Page 95 of The Forbidden Note

Great.

Hall hurries over, grinning like I’m a Christmas present delivered early.

“Mr. Hall, what are you still doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

I notice he’s breathing hard and the front of his shirt is stained with sweat. The disgusting stench of body odor wafts to my nose.

“I was just about to head home.” Brushing past him, I hurry down the stairs.

Hall follows me, his expensive sneakers thumping the steps. “Since we ran into each other, we should grab a bite.”

“No thank you.”

“Come on. I know a great place.”

“I saidno.”

“Don’t be like that.” He smirks and grabs my hand.

I shake him off. “Mr. Hall, this is not appropriate.”

“Since when do you care about being appropriate?” He pulls me close.

I try to tear away, but his hands are sweaty clamps.

My heart jackhammers against my ribs. “Let go!”

“Come on, Miss J.” Dark shadows play over the planes of his face. His teeth flash like a wolf’s. “I bet you didn’t give Zane this much trouble.” He starts yanking me down the stairs. “How much did he pay you to screw? I’ll give you double.”

The acrid taste of panic surges up my throat.

He’s too strong.

I can’t break away from him.

“Those rumors aren’t true.”

“Yeah right.” Hall glances back at me with a sardonic grin. “You act so high and mighty. Like you’re so much better than us. Like you can’t be bought. But in the end, you’re just like everyone else. That picture was proof. You’ll do anything for money.”

Using all my strength, I rip his hands off me. Hall lunges forward, but I’m ready for him. Hurling my purse full of books, I smack him across the face.

He roars, arms lifting to protect himself.

Desperately, I dash down the rest of the steps.

He pursues me. I feel his clammy fingers close around my elbow and dig into my flesh.

He wrenches me around.

I open my mouth to scream, but he clamps his hand on my lips.

I gag. He tastes like sweat and sand.

Holding my breath, I bite down on his hand.

Hard.

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