Chapter 16
R en
“How is everything?” It seemed like the most ridiculous question in the world, considering what he was going through, but what else was I supposed to ask? He’d been distant the last few days, and I didn’t think I would ever dislike one of the Kings ignoring me, but here we were.
“I’m great,” Blake said and smiled, but I didn’t believe him. The smile didn’t reach his eyes, and he was too quick to change the subject. What really gave it away was that he talked to everyone else but me for the rest of class on Tuesday and again today.
According to Myles, they were good, and Blake had a short conversation with Nash about being brought into the inner circle again, but something was still off. I found myself checking his eyes and felt terrible for doing it. When his knee bounced, I wanted to reach out but didn’t.
When the bell rang for the end of World History, Mr. Sharpe called us both up to the front of the class.
Mr. Sharpe didn’t seem like he was much older than us.
I’m sure he was, but he had one of those faces that made it hard to tell.
His hazel eyes lifted from the paper he was going over, and he sat back in his chair as he looked from me to Blake and then back again.
If I didn’t know Blake or how well he could pull off the chill persona, I would never have guessed that he was uncomfortable.
His finger tapping on his leg screamed that he wanted to get the hell out of the room.
“Mr. O’Brien and Ms. Davies, can one of you please explain to me why you skipped our last class and why I shouldn’t have both of you written up?”
Great, just what I needed. Another visit with Dean Henry. I jumped in before Blake could open his mouth. Nash had already screwed things up for me. Our community service started the next day, and the last thing I needed was another punishment.
“I’m really sorry, Mr. Sharpe. Blake had mentioned before class that he wasn’t feeling very well.
He’d been sick in the bathroom and was running a high fever.
I spotted him outside the door just before class started.
He looked green and like he might pass out.
” I looked up at Blake and he nodded as he stared down at me.
I was thankful he was playing along. “I just reacted, not wanting him to try and make it to the nurse’s station and collapse in the snow or something. ”
“So, if I check the nurse’s log, your names will be there?” I swallowed hard.
“No,” Blake said and shook his head. “I refused to go because they would call my parents, and I didn’t want to bother them when I knew that it was just food poisoning.”
“And how did you know that?”
“Because I stupidly ate leftovers in my fridge the night before. I woke up hungry and couldn’t remember how long the pizza had been in there.
I ate it, but a couple hours later, I ran to the bathroom.
” Blake stopped and ran his hand through his hair.
“Ren was nice enough to get me water and electrolytes. I was not doing well, and she threatened to call my parents if I wasn’t better in a few hours. I swear it was not a good time.”
Mr. Sharpe’s lips pursed, and I could tell he was trying to decide if he believed us. He tapped his fingers on the top of the desk, and it felt like a million degrees as the seconds ticked on.
“Alright, I’ll give you both a pass this once, but don’t let it happen again, or I will be forced to put it on your record.”
The heat flash vanished as the flood of relief rushed through my body. “Thank you, Mr. Sharpe. I assure you it won’t happen again.”
“Good. Next time, Blake, I recommend going to the nurse’s station. You could’ve given yourself something far more serious.” Mr. Sharpe stood from his desk, grabbed his leather briefcase, and began placing the folders inside.
“You’re right, Sir, and I’ll avoid eating anything out of my fridge from now on that could be off.” Blake smiled wide.
“Very good, you’re dismissed.” I turned to follow Blake out the door, but Mr. Sharpe called my name, and I froze. Blake looked back at me and then kept going, leaving me alone. “Your marks are outstanding,” he said and snapped his briefcase closed.
“Thank you.”
“That is the only reason I’m not looking into this story, which is complete bull. The way you ran out told me something was wrong.” He held up his hand. “Don’t bother trying to deny it. It wasn’t that long ago that I sat in this classroom. I know all the tricks, but I’m going to ask you something.”
He sat on the edge of his deck, and the sweat was back. Not only did he know we were lying, which made me the worst liar in the world, but now he wanted something for his silence. This couldn’t be good.
“What would you like to ask?” I ignored him, calling me out. If I didn’t agree, he only had speculation. I hoped.
“Next year, I’m going to be teaching AP psychology, and I wanted to know if you’d like to be my TA. If you’re taking the class.?”
I stood there, shocked. This was a real honor. “Me? You want me to be your TA? I just started this year. How do you know you’d still want me?”
“I’ve checked out your transcripts. You are a top student, and I can see that you strive to be the best. Not only do I think you would do a great job, but it would look fabulous on your application to college or university.
” He stood up straight and grabbed his briefcase.
“Think about it, but I’ll be choosing someone soon so that I have them prepped before next year. ”
T he bench bounced beside me, wiping away the conversation on replay in my head.
I turned in the direction of the movement and stared at the side of Nash’s face.
Are you kidding me? The bleachers were mostly full, but there were still gaps where he could’ve sat that weren’t right beside me.
Like maybe with his girlfriend, who was now glaring daggers from the next bleacher over.
“Um…any particular reason you are sitting here instead of over there with Vicky?”
Nash glanced at me. I tried to focus on the game and was ashamed that I had no idea what the score was.
Scanning the players, I found Myles as he ran and tossed the ball to someone else.
I had no idea what anything was called, what his position was, or what the rules were other than getting the white ball in the back of the opposing net.
Myles did teach me that indoor play was called Box, while outside was called Field. I had learned two things.
“Because I don’t want to and I’m only doing the same thing you are, Princess, watching Myles play,” he said, and I glanced at Vicky again, who now had her entire group of girls staring at us.
“No, what you’re trying to do is fuck with me. Like Vicky needs more reasons to hate me. Is your plan to piss her off enough that she kills me with her stiletto? I can see the school headline now, Death By A Limited Edition, Red, Prada Pump.”
“That’s a pretty elaborate plan to kill someone. No, if I wanted you dead, I would’ve done it by now,” Nash said, his voice low and menacing. I knew he wanted me to look at him, but I wasn’t giving him that satisfaction. “Besides, you’re entertaining.”
“Well, I’m glad I keep you amused, oh great King.” Nash snorted. “I thought the Queen would have you under lock and key after the whole pool thing.”
Myles scored, and I cheered loud enough that he looked up at me, smiling and waving.
“You two are pathetic,” Nash drawled and made a gagging noise. “As you see, I don’t do lock and key or….” He looked at me. “Ball and chain.” My teeth ground together with the dig at my relationship with Myles.
“What a relief for women everywhere that they never have to worry you’re going to stick around. How embarrassing for you when you realize no one other than the likes of Vicky, wants you.” I smiled at him. “At least on a long-term basis.”
“Do you think that’s an insult? I live to be free. Tying myself to one person seems counterproductive to what I want.” I rolled my eyes. Of course, he didn’t want anything meaningful with anyone.
“Not surprised with Lawrence as your father. He seems to have the same tastes,” I bit back harshly.
“I’d watch what buttons you push, Princess.
I’m happy to teach you and that mouth of yours another lesson, and I don’t care who you’re dating.
” Instead of getting up and leaving, like I had hoped he would, Nash slid closer and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
Stiffening, I tried to slide further away, but he held me firmly to the side of his body.
My stupid and annoying heart pounded out of control.
“What the fuck,” I whispered. “Do you not know how to keep your hands to yourself?” He moved a piece of my hair away from my neck, and I tried to flex away, but it was like fighting a vice.
“Not at all, and right now, your pulse is telling me that you don’t really want me to let go.
” I turned my head and glared at him. “Unless, of course, you’re scared of me.
I didn’t take you as the scaredy cat type.
” I ground my teeth and clenched my hands into fists as he leaned in closer to my ear.
“But you should be afraid of what I can and will do if you try to come between me and my boys.” My brow lifted.
“You should know that I’ve watched you sleep, Princess.
I moved your hair away from your cheek just like this, and you whispered my name.
” Taking a chance, I turned my head to look at him, and his eyes locked with mine.
“Have you lost your mind,” I asked past the constricting of my throat.
“First, hello, stalker. It’s not creepy at all that you like to watch me sleep.
Second, why would I come between you and the guys?
I literally got tossed in a pool by you because I was trying to help you keep everyone together.
” I looked away from him and tugged my hair out of his fingers.
“If you’re done threatening me for no reason, you can go away now. ”