Page 102 of The Forbidden Note

Even his gaze is dangerous. He refuses to let me breathe.

There’s a half-heartedtapbehind me and then a noisy crash of the cymbals. I look over my shoulder and notice Viola’s confused expression.

“Uh… I just remembered I have homework. Gotta go,” Viola squeaks. In a flash, she darts from behind the drums and disappears.

Zane smirks and moves deeper into the room. Every step feels like a threat and it’s extremely difficult to hold my ground. The way he walks, the way he carries himself like he owns the world, it used to irritate me. But after seeing him slam Hall into next year, I’m not as irritated as I used to be.

Zane’s lips curl up. “Like what you see?”

I glance away. “You shower fast.”

“I’ll go slow if you’re in there with me.”

I ignore the sweeping pleasure that lights up my brain. “Viola’s not having fun.”

“Learning an instrument isn’t about fun. It’s about discipline.”

“You shouldn’t pressure kids to learn music. You shouldinspireher to learn.”

“Are you schooling me on how to be a teacher?”

“Just some advice.”

He gives me a wink and a smile. “My turn.”

“To do what?”

He picks up the sticks and holds it out to me. “To teach you something.”

I squint at the sticks. I’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, but I don’t know if it’s worth learning from him.

“Scared?” He goads me.

I scoff and snap the sticks from his hands. “I’m a quick learner. Don’t be surprised if I play better than you.”

“I like the confidence.” His voice is a purr in my ear as I get situated on the drum stool.

Goosebumps skitter up my arm and it gets ridiculously hot.

“What do I start with first?”

“Pull your skirt up.”

“W-what?”

“Your legs need movement.” His fingers hook underneath my pencil skirt. The pads of his thumb graze my skin and set a wildfire inside me.

Slowly, he inches my skirt up, and I do my best not to moan when his knuckles brush my inner thigh. A burning ache lights up my belly, electricity whipping through me like a torrent.

Zane’s eyes blaze into mine, an arresting shade of blue.

“Enough,” I choke out, grabbing his wrist to stop him. I feel too exposed, too vulnerable in this heated moment.

His full lips twist in a cruel smirk.

“Are you teaching me a lesson or not?” I snap.

“Of course.” He withdraws.

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