"What'd you say?" My tone iced over.
"What'd I say?" Marcus sauntered in, eyes roaming me without shame. "Just that rich guys don't turn down easy lays, but they get bored fast."
His slimy stare and malice made my stomach turn.
"I said it's just normal parent stuff." I stood, facing him dead-on.
"Yeah, right. I know the games rich dudes play. Look at you, all glowy lately..."
Suddenly, he squinted, stepping closer like he'd spotted treasure. I backed up, my leg hitting the chair.
"Look what I found?" Marcus stared at my neck, grinning sleazily. "Anthea, that hickey on your neck's so dark even makeup can't hide it, and you're playing innocent? Sure that's 'normal'?"
Blood rushed to my head. I ignored how the foundation had smudged off somehow.
"It's a mosquito bite." I forced down my anger.
"Mosquito bite?" Marcus snorted. "Anthea, didn't peg you for this thirsty behind closed doors. Last night must've been wild, huh? Hooking up with a parent—against school rules. Not scared of getting fired?"
"Enough, Marcus." Sarah jumped up, stepping between us. "Got proof she's breaking rules? You're just spreading rumors."
Marcus's face twisted. "She knows what that mark is."
"It's a bug bite," I said, locking eyes, word by word. "Keep up this baseless slander and harassment, and I'll report you to the principal right now."
Marcus opened his mouth, but the bell rang.
"Lucky you, Anthea. But watch yourself—dirty secrets don't stay hidden."
He swaggered out.
The office went quiet. I unclenched my fists, seeing nail marks in my palms. His humiliating words echoed. My legs gave out, and I dropped into the chair.
"Anthea, you okay?" Sarah grabbed my hand, worried. "That asshole. One day I'll spike his coffee with laxatives!"
I forced a smile and shook my head.
"I'm fine, Sarah. Thanks."
But I wasn't. Shaking, I pulled a compact from my bag and checked the mark. The foundation had rubbed off some, the pink glaring on my skin.
A chill crawled up my spine. What if Marcus was right? What if itwas really... No, couldn't be a hickey. I lived alone—how could someone mark me? Unless... someone broke in.
I snapped the mirror shut, forcing calm. I'd check the locks at home.
The day dragged.In class, I tried focusing, but worry grew like weeds. When the bell rang, I bolted from the room.
At the gate, a sleek Bentley idled. Olei stood by it, waving his little hand. "Anthea."
I hurried over. Before I could speak, the door swung open from inside.
"Get in," Silas ordered.
He wore a black suit today, hair groomed sharp, radiating that unavoidable intensity. I eyed the growing crowd and bit my lip, scooping Olei up and climbing in.
"You look off." His gaze hit my face, brow furrowing. "What happened?"
"Nothing," I said automatically, throat tight.
