Page 14 of Wicked Knight

“A commotion.”

“What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know. Please no more questions. I have a really bad headache this morning.”

“Fine.” He put up his hands in a sort of surrender. “You know you can come to me if you need anything, right?”

“Yes.” I reached for his wounded hand. “I know. And I appreciate that. But I’m good.”

“As you wish.” He took a plate and spooned some fruit on it. “Hey, did you see the package I left in your room last night?”

“I did.”

“What happened to your old phone?”

“Nothing. I just wanted the latest version.” I stuffed my mouth with eggs, so he’d stop this line of questioning.

Honestly, Enzo had said more words to me this morning than he had in the last two years combined. What was his deal? Did I really look in that bad of shape last night? I thought of Luca and how dismissive he’d been when I first showed up to his office. The minute our past came up, a switch flipped. The man spanked me, for crying out loud. He spanked me like I was some spoiled brat.

“Are you okay?” Enzo asked. “You look a little flushed.”

“I’m fine. How are you?” I sat up in my chair and beamed at him.

Though in the back of my mind, I could still picture Luca spanking me. That image had transformed into a 3D video that shifted left and right. I could see his face, which sometimes looked angry and other times lustful. I could see my own face, streaming with tears while also calling his name. Wait, what? Fuck, did I say his name? Or did I just make that up right now?

“Anyway, I’ll be in Brooklyn with Mom and Caterina all day. You need anything?” Enzo furrowed his brows at me. He could tell I wasn’t paying attention.

“No. I’m going to hang and work on a few assignments.” I crossed my legs. Jeez, that word had a whole new meaning now.

“Dinner when I get back?” He rose to his feet and came around to kiss the top of my head.

“Sounds great. Bye.”

I sat still until the penthouse elevator dinged closed. The minute I was alone, I collapsed on my chair. What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn’t allow Luca to consume my time like this. I’d thought of nothing else but him since I ran out of his office last night.

“I’m not doing it.” I said to his phone. “I get that you’re angry for what happened. But I’m not this weakling you think I am. Screw you and your lesson plan.”

As if Luca could actually hear me, a new message popped up.

Professor Luca: Answer the goddamn phone, Ms. Salvatore.

I gasped, then pursed my lips. I hated that he could startle me so easily, that he could get to me like this. I bit my thumbnail while I glared at the screen. He was mad that I didn’t go out last night like he wanted. That I didn’t meet a stranger in the park, that I didn’t let that stranger finger me.

He was insane. Whatever possessed him to think I would go along with that?

His face appeared on the screen. Before I could think about what I was doing, I picked up the phone. “What?”

“Good morning, Ms. Salvatore.” His voice was pure honey.

“Professor Gallo.” I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “How can I help you?”

“You stood me up.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You’re going to do the assignments, Donata. One way or another.”

“Screw you. I don’t care about your stupid vendetta. And I don’t care about your stupid class.” I ended the call then tossed the phone on the table.

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