Page 64 of Tainted Romance

I pulled down the blinds in frustration, trying to drown out the roaring party. Normally I would be down there enjoying it but no, not tonight, thanks to my bloody English teacher.

I huffed, slumping back down at the desk. I flipped the page of my textbook.

I was happy for any distraction, so when there was a knock on my door, I was quick to tell them to come in.

Zane stepped in. What the hell.

“Um, what’s going on?” I couldn’t think of any real reason why Zane would be wearing such a frustrated look on his face.

“What’s going on?” His voice lowered into a hiss. “What the fuck do you think, Allie? You’ve been ignoring me for days!”

Ignoring him? How was that even possible if I hadn’t seen him?

Holding the textbook up in the air for him I said, “Try studying, Zane. Why would I be ignoring you?” Was he that self-centered? “Bloody hell, Zane. You do know we are in our senior year, right? I’m behind in finals and assignments, and I have a teacher up my butt about this.” I scrunched my nose up at the essay in front of me.

“So, you’ve been busy?” Zane’s voice twisted with confusion.

“Obviously! If I weren't, I would be at the party, not up here trying to study.”

“So, you aren’t ignoring me.”

“Are you dense?” I snapped at him. How many ways could I say it? I wasn’t ignoring him.

A small smirk crept across his face. “Would you like a hand?”

“No, I have two, but I would love your assistance on this essay.”

“Smart ass.” He dragged a chair up to my desk.

“Thought it was best I was clear with you.” I gave him a pointed look. “Seeing as how you like to jump to conclusions.”

He pressed his lips together but kept whatever he was thinking to himself.

So maybe studying could become more interesting. Suddenly, the thought of spending the night studying really didn’t bother me - not at all. Now there was something really wrong with that thought.

I wanted to spend time with Zane. I swallowed sharply; I can’t believe I was admitting that to myself.

Chapter Twenty-eight

I strongly believe history is overrated. Seriously, why did it matter how long you knew a person? Just because you have it, doesn't mean you'll have a future.My eyes slowly narrowed as I watched Ebony touch Zane's arm…laughing.

What the hell was so funny?

"Why are you gawking at Harris?"

Jumping, I spun on my heel to look at Blake. “I wasn't." Denial was way easier than fessing up to the truth.

"Sure, you weren't." Blake gave me a mocking expression.

"Thought you were meant to be ditching anyway?" I snapped, pulling my books from my locker.

I could feel Blake's eyes on me. "Why have you gone red?"

I gave him a sharp look. "I haven't." I denied it while feeling my cheeks heat up.

"You got a crush on him?" Blake nodded his head in Zane's direction.

Oh, for the love of God, why did I have to be caught gawking! "No!"

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