Page 22 of Cruel Titan

“Maybe,” I smile, looking down at the desk. His innocence and kind request is refreshing. “I’m just not sure how great of a dance partner I can be right now.”

“I’m sure you’d be perfect,” he pulls his phone out of his pocket before holding it out to me. “Can I get your number? Maybe we can just talk as friends while you decide about the dancing part.”

Friends. I’ve heard that one before. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”

“No obligation. No foul plays. Just two friends chatting and even dancing if that’s what you’d like it to be. The least I can do is make it up to you for leaving you stranded on the dance floor. I’m usually not so …”

“Chicken.”

“Yep. That’s the word I was searching for.” He laughs at my response, making me feel better about this friend business. It would be nice to have someone around who is relaxed enough to laugh at themselves instead of being a controlling jerk all the time. “Strong chicken this go-round though.”

He flashes me a sexy smile, reminding me why I wanted to dance with him in the first place.

I hold my hand out and he places his phone in it. I’m typing my number into it when Reed breezes back into the classroom.

Resuming his familiar seat on the edge of my desk, he passes off a thick maroon notebook to Connor. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Connor stands with the playbook in hand as I return his phone to him. Looking back to Reed, he says, “Any chance I can bail her out?”

“No,” Reed replies bluntly just as Principal Huntington walks into the classroom. His eyes immediately land on Reed, still comfortably perched on the side of my desk.

“Hello, Principal Huntington. I didn’t expect you to be in today.”

“Neither did I. Reed, I need you to come with me.” Principal Huntington’s voice is stern as he looks around the classroom, “You’re all dismissed for the remainder of the day.”

Elliot lets out a hoot as he shoots up from his seat. “You’re the best, Huntington!”

Principal Huntington doesn’t seem amused, but motions for Coach Reed to follow him.

“Is something wrong?” Reed asks warily.

Huntington glances to me before looking back at Reed. “We’ll discuss it in my office.”

“Later, Coach,” Asher snickers, and my stomach drops. It’s not hard to figure out what Asher has done now as I watch Reed reluctantly follow his superior out of the classroom.

“You don’t need bail after all,” Connor teases.

I grab my bag, wanting to get out of the classroom as fast as possible, feeling dread at what was about to happen to Coach Reed. He might have crossed the line, but I’m sure Asher went above and beyond just getting him a slap on the hand.

“Reed might need some bail,” Asher jokes before I’m able to escape, confirming my fear.

“You really sacrificed someone’s career for your foolish little game?” Anger fills me as I’m once again witness to the fact that Asher doesn’t care about anyone but himself. “That’s your big, bad, dirty move? Calling Daddy to get Reed in trouble?”

“Nope. I called yours.”

“What?” I gasp at the shocking revelation I didn’t see coming. I figured Victor would’ve been his go-to.

“Yep. I took a play from you and called Nathan in to be your protector, informing him all about Reed’s inappropriate invitation to his student.”

A sarcastic laugh leaves my lips as Connor looks between us with confusion. “Yes, because you are so noble.”

Asher steps in front of me. “Don’t worry. It’ll get dirtier soon enough.”

Surprisingly, Connor doesn’t take the pussy way out this time and steps between Asher and me as I shift away. “Why don’t you back off?”

Damn it. I don’t need anyone else getting in trouble. It’s not like Asher even knows the meaning of the concept, even if he would heed Connor’s suggestion. Lightly clasping Connor’s arm, I pull him back. “You’re wasting your breath. Let’s just go.”

Asher furiously glares at Connor. “That is what you do best. So run along, and don’t forget your place.”