Chapter 22
Juliette
As I slowly lowered myself onto the padded seat, Cathryn’s eyes tracked me like a hawk.
I tried not to wince as I settled into the armchair.
At least the faculty room was nicely decorated—far less depressing than my last school.
I took a sip of my tea. Apparently, I had to go easy on the coffee now.
“So?” she asked, far too casually. “How is he in the sack? Kade’s got that big dick energy.”
I sprayed tea—everywhere.
Slapping my cup down, I got up to grab paper towels.
“You’re something else,” I muttered, dabbing at the mess.
“I bring joy to humanity,” she said with a smug little chuckle.
“You never answered my question.”
“And I never will,” I huffed, blotting at my blouse and cardigan like it was her fault they were soaked.
“Come on. I told you about that thing Sam does to me,” she whined.
“Against my will!” I screeched, dabbing my blouse harder.
“Damn, girl. I thought you’d be more chilled after getting some.”
I paused, a smile tugging at my lips as I remembered Kade’s impromptu confession of love.
“You will not wind me up today,” I said, tossing the paper towels in the bin and sitting down with grace.
I was taking a leaf out of Grammy’s book.
“It sure is fun trying,” she smirked, sipping her coffee.
I was about to answer when a few teachers stepped into the lounge. Instead of speaking, I shot Cathryn a look—do not say a word.
“Juliette?” the receptionist called out.
I stood with a polite smile, only to falter when I saw Joy approaching… with a massive bouquet of roses in her arms.
The chatter in the room shifted. Curious glances. Muted whispers. The kind that made my skin prickle.
“Are these from the sheriff?” Joy asked in a hushed tone, eyes bright. “I never knew he had it in him. Grace said he was tied up in knots over you.”
Of course she knew. Joy was absolutely part of Grammy’s network—greying hair, warm eyes, and a direct line to half the county.
“These must’ve cost a pretty penny,” she added, handing me the arrangement. “I left the carrier bag they came in on your desk. Grace will be pleased.”
I mumbled a thank-you, my eyes fixed on the bouquet.
Every single rose was a perfect bloom, surrounded by tiny white filler flowers. Thoughtful. Beautiful. Overwhelming.
The whispers around me grew louder, but—for once—I didn’t care.
A small white envelope peeked out from the top. My stomach flipped.
Cathryn appeared beside me, holding my mug of tea.
“Let’s take this into your classroom,” she said, not even pretending she wasn’t bursting with curiosity.
I nodded and followed, grateful to escape the heat of a dozen eyes.
Once inside, I plucked the envelope from the bouquet and unfolded the card inside.
You hold my heart.
I’m never letting you go.
See you tonight.
—Officer Kade
Cathryn leaned in and read over my shoulder.
“Not gonna lie, that’s equal parts hot and terrifying.”
I jumped.
“Are you sure you’re not related to Grammy?” I muttered, slipping the card back into the envelope and tucking it into my purse.
The flowers already brightened the room. They made everything feel lighter. I found myself smiling as I ran my fingers along the velvet-soft petals.
No one had ever sent me flowers before.
Not like this. Not for me.
It was something I’d only ever seen on TV. My mother used to have them delivered to herself twice a week, but… that didn’t count.
I touched the bouquet one last time. I’d thank him properly tonight.
For now, a text message would need to do.
?? ?? ??
I glanced around the classroom before unlocking my phone.
Kade: If I knew you liked flowers so much, I would’ve sent them the first day I met you.
Me: It wouldn’t have worked. Back then, I thought you were chemically imbalanced.
Kade: I love it when you’re clever and disrespectful. Means I get to take it out on your ass.
Me: Tonight, bring me my appetiser.
Kade: Yes, Ma’am.
I slid my phone under a book and turned my attention back to my students—with a smile I couldn’t quite hide.
?? ?? ??
I lay naked on my bed, waiting for him.
He had the spare keys, and I knew he’d be here any second.
The flowers sat on the kitchen counter, perfectly visible from where I lay.
When he messaged me to say he was leaving the station, I started getting ready.
Now the anticipation was killing me.
My eyes fluttered shut when I heard the lock.
My pussy clenched at the sound of his heavy footsteps in the hallway.
The door creaked open.
“My, my, my,” he said.
I opened my eyes to find him crouched down, still in full uniform—belt and hat included. He was upside down in my vision, head tilted as he grinned at me.
“What a perfect invitation to your lips,” he whispered, kissing me lightly before sucking on my lower lip.
I ran my hands up my body, stopping to rub my nipples—too worked up to stay still. It felt like I’d waited hours instead of minutes.
“Naughty girl,” he murmured against my lips. “What were you doing before I came?”
“Terrible things, Officer.”
His smile widened. His blue eyes twinkled with mischief, creasing at the corners in that unfairly sexy way.
“Just as well I won’t hold back when I feed that sassy mouth.”
Oh yes, please.
I bit my lip at the thought, watching as he stood and began removing his duty belt.
I slid my hand down between my thighs, aching to touch myself—but his fingers closed around my wrist, halting me.
“Not yet, Ms. Morgan. Punishment first.
“Yes, Officer Kade,” I replied solemnly, all wide-eyed innocence.
The belt dropped to the floor with a dull thud.
He tugged down his zipper, and I watched as he eased himself out of his underwear.
Thick. Hard. All for me.
His balls hung heavy over the waistband of his pants, and for the first time, I took a proper look at them.
Up close.
God.
No wonder I ended up pregnant. My poor womb never stood a chance.
But as my eyes lingered on him—on the man, not just the cock—I couldn’t stop the thought that crept in.
Nadine.
His first love.
The one who came before me.