Page 58 of Tainted Romance

Well, this was awkward. I ignored his hint at my bad grades and instead smiled at him. “Thanks, you didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s ok. I know how easy it is to get behind and…”

I’m sure he had more to say, and I was sure this conversation wasn’t over, but it was abruptly interrupted.

“I need Allie.” Zane strode into the classroom. Not excusing himself. Not explaining himself to the teacher. Nope, he just strode through the classroom, not stopping until he was in front of me. “Come on.”

I didn’t like being ordered. I already didn’t like him that much, so I arched my eyebrows at him. “Why?”

“Like I said, I need you.”

I glanced at the boy next to me, who wouldn’t look up. I suppose I could be stubborn and just stay here and continue this awkward and odd conversation, or I could leave.

“Mr. Harris, this isn’t your classroom,” my teacher snapped at Zane, but she might as well be a fly because Zane didn’t seem to care.

I scooped up my books. “Um, sorry, I have to go,” I muttered down at the stranger before following Zane out of the classroom.

Mrs. Elder’sdidn’t seem impressed with my departure, but I wasn’t impressed by her boring classes, so I called it fair.

I followed Zane up the empty corridor, and when he didn’t start explaining his weird behavior, I knew I would have to prompt him for an explanation. “So, do you have a reason for pulling me out of class, Zane?”

I was half expecting him to just say a flat-out no. He was pigheaded after all.

“Mom needs shit done and gave me a list, but I didn’t want to do it by myself.”

His expression didn’t change as he lied perfectly.

“You’re lying.” I followed him out the side door, which he politely held open for me.

“Whatever.”

“Why would you ask me, instead of Ebony or Taylor?”

“Taylor wouldn’t go, and Ebony had plans.”

“Really, I wonder if her plans were to stay in class.” I rolled my eyes dryly at him. Of course, Zane would think it was completely believable to pull people out of their class just to accompany him.

“I was helping you.” His eyes sharply ran across my face. “Don’t act like you wanted to stay there.”

He was right, and that pissed me off. “I happen to enjoy History.”

“Then, by all means, go back,” he scoffed while unlocking his car. A car I just so happened to be already walking towards.

“You can’t go back after you have walked out.”

“Sure.” Amusement dashed across his face, and he climbed into the car.

I was sure I would regret this later. I pulled open the car door, climbing in. “You better be a safe driver.”

“I’m better than Ryder.”

“Well, that isn’t saying much.”

We shared a half smile. “Allie, you’ve got to trust me more.”

“I don’t trust untrustworthy people.” I pulled my seatbelt down. “What is on this list anyway?”

He grumbled something I didn’t catch, and for a second I wondered if he had made up this list altogether. It wasn’t until my better judgment clicked in, and I realized: as if Zane would go to such lengths just to get me out of class.

---