Page 203 of Lessons in Cruelty

Smart girl.

Jennifer handles the transaction as any professional would, not even glancing in Haven’s direction as some ridiculous amount of money disappears from my account.

I get it.

Haven looks like I fucked her against a wall.

She can thank her lucky stars I didn’t.

The ride back to Agony Hollow is silent, and I spend it relishing the scent of Haven’s arousal. It’s more intoxicating than top-shelf bourbon. A better high than coke.

She thinks she understands what’s happening. That I’m just some garden-variety teacher who wants to fuck his student.

Fucking her this soon would bring all of this to an end. Render her useless.

The pleasure is in the chase. In the foreplay. It ends once I’ve sunk my cock into her.

After that, the thrill’s gone, and what arrives in its place is something I wouldn’t wish on Haven in a million years.

Something awful, yet damn near inevitable, if I don’t get my fucking head straight.

“You’re angry,” she says, breaking the silence.

I glance at her, quirking an eyebrow. “Am I?”

Her hands wring in her lap. “It was Milo, wasn’t it? He pissed you off.”

Perceptive little thing.

“He wanted you,” I say simply.

“So?”

I pull over so fast, the Tesla’s tires kick up dust and gravel against the chassis. Then I put the car in park and turn to face her fully.

“Do I strike you as the sharing type, Haven?” My voice is soft. Dangerous.

She swallows hard. “We’re not...I’m not yours to share or not share.”

I laugh. Actually laugh.

She still doesn’t get it.

“Sweet girl, you became mine the moment you walked into my classroom. This?” I flick a finger from her to me. “This is just foreplay.”

Her breath catches. “You’re insane,” she scoffs.

“That wet pussy of yours that’s been aching since I touched you begs to differ.”

Her eyes go wide, but she seems at a loss for words.

I start the car again, pulling back onto the road. “You’re going to the gala next week. You’re going to wear the dress I bought you. And eventually, you’re going to beg me to fuck you.”

“Never,” she whispers.

A challenge. A lie.

A promise waiting to be broken.