Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70489 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70489 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
He sniffed. “You’re what? Ten years older than me?”
“Eight, but—”
He frowned. “Did you graduate early?”
“I did.”
“You’re so smart, so together.”
I did not need him thinking I was some paragon for him to worship. “Smart, yes. Hardworking, yes. Together… There’s so much you don’t know about me.”
“Then tell me, show me.”
Doing so would put his life in danger. “That wouldn’t be wise.”
Alex sighed. “Do you always have to be wise?”
“Someone does.”
“Not me?”
“You should too.”
He grinned. “You’d have to see me more to know if I’m taking care of myself.”
I was not going to let him derail me. “I need a shower. I’ll see you tomorrow in class. Eat some breakfast and go home.”
“What do I do? Walk out the front door? Should I wear a disguise or sneak out through some underground tunnel?”
“If I had an underground tunnel, I would send you out through it.”
“I don’t get the feeling you’re usually one to follow the rules, especially considering you sent someone to make sure Randall doesn’t come near me again.”
“You should find someone your own age. Someone who isn’t the kind of person who has the type of resources I do.”
He scowled at me. “But that’s not what I want.”
“And you’re used to getting what you want?”
“When it’s something I have control over, then yes.”
“You’re an adult, Alexander. You have control over your own life.” I knew how ridiculous that statement was when I said it, and he glared at me.
“You know that’s not true. If you really are connected with the Theriot family business, then you have to know that.”
“Take care of yourself, Alex. Use the kitchen door and leave through the back fence.”
“Yes, Professor.” He said the words in a sultry voice, tempting me all over again.
I walked into my room and closed the door behind me before I sagged against it, wondering what the hell I was doing and how I was going to keep myself from touching him again when I would be seeing him at least twice a week.
Rafe called while I was getting dressed. I was surprised to hear from him at that time of day. Maybe he was still up from the night before.
“How’d it go last night?” I asked.
“Good. I had the little bitch pissing his pants. He’s a fucking coward, just like most bullies. I hardly even got to have any fun with him. But he kept saying he didn’t drug Alex. He swore it. He said he didn’t know what I was talking about, and he didn’t have any drugs. Then he started crying like a baby.”
“Do you believe him?”
A moment passed before he answered. “My inclination would be to say no, that Randall would say anything to get out of being hurt or paying any price for what he’s done. But something about the way he was acting made me inclined to. Is there a chance Alex was just really drunk?”
Was there? “I’m pretty sure he’s very familiar with how that feels, so I’m going to say no.”
“Then if somebody else drugged him, who was it?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure as hell going to find out.” I heard the back door close and almost wished I hadn’t sent Alex away.
“All right, now it’s time for you to give me details. What’s the story with this guy?”
I started the shower so the water could warm up. “I’ve got to get ready for class. I don’t have time for this now.”
“Just one question, then. Would you kill for him?”
“Yes.” I gave the answer without any hesitation.
“I like it. You and Lorenzo—”
I growled. “Not a word to him about this.”
“So you’re not denying it now? You’re hot for this guy?”
I hung my robe on the back of the door and stripped out of my running shorts. “I’m protecting him.”
“With your dick?”
Seriously? “No.”
“You mean not yet.”
I wanted to deny it. I should deny it. But I didn’t. “Go cause trouble for someone else.”
“Got anyone else for me to rough up? Because I’m ready to go.”
I sighed. “Have you been to bed?”
“No.”
“Then get some sleep.” I wandered back into my bedroom to pull out clothes for the day.
“Sleep is boring.”
“Dammit, Rafe.”
“Hush, I’ll sleep in a little while.”
I tossed clothes on the bed. I really needed to get moving. “Get something to eat first. And don’t—”
“Say anything to Lorenzo. I know. Somehow you can have your nose up his ass about who he’s fucking, but if he wants to know about you—”
“Rafael.”
“Bye, big brother. Have a good day.”
“Asshole.” At least I knew he’d keep his mouth shut. I’d kept plenty of secrets for him over the years.
11
DANTE
The buzzing of my phone startled me from a dream. I groaned when I saw Lorenzo’s picture on the screen. This wasn’t going to be good news.
“What fucking time is it?” I asked when I answered.
“Midnight.”
“What are you doing calling me at this time? I’ve got an early class tomorrow.” Alex’s class. That was going to be torture.