Page 42 of His Virgin Angel

“I’m Jack Sosa.”

“Marshall Rivers.” He held out his hand.

Jack gripped his hand, tightening it to the point of pain. It fucking hurt, but Marshall wasn’t about to show it.

“I still don’t understand the point of your visit.”

“I wanted to know why you’ve taken an interest in Piper.”

The way he said her name, he knew there was more going on there than simply a caring guardian, or friend.

“I can’t divulge my students’ information unless I know your relationship to her, and then it’s only going through the principal.”

Jack stared at him, and it kind of reminded him of a snake right before it struck at his prey.

“I don’t know who you are yet, but I know you’re a threat. Piper will no longer be taking any of your classes.”

“That’s not for you to decide.”

“Oh, but it is, and it’s already decided. If I find that you in anyway pose a threat to her, I will end you.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Your biggest mistake was pretending you didn’t know me, Mr. Rivers. Everyone knows me, even if they don’t know everything about me.”

He’d fucked up, but he really hadn’t known what to do.

“Good day, Mr. Rivers.”

Jack left his classroom.

Leaning against the wall, Marshall caught his breath, trying to steady his racing heart. This was why we wanted to become a teacher. He never wanted to battle war between enemies, fighting for land and money.

“You’ve seen his famous face now,” Ronald said, coming into the classroom.

“You need to stop coming here,” Marshall said, gathering his things. “This was a big mistake. He knows something.”

“He doesn’t know my last name. I don’t go by Ronald Rivers. Don’t act all scared. You don’t need to worry. He’ll never know our connection.”

Marshall had heard many stories about the commanding presence of Jack Sosa. He truly didn’t think it was all true, and yet it had been.

The man seemed like the grim fucking reaper.

“You’re going to get us all killed,” Marshall said. “You, me, Louisa, and any number of people you’ve fooled into working for you.”

Ronald shrugged. “It’s a means to an end. Sometimes you have to take a gamble for it all to work.”

“This isn’t some money on a number, Ronald. This is people’s lives. My life.”

“Don’t worry, brother, I’ll handle everything. I’ve not heard from Louisa, so I’m thinking she’s betrayed me. There’s no doubt in my mind. Piper is his girl, and thanks to you, you confirmed it.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Whatever I need to do.”

Ronald left, and Marshall cursed. His life was well and truly fucked. If Jack ever found out the truth, Marshall wouldn’t last. He’d kill him first.

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