over to my car. As soon as I’m inside, I strap my seatbelt on and make my escape.

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