Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16175 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16175 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
I grab his throat so fast he stumbles forward. He claws my hand, but it’s futile.
See, I learned to play to my strengths growing up. I wasn’t as big as the other foster kids, but I refused to be bullied. It didn’t take long before I realized one sure-fire way of making even the biggest bullies panic was to grab their throats and not let go until they struggled to breathe.
“You call me a freak or whatever, I don’t give a shit. But you start disrespecting Tess and I’ll give you the same face you like to make fun of,” I growl, low enough that only he can hear.
The color drains from his face, and his eyes turn wild, lines appearing on his forehead. His face morphs from panic to full-blown fear. Damn, he’s just like every other bully. Once someone starts to fight back, they just get lost and don’t know what to do. Pathetic.
“I’m gonna let go so you can apologize to Tess. You hear me?”
He nods his head repeatedly like a bobblehead.
I take my hand off him and sit back, draping an arm across Tess’ shoulders. He rubs his neck and glares at me, maybe deciding if I’m not just a freak but a psycho too.
Well, he can try to find out.
The classroom is pregnant with tension, so thick I can feel it on my tongue. No one speaks. No one moves.
He releases a long breath and looks at Tess. “Sorry, Tess. I didn’t mean what I said. I crossed a line. Won’t happen again. I’ll leave you alone now.”
Without waiting for her response, he turns his back to us and walks back down to his seat. Our classmates are frozen in various states of shock, disbelief, and intrigue. Ignoring everyone else, I take Tess’ hand in mine and slip our interlocked fingers into my pocket.
It’s a good day.
4
TESS
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I take it out.
Dad: 7PM tonight. Elias and Dom will be there. DO NOT EMBARRASS ME
Oh, wow. Nothing like a bit of warning slash threat to get me hyped up for this evening’s event. Elias is the lucky man I’m supposedly marrying. Ha. Hell no. Why would I even think of getting hitched to another guy if I have Theo right beside me?
The way he defended me against Jared the touchy-feely creep? That was so hot. It took everything in me not to crush my lips against Theo’s right there and then—in front of everyone no less.
Having someone by my side ready to protect me and make sure I’m safe is so new to me. I’m all for being independent, but I can’t deny how nice it feels to just sit back, relax, and let him be strong for me. For both of us. I can’t explain it, but it’s … freeing.
Theo comes back to our table bringing a tray with two cups of coffee—one long black for him and a salted caramel frappuccino for me. He slides the tray on the table and sits across from me. His glasses slide down his nose, and he pushes it up with his finger.
Why does that look so darn sexy? Like I feel my core clench just watching him do the most mundane things.
“You like cookies?” he asks, one corner of his mouth lifting.
“Yes!”
He sets down a big cookie on the table, the kind with big chunks of dark and white chocolate.
My mouth waters and I take a bite. I close my eyes and relish the flavors in my mouth, moaning softly.
Oh, God. This is heaven.
When I open my eyes, Theo has his cup arrested halfway to his mouth, eyes staring at me intently and darkening. Of course, I channel the vixen version of me from last night.
Scooping a bit of whipped cream from my frappuccino, I bring it to my mouth and lick it slowly, never breaking eye contact with him.
The change in Theo is immediate.
He puts his cup down, and his hands grip the edge of the table, knuckles turning white. He exhales harshly, not even blinking.
“Tess, stop it.”
I widen my eyes, acting all innocent. “Hmm? What do you mean?”
“Stop teasing me.”
“Or what?”
I reach over and run a fingernail along his corded forearm.
A muscle ticks in his jaw as he clenches it tightly. He leans forward, his voice husky, and freezes me with his fierce gaze. “Or I’m gonna take you to the bathroom and fuck away that mischievous look on your face.”
Something sticky lodges in my throat. Why do I want that so badly? My eyes unknowingly sweep the area by the bathroom, and I hear Theo chuckle.
“Well, well, well. You’re actually considering it, kitten?”
My face heats from his teasing because yes, I’m considering it. More than considering it actually. I want it. I want him. Only a small part of me cares that we’re in public.