Fivefucking girls raised their hands. Of the eighteen students that included himself, ten were girls. He was on friendly terms with the seven other boys, but he still didn’t like being put on the spot.
“You’ve amassed quite the fan club, young man,” Wilhemhein said, riding his motherfucker train at top speed. “Seventy percent of your female classmates as a matter of fact.”
CJ refused to address anything except the matter at hand. “May I step in the hall?” He lifted his phone as a knock came on the door. “An emergency has come up. I promise I won’t be long.” He needed to call Uncle Mort to let him know Harley wouldn’t be with Rory all day.
“You’ve been alerted to an emergency on the phone that should be off in my class?” he demanded as another knock came on the door. He drew himself up and yelled, “Come in.”
The door squeaked open. CJ didn’t bother turning, even when the teacher folded his arms and lifted a bushy brow.
“CJ?” Rory called.
Fuck.
CJ gave Mr. Wilhemhein an apologetic look, then turned toward the door. “Seriously, Rory?”
His cousin stepped aside and revealed Harley. “She either has to go to her classes alone or attend yours so we can watch her. I already told you my teachers won’t allow her to stay with me. You didn’t tell me what to do.”
“And you think Mr. Caldwell’s teachers will allow Miss Banks inhisclasses, Mr. Donovan?” Wilhemhein asked.
CJ didn’t want to get into that debate right now. Billson was the only one who claimed CJ had special rules. Several other teachers gave him a rough time.
“Miss Banks, please report to your class now.”
“She has to stay with me,” CJ said, beckoning to Harley and hating her mortification. He didn’t even know why she insistedon coming to school today since the play wasn’t until tonight. “Go to your class, Ro. I’ll take it from here.”
Rory nodded and walked out of the class, closing the door behind him. Harley refused to move.
“Is this really happening, Mr. Caldwell?” the teacher sputtered.
“I’m sorry, sir,” CJ said, unsure exactly what else to do. He walked to Harley and took her hand in his. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” he whispered. “You’re safe with me, Harley. I promise.”
She lowered her gaze and nodded.
He tucked her close, pretending he didn’t feel a twinge of jealousy at the way some of the guys were looking at her. More than anything, he felt overwhelming protectiveness. She wasn’t in the mental state to entertain any motherfucker.
He led her to the back of the class to one of the tables that accommodated study groups and urged her into a seat then took the one next to her.
“This is against the rules, Mr. Wilhemhein,” Jaleena called. “Harley Banks shouldn’t be allowed in here since she isn’t in the class. She isn’t even in our grade.”
“She wouldn’t be with me if this wasn’t an emergency, sir,” CJ said, looking at the teacher and hoping he understood.
Turning, Skye narrowed her eyes and pinned Harley with a resentful look before facing forward. “Jaleena’s right, Mr. Wilhemhein. Classroom disruption is a big no.”
“Would you care to explain yourself, Mr. Caldwell?”
“Wouldn’t that disrupt the class more than just letting it be, sir?” CJ asked with the utmost politeness.
“No one will concentrate at the moment, young man. We’re all dying to hear why Miss Banks is sitting in my class when she isn’t my student. Perhaps, the entire staff knows you and the myriad family members who attend Ridge Moore?”
Okay, that had nothing to do with the current situation, but whatever.
“I’ll go,” Harley mumbled.
“Speak up, Miss Banks!” Wilhemhein called, and she flinched.
“Mr. Wilhemhein, are you familiar with the two sets of rules for Ridge Moore?” CJ asked evenly.
“I’m a member of the staff, aren’t I?”
