Page 12 of Wicked Knight

“You’re an animal.”

“Finally. Eyes wide open.”

“I’m going to tell Aunt Vittoria about this assault. You will never work in this town again.” I made to walk past him, but he gripped my shoulder and effectively stopped me in my tracks. I glared at him. “Let me go.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because, Ms. Salvatore, you need to be taught a lesson.” He cupped my face, then moved his hands down to my throat. “What did you think was going to happen when you decided to come to my office? That I would melt into a puddle of want at your feet like all the other boys at your school?”

“What? No?” I furrowed my eyes at him. “What boys?”

“You want a better grade? I have a new assignment for you. And it’s due next Friday before the end of class.” He smirked at me.

His gaze dropped to my lips, and for the longest minute, I thought he was going to kiss me. So this was his punishment? A silly game? Well, Professor Gallo had another thing coming because I was the queen of silly games.

“What’s the assignment?”

“Go home, Ms. Salvatore. I will text you.” He gestured toward the door. And then, as if he hadn’t just humiliated me with a ridiculous spanking, he ambled around his desk and resumed the task he’d been working on when I first walked in.

“You’re a beast.”

He glanced up and stared for several breaths. “I know.”

I opened my mouth to insult him again, but I couldn’t come up with anything halfway intelligent. Damn him. I didn’t want him to think I was some stupid girl and that was exactly what he reduced me to just now. I turned on my heel and stormed out of his office. I ran to the stairwell, then out the front door. I didn’t stop until I had put enough distance between myself and Luca’s building.

How dare he?

A loud car honk brought me back to reality. When I glanced up, I spotted Enzo climbing out of his SUV and dashing toward me. “Jesus, Donata, what happened? Aren’t you freezing?” He removed his coat and draped it over my shoulders.

I reached for my backpack and realized I had left in Luca’s office, along with my jacket and sweater. My cheeks burned hot at the memory of Luca bending me over his desk and exposing my ass just so he could spank it. Omigod. I was never going to be able to look him in the eye again.

“Nothing.” I shot a glance over my shoulder. “There was a commotion in the building. I got spooked and ran out.”

“You did the right thing. Come on, let’s go home.” He wrapped his arm around me and ushered me to his car. “Do you want to stop and grab something to eat?”

I had to look like a complete mess for Enzo to be so worried about me. Aunt Vittoria taught me to always have my wits about me, to never let my guard down. But somehow, Luca managed to take it all away from me. He left me naked and exposed.

“No, I’m tired.” I hugged myself.

“Okay.”

“Why did you come looking for me?” I rested my head on his shoulder.

“I don’t know. A hunch.” He chuckled. “My senses were tingling, I guess.”

“That’s Spider-Man. Not Batman. Get your superheroes straight.” I laughed.

As soon as we got home, Enzo escorted me to my bedroom and tucked me in. He really was like a superhero. He knew exactly what I needed to feel better. Unlike some other jerks I knew. I buried my face in the pillow and screamed, “I hate you, Luca Gallo. I hate you.” I said it over and over.

When I had let it all out, I sat up and reached for the water Enzo had brought me.

At some point during the night, he had also brought in a package addressed to me along with my backpack. I opened the box and my jaw dropped. Inside, I found a phone and a small vibrator. I didn’t have to open the note to know Luca had sent me this stuff. I glared at it for a few minutes before I snatched it up and began to read.

Assignment #1: turn on the phone, go to files folder.

“Fine.” I did as he asked.

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