He’d intentionally blocked my way.
“Walk with me,” he demanded more than asked.
We moved toward the windows overlooking the parking lot. The Texas sun spilled across the floor, bright and unforgiving. Trucks baked in neat rows outside, dust lifting when someone pulled out too fast.
“What’s this about?” I gazed out the window, trying to look unconcerned.
“The academic integrity committee,” he folded his arms. “They’re reviewing last week’s biology exam. Seems a few students got perfect scores that shouldn’t have.”
“I’m not in your biology class,” I pointed out.
“No,” he agreed. “But I proctor for the committee. They’re the ones inquiring.”
I smiled faintly. “So, this is an accusation.”
“Maybe,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “Not formally, but I know you well enough to suspect you probably orchestrated it.”
I studied him in silence. He held his ground, never breaking eye contact. I suppose, since he’d known me as a child, he believed he knew everything about me now.
That was his first mistake.
I was far from the same little girl I’d been before a robbery gone wrong killed my stepmother. Before he and my stepbrother abandoned me alone with Ben.
“You should keep your suspicions to yourself,” I smirked, running a finger down his arm. “Conflict of interest.”
He took a step back. “It doesn’t work that way. And there is no conflict of interest. I’m Adrian’s friend… notyours.”
I hid my hurt deep inside, where he could never see.
“Ouch,” I grinned. “That was mean, Lucas.”
“I’m Mr. Rowen to you.” He growled. “Don’t forget it.”
“Yes, sir,” I smirked and pouted, batting my eyelashes.
The heat flared back to life in his eyes before he took another step back. “Get to class, brat.”
There it was.
The dismissal.
To him, I was just a girl, but he was a fool and should’ve known better.
I walked away, swaying my hips, but when I glanced back, he wasn’t looking at me. The slight flush on the back of his neck revealed he had been. Mr. By-the-Book would never flirt with a student, yet the attraction was obvious whether he admitted it or not.
And that would be his downfall.
Inside, my brain was already sifting through scenarios.
Exposure.
Containment.
Leverage.
And in the back of my mind, a memory surfaced. One option I was reluctant to use, but might have to if I grew desperate.
Not quite yet.
