Page 17 of Corrupt Educator (The Syndicate Academy)

I sigh heavily, as no matter what he says, he always seems angry around me.

The clack of heels approaching warns me that this Nurse is on her way. A small, mousy brown-haired woman appears in the doorway, smiling softly. “Hello, dear. I’m Nurse Jasper, and I’ll be looking after you.” She hurries over to me. “Shall I help you change?” She asks.

I nod, wishing that Principal Byrne had to help me undress, too. The intensity of that moment and the soft brush of his calloused fingers against my inner thigh still resonates with me.

I’ve never had a proper crush on anyone before, except for Jamie Orly in sixth grade, but he hated me. Perhaps it’s a pattern with boys and men I have a crush on, as I’m not sure Oakley likes me either.

Principal Oakley Byrne, however, is the most beautiful man I’ve ever met. I think getting over my crush on him will be impossible, especially after seeing him shirtless and feeling his body against mine and his hands so close to such an intimate part of my body.

I dreamed of him last night, and something tells me he’ll probably appear in many more dreams to come, especially after today.

* * *

I spentthe next four days entertaining myself with reading for my final SAT exam. If one positive came out of my injury, it’s the free time to study what I want.

The syndicate academy doesn’t bother with SAT exams, but I’ve registered to sit the exams at a nearby high school next year and have my admission ticket.

In the eyes of the law, I’m currently homeschooled rather than attending some fucked up academy for heirs of criminals.

Someone clears their throat at my door, startling me. I didn’t even hear it open.

I look up, and I’m met with those piercing aquamarine eyes that have haunted my fantasies since I met him.

Oakley Byrne.

“Hello, sir,” I say, heat spreading through my body as a tingle ignites over every inch of my exposed skin.

“Hello, Eva,” he says. My name sounds filthy from his lips, but it’s probably my imagination. His gaze is intense as if he wants to burn a hole through me with it. “How are you?”

I swallow, breaking the eye contact between us as need surges through my body, heating me from the inside out. “I’m doing a lot better, thank you.” I’ve never been as intensely attracted to anyone as I am to Principal Byrne.

He moves closer, shoving his hands in his pants pockets, which draw my eyes to the bulge at his crotch. My stomach flips as I imagine how incredible it would be to see this God of a manbucknaked.

“Nurse Jasper informs me she hopes you’ll be well enough to start classes in three days.” He pauses a foot from me.

I smile and glance up at him, nodding. “Yes, sir. I’m looking forward to leaving this room.”

“I’ll bet,” he says, glancing around the small yet comfortable room. “Normally, you select your subjects on the first day of the semester, but since you’re starting mid-way through, I need to confirm which classes you wish to attend.”

My stomach twists as I know this school doesn’t cover the normal subjects you’d expect. It’s about teaching the students to be criminal masterminds, which I have no interest in.

“I see.” I clasp my fingers together in front of me on the bed. “Do you want me to pick now?”

He nods, stepping forward and placing a form and pen affixed to a clipboard in front of me on the bed. “Yes, I need to ensure there’s room in the classes you pick.” There’s tension in his shoulders as he steps away. “I’ll just sit here in case you have questions.” He stiffly sits in the chair at the end of the bed, watching me with an intensity that makes me shiver.

I shuffle under his gaze before picking up the piece of paper. My stomach churns as I read through the lessons, none of which you’d find at Columbus High-school, where I used to attend.

“Interrogation? Torture?” I ask, eyes widening. “Is that for real?” My eyes find the principal’s, and he’s staring at me with an odd glint in his aquamarine depths.

“Of course. What did you expect?” A small smirk twists onto his lips, making my stomach flutter. “Geography?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s just…” I realize what I’m going to say sounds ridiculous, so I cut myself off.

“Just what, Eva?” He asks, standing and walking to the side of the bed.

“This isn’t what I want,” I murmur, staring at the paper. When I glance up at principal Byrne, there’s a softness in his eyes that takes me aback. I swallow hard.

His hand rests on mine, sending sparks through my veins. “You have to make the best of your situation.”

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