His hand strokes lightly against the base of my neck. I’ll need to change my panties if he keeps this up.
“N-nothing,” I finally stumble out, tipping my chin up to meet his stare.
The amusement lighting his eyes says he heard at least part of this conversation.
My heart rate skitters, skipping a beat as he leans down until his mouth captures mine, engulfing me in his spiced scent.
A low gasp escapes me, and he uses that opportunity to gain entry. His tongue tangles with mine. His hand moves from my neck, gripping my hair and groaning into our kiss. And for a moment, nothing else exists.
I whimper when our connection is severed.
“I’d keep going, but I don’t want to give the cafeteria a show,” he grumbles, pressing his lips to my forehead before he returns to his full height.
His words sober me. My head whips from side to side, taking in the shocked reactions and murmured words of the lunch room.Fuck.How did I forget I was at school?
“Yes, Bitch. You forgot you were at school,” Shay mocks, cackling at my bewildered expression. My face is absolutely twisted in a combination of horror and embarrassment until I remember I honestly don’t give a fuck who saw.
Relaxing my scrunched up face, I pull my shoulders back, arching a brow in challenge at anyone who’d have some fuck shit to say.
“There’s my Riah. Fuck these people,” Shay cheers, and we both stand. I grab Owen’s hand as we walk out of the cafe.
* * *
“I needyou to meet in your groups and prepare for your midterm presentations,” Miss Taylor instructs now that she’s finished with the lesson for today.
Everyone moves to their assigned groups. Wyatt, Lev, and I turn our chairs to face each other.
I feel the weight of Lev’s penetrating hazel-green eyes boring down on me.
“What topic should we present on?” I ask, ignoring the feel of his perusal.
Ever since they rescued me, his indifference towards me has vanished, replaced by a pensive look that I swear sometimes is lustful, but that can’t be.
I sneak a peek at his silhouette. He’s gorgeous. Lev’s stubbled chin accentuates his pronounced cheekbones and Grecian nose. Sculpted eyebrows and clear, moisturized skin depict his propensity for self-care. The muscles in his jaw flex, and I know he feels me studying him.
“Maybe we should do something on the suffrage movement,” Lev suggests.
I still refuse to meet his eye, and Wyatt saves me from having to respond.
“That’s an excellent idea. There is a lot of history for the fight for voting rights in this country. Shit… across the world.”
A shadow appears to the side of me.
“What will your group’s topic be?” Miss Taylor asks, her tone short and sharp.
I watch as Lev’s demeanor shifts. His eyes turn to slits as one part of his lips curls upward.
“Do you want to walk away and try to come back when your sour-ass attitude is gone,Vivian?” Lev growls her name, and her posture goes rigid.
I’d say I was surprised, but they rule this town and everyone in it.
Clearing her throat Miss Taylor begins to speak, “I-I only meant.” She stutters before garbling her following words and finally saying, “I’d just like to know if your group has an idea of the topic you’d like to cover.”
“We’ll let you know when we’ve actually had time to discuss it. You only just had us break into groups. Go find your ass a seat away from us and don’t bother coming back over here,” Wyatt snaps.
Miss Taylor’s nostrils flare in indignation as she grinds her teeth, but she turns on her black suede heels and walks to her seat at the front of the room.
I cover my mouth, pretending to rub my nose, hiding my laugh.
