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I cross my arms over my chest, equal parts a protective measure as it is to keep me from slapping him silly. “That sounds like a threat.”
“When I’m threatening you, you’ll know it.”
“Everything you say sounds like a fucking threat, Parker.”
He takes a menacing step toward me and I hold my ground, standing on my toes to match his height and his energy. Two can play the intimidation game.
“How much does she know?” he presses with a frustrated growl. “What did you show her? Does she have copies?”
“No copies. I’m not a fucking idiot, as you would put it.”
He frowns. “Better not be copies.”
“She knows enough about the payments that continued after my father’s death.”
“What payments?”
I shake my head while tightening my arms over my chest. “You don’t need to know more than that, Parker.”
“I need to know plenty more,” he states while squeezing my shoulders. He’s not hurting me—he’s just reminding me that he can. “You better tell me more.”
“You better bring me the head of the person who whacked both my father and your best friend.”
His temple twitches as he stares into my eyes.
“That’s right. He was your best friend at one point, wasn’t he?” My challenge strikes exactly where I intend it to land. “You cared about Lev, too, yet you’re doing nothing to find his killer. We both know it’s the same person.”
He shakes me loose and sends me stumbling back. “You’re just a silly fucking girl who doesn’t know anything.”
When he stalks off, I shrug my shoulders and brush my clothes. He didn’t hurt me. Not quite. Parker wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me like that. But his wicked presence and demanding touch are enough to leave me both aroused and frightened. Sure, I have power over him, but he also has power over me. I have to get myself under control before it becomes a problem, before he realizes what he can do just by a simple stare.
I halt in my tracks when I turn around. Demetra stands near one of the lockers with a couple of books clutched to her chest, eyes wide as she studies me. The urge to bolt overwhelms me, but I plant my feet on the ground, stubbornly keeping myself in place. The hallways are public. I can fucking walk wherever I want.
“Hey,” she whispers. “Are you…?” She gulps while gesturing to her shoulders.
I nod. “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me.”
“It looked like he…” She pinches her lips together while exhaling through her nostrils. “Anyway, I just wanted to check.”
“I’m all right.”
Silence settles between us. Neither of us moves, standing like terrified deer stuck in the center of oncoming traffic. The trucks are speeding toward us and the lights are blinding, yet we can’t seem to make a sound or move a muscle. Strange how strongly I feel the need to dart away without the ability to do it.
At this point, I’m not sure if I’m being stubborn or stupid.
Maybe Parker is right.
I clear my throat. “Hey, do you know where Coach Neill might have gone?”
“No. Is she not in her office?”
I shake my head. “I can’t find her anywhere.”
“Interesting.”
“Yeah, it’s…” I trail off, realizing this is the first time we’ve spoken in ages. It hurts despite the relief that blooms in my limbs. “Anyway, thanks.”
She nods and then takes a tentative step forward. “I did see someone visit my father recently.”
