I knew he was beloved by the staff, and all the female teachers creamed themselves when he gave them the slightest attention. I really had to sell it.
“Yes, ma’am,” I spoke barely above a whisper. “He’s been keeping me after class for no reason. Trying to get me alone at every opportunity. Small touches that make me uncomfortable, even when I made it clear that I didn’t like it.” I squeezed a tear from my eye. “Today he asked me to meet him after school. Implying there would be consequences if I didn’t.”
Ethan shifted beside me.
Morales noticed. “Why are you here?”
I narrowed my eyes at Ethan, hiding my expression behind the fall of my hair.
“I’ve witnessed Mr. Rowen’s behavior on several occasions.” His voice grew in strength. “I encouraged Taryn to report it.”
Morales studied my face—longer than was comfortable. I’m sure the old bat was panting after Lucas, too.
“Until this is reviewed,” she said finally, “Mr. Rowen will be instructed to avoid all private interactions with you. There will be a meeting with the board to address all of this. It will be completely private to protect you.” She cleared her throat. “We take these things very seriously here.”
I was counting on it.
“I’ll be happy to talk to them if needed.” I sniffed back tears, trying to hide my smile.
She looked at me with concern. “That’s very brave of you, Miss Calder. I know this was hard.”
Ethan exhaled beside me.
He’d done well. I’d forgive him for running his mouth about the bio test.
Morales’s voice softened slightly. “You did the right thing bringing this forward. You could be helping other girls who aren’t as brave as you are.”
I stood and nodded meekly in agreement.
As we left, Ethan whispered, “Did I get it right?”
“Yes. Now keep your mouth shut, and you’re off the hook.” I hustled him out of the office.
We parted in the hallway. The deal was done; there was no need to linger.
I rushed out to my car. There was no time to gloat because I’d only beat Ben home by minutes… if I was lucky.
I smiled.
My cutting it close was worth it because I had accomplished two very important things.
Lucas Rowen’s punishment had been put into play. And I’d gained a new tool to use when I needed him. Ethan would find out that once I had leverage, I never let it go.
Now I had to cover my ass over that stupid bio exam. Getting rid of Lucas’s threat was only the first part of my plan.
If Ben had allowed me to breathe, I might have had time to study. All of this would have been unnecessary. However, that wouldn't happen as long as he felt the need to keep preparing me for a situation that would most likely never come true.
I took a deep breath.
I hadn’t cheated because I was lazy.
That was the part people like Lucas Rowen never understood.
Ben expected me to keep my grades up, along with everything else. He believed in pressure. In filling every hour with something that made you sharper, faster, harder to break. If I wasn’t in school or practice, I was running drills, inventorying supplies, and learning how to patch a wound with whatever was on hand.
Prepping wasn’t merely a hobby for Ben.
It was doctrine.
