“Not in the mood, Keola,” I say grimacing. No laughter or hint of smile in my voice.
I race out of the parking lot and head towards the high school, trying to weave in and out of traffic, trying to avoid the traffic lights.
“It’s not the fucking fast and furious.” Keola grunts, holding on to the door handle.
“Coming from someone who is involved in a biker gang.” He growls. “Sorry, motorcycle club. Apologies. But seriously, if you are going to criticize my driving or snark at me, then you can get out now or stay in the car.” My blood pressure rises as we get closer to school.
“Charlotte,” he says. I start to laugh, oh my god. This man.
“Stop calling me that. Everyone calls me Lottie.” I growl out, as I whip into the parking lot and slam on my brakes. Shifting my truck into gear, putting it into park.
I go to push open my door, and a thick muscular arm reaches over and slams it shut. I smack his hand, pushing it away, trying to open the damn door again and again. I let out a grunt in frustration. He takes my wrists and clasps them together. The amount of pressure on his grip, I have no room for movement.
“Let me go. I have no time for this. No time for a caveman act.” I try to wiggle out of his grasp. His hand wouldn’t let go.
“Breathe,” one word, that's all he says.
“Excuse me,” I say defensively.
“Breathe.”
“Keola, I don’t have time for this. Either let me go, or I’ll scream,” I raise my voice, my face inching closer trying to scare him off. Daring him to make a move. He leans closer to me, not as close as the library, but close enough to smell spearmint on his breath.
“I’d prefer you to scream my name if you must,” I fall silent.
Shit.
That shuts me up. And I’m back to feeling bashful, like a damn virgin.
I can talk to men who piss me off and handle my shit, but as soon ashesays something I’m silent as a mouse. Maybe it’s his energy that he exudes, the way he looks at me as if I am the only one he sees at that moment. No one matters, nothing else grabs his attention.
“Got you listening now, don’t I?” he asks. He used a smart yet stupid tactic. I nod my head. “Good. You may be a pain in my ass, but you’re a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. But sometimes you need to have a cooler temper before fighting a battle. Don’t get caught in a mess that’s not yours.”
My throat and mouth go dry, fighting to break my silence. I look into his dark eyes, the ones that follow my movements.
Out of the corner of my eye I see the gloom presence of Dr. Spence, and my heart rate speeds up. “Keola, I admire that you think you can calm me down, but I’ve been doing this longer than you think,” I say, yanking my arms and body slamming him away from me.
Though, his previous words come back.
Don’t get caught in a mess that’s not yours.Too bad, this mess is getting bigger and no one is stopping it.
I leave him in the dust and walk up to the school, bursting through the doors to the security desk. “Charlotte Ashers, I’m here to see,” I begin before I am rudely cut off. The air feels cold and soul sucking when he’s around. “She’s here for us, Mr. Nims,” Spence says, as if this is his show.
“Dr. Spence,” I hiss out, straightening my blazer.
“Ms. Ashers. I’d say it’s a pleasure to see you, but when meeting with you more frequently, I would retract that statement,” he says, narrowing his eyes at me, but they flick up once the heavy front door of the building slams behind me. “I see that you have felt the need to bring a body guard,” He dismisses me.
Keola presses against me, he’s never far. “Dr. Spence, I think some would call it unprofessional to speak to Ms. Ashers like that. May I remind you that you have the seat for one more year. Your evaluation is coming up soon. Best be careful,” Keola throws a silent but intriguing threat his way.
“Sir, your presence is not needed,” Spence starts to get defensive.
“I’m here at the request of Ms. Ashers and The Lighthouse,” he commands. I may have underestimated Keola, he could have said that he’s protecting me or something egoistical.
“Interesting the company that is kept within that organization, surprising it’s still standing,” Spence retorts back under his breath. I flinch, wanting to lunge at him. The back of my blazer jerks me still. Keola bends down to my ear, “Cool your temper. You want to let out some steam. That can be arranged.”
Fuck.
We walk into the main office, bypassing the reception desk and straight to the principal. The principal stands to greet us. He’s slim and tall, his suits looking like a pillowcase compared to his stature. He’s pale, a bit gangly.
