Pretty pink lips parted in oblivious slumber.
My brain can’t compute what I’m seeing. It’s her. It’s Willa fucking Reyes. Why in the hell does Levi have these pictures of her?
I’m going to kill this kid.
Murder him with my bare fucking hands.
“I’m keeping this. We’re discussing it after class.” My voice is cold, cutting through the air like an ice blade. “You too, Miss Reyes.”
Her sharp gasp of surprise is such a sexy sound, but I’m too pissed to get aroused. I need answers. I don’t understand what her relationship is with this fuckface. Whatever it is, I’m going to get to the bottom of it.
The rest of class goes by in a blur. Levi’s phone, now resting in my pocket, burns against my thigh. I’m dying for this period to be over so I can deal with this shit.
Finally, I’m given the reprieve I need. The bell rings and everyone bolts like their asses are on fire. My statistics class is notorious for being the most difficult at this school, so no one sticks around any more than they have to. When it’s just Willa and Levi, I walk over to the door and close it.
My hand clutches the door handle tight enough that the metal creaks. I release it before I do something psychotic like rip it off in a fit of rage. Somehow, I manage to keep my fury in check.
“Miss Reyes,” I say, allowing myself to look at her.
Her dark green eyes glisten with unshed tears. She’s confused as to why she’s being held after class. My guess is she’s always been a good girl and probably thinks she’s in trouble.
“Are you in a relationship with Mr. Paulson?” I grit my teeth. “I want the truth.”
Her eyebrows knit together in confusion and her nose scrunches. “I don’t understand the question.”
My patience, already wire-thin, snaps. “It’s a very simple question, Miss Reyes. Yes or no?”
She recoils at my harsh words. I want to recall them back, but I can’t. We’re not a “thing” because she’s my student and I won’t fucking go there. However, I still feel the sting of betrayal. Like I’ve been cheated in some way.
“Don’t be sick, Mr. Park,” Levi mutters. “She’s my sister.”
The room spins for a long second. His what?
“Step,” Willa corrects icily. “His dad married my mom.”
“So you live together?” I demand.
She studies me as though she wishes she knew what was going on inside my head. If this situation weren’t so fucked up and we were alone, I might offer her my thoughts.
“We’ve lived in the same house for a few years,” Willa murmurs. “Why?”
I sit down on the edge of my desk, contemplating what to do next. Smashing my fist through Levi’s face isn’t an option that’ll allow me to keep my job. And, in order to keep my eyes on my lovely obsession, I need this job.
“Come here,” I instruct, my eyes narrowing on her. “Please.”
Her body relaxes slightly and she nods. As she gets out of her seat, I cut my glare over to Levi and pull out his phone.
“Passcode.”
He shakes his head but mutters out the code. Once I have it unlocked, it opens back to the pictures. The one of her pretty mouth. She approaches, frowning as she notices Levi’s phone in my hand.
“What is it?” she asks, voice breathy and soft.
My dick thumps in my slacks. I try hard to ignore it. “There are photographs of you on Mr. Paulson’s phone. Were you aware?”
Her face pales and her pink lips part. “What kind of pictures?”
Sliding off the desk, I stand and show her the one on the screen. While she looks at the picture, I look at her. This close, I can smell her shampoo. Honey and cream. If Levi weren’t watching our every move, I might dip my head and nuzzle her hair with my nose so I can inhale her.
“There are…more.” My voice catches, raspy with barely contained anger. “Have a look.”
A horrified mewl crawls out of her throat and her entire body shakes. On the screen is a picture of her tit. It’s such a disgusting violation of her privacy.
“I take it you weren’t aware of these pictures?” I ask in a gentle whisper. “Hmm?”
A tear races down her cheek and she shakes her head. Hastily, she swipes at her cheek. “N-No. I didn’t know. W-Why?”
Levi deserves her hatred and rage.
Not her whispered questions and humiliation.
“Meet us in Mr. Erickson’s office,” I bark out to him. “You’re in serious trouble, Mr. Paulson.”
He gets up and stomps out of the room, muttering curse words along the way under his breath. As soon as he’s gone, I pluck the phone from her hands and pocket it once more.
“Are you okay?”
Willa remains frozen, her body trembling. She manages a slight nod. Her chin quivers and she hugs her arms around her body.
I wish my arms were the ones doing the comforting instead.
“He’ll be suspended for this,” I assure her. “The police will want to get involved because of your age.”
“I’m eighteen,” she breathes.
Those two words send fire spearing to my groin and settling in my nuts.
Eighteen.
Legal. Legal. Legal.
Clearing my throat, I attempt to be professional. It’s a sad attempt because I can’t fucking think straight when she’s so close I could touch her. When her scent is camping out in my nostrils, intoxicating me.
“Then it’ll be up to you if you want to press charges. I understand with family—”
“He’s not my family.” Her tone is sharp and her green eyes flicker with a fierceness I haven’t seen before. “I’ll need to talk to my mom.”
“Of course,” I agree. “When we get to Mr. Erickson’s, we’ll give her a call.”
I’m itching to grab hold of her hand and guide her to the principal’s office, but I can’t. That won’t sit well at all. The last thing I’m going to do is put her in a position that might have this entire situation turned on her. She needs me to protect her right now. At least until her mother arrives.
Unable to be a complete gentleman, I press my fingertips to her lower back, urging her forward. “Grab your bag and let’s go.”
Her shock seems to wear off and she jerkily makes her way over to her bag. Once it’s on her back, she follows me out of the classroom, waiting for me to lock up. Since this class was my last hour of the day and my planning period is next, I don’t have to worry about anyone but her right now.
The bell rings for final hour and a few straggling students rush into their classrooms. It quickly grows silent as I walk Willa to the office. When we arrive, Levi is sprawled out in a chair like the lazy slouch he is, not at all bothered by what he’s done.
“Have a seat,” I instruct. “Mr. Erickson and I will be talking to both of you shortly.” I stab a finger in the air at Levi. “Do not speak to her.”
He snorts in derision but wisely doesn’t argue. I give Willa a soft, encouraging smile before letting myself into Wayne’s office. Wayne’s laughter booms as he chats to someone on the phone. I clear my throat, making my presence known, and wait for him to end his call. As soon as Wayne sees my murderous expression, he groans and hangs up.