My jaw clenches so hard it aches.
There are so many things Ishouldbe doing with my time this weekend. Planning a new class, getting my car detailed, hiring someone to fix my fucking doors—the glass one, and the wood one where Haven’s bullet is still lodged.
But I feel too malicious and empty to care.
I could try filling the hole with liquor. With coke. With sex.
From experience, I know there’s only one cure for this particular void.
I need to break something pretty again, andsoon.
Need to hold it down as it struggles, my ears ringing with its desperate moans and pleas.
Need to watch itbleed.
Could have been us, Haven.
Could have been us, Kai.
Now I guess it’ll have to be Parker.
Parker shifts uncomfortably when my gaze lands on her again. Clearly wanting to leave but too polite to just walk away.
Such a good slut.
“I’m holding a small, invitation-only study group this weekend.”
“How many people are going to be there?”
“Only those I find worthy of my time.”
When she says nothing, just watching me warily, I add an annoyed, “Five, maybe six.”
“At school?”
“On a Sunday?” I scoff. “At a coffee shop, most likely.”
When she still says nothing, I exhale loudly and head for the stairs, our shoulders brushing when she doesn’t get out of the way in time. The halls are empty now, only a handful of stragglers on the first floor dashing for their classes.
“Have your secretary call me to confirm after you’ve checked your schedule,” I mutter.
I don’t even get halfway down the stairs.
“Professor!”
I pretend I don’t hear her.
Even when she appears at my side, I keep staring ahead. It takes a tug on my sleeve before I turn to her. But when our gazes lock, I give her all my attention, like the world ceased to exist. And when I see her flinch, reeling from the intensity of it, I know she’s mine.
“I can squeeze you in for an hour. Two at the most,” she says, trying to sound glib, but her voice is too unsteady to pull it off.
“Two hours won’t be enough for what I have planned. Then again, most students don’t have the stamina.”
Her eyes go wide.
“For longer study groups,” I add, smiling ruefully. “Mind out of the gutter, Parker.”
Chapter 74
