Page 31 of Manhattan Secret

“I mean it.”

No, no. Stop that, belly! We do not flutter for a man-boy with delicious smiles.

“Have a coffee with me.”

“That’s inappropriate.”

“What’s inappropriate about drinking coffee together?”

“You’re my student.”

Like I haven’t even uttered a logical word, he flashes a grin, moving an inch closer until his face is in my face, his sugary breath wafting over my cheek. “It’s not like I asked you to go back in that bathroom and lift this tight little skirt … Miss Sloan.”

Air locks in my throat. “Have a good day, Lachlan.”

I ignore the sinful things coming out of his mouth because as I know now, there’s no winning a war of words with Lachlan. He plays to win, and he does it by any means necessary. I move by him, he lets me, and I hear him chuckling behind me.

We each take our own seats again, I start to pack my things away for a fast escape before I do something really stupid and climb onto his lap, but it isn’t a minute later when he calls over for all and sundry to hear.

“Move your perfect little ass over here, Delaney, and be friendly with me.”

Thankfully there are no other students or teachers here.

I’m too afraid to admit he isn’t bothered if we are seen talking to one another.

That’s a whole new level of danger I can’t afford.

Not only a too young boy who wants me, but a reckless one to boot.

I ignore him and that’s when he climbs to his feet, shifting his frame through the tables. “Fine, if Mohammed won’t go to the mountain.”

“You’re the mountain in this scenario?” I look up to find him already twitching a grin. He straddles the chair, scooting it far too close. “I’m whatever you need me to be, Laney.”

“Miss Sloan.”

“Why won’t you spend time with me?”

Oh, my god.

I’ve been wrong.

It’s never been about intimidation after all.

The leader of the wolf pack wanting to excerpt his dominance over the lowly teacher.

Oh my god, he really doeswantme.

“Why are you being like this? Is it to get me in trouble?” His brows lower. “Do you hate me for some reason? Am I the latest sport in your little leader of the wolf pack? Is this who you are, Lachlan? You are so bright, you’re going to MIT, for goodness sake, you don’t need to be playing these games with me of all people.”

Unsure if anything I’ve said penetrates, but something crosses over his face, regret…annoyance. He whittles his teeth on the corner of his lips.

It’s only up this close that I note the tragus piercing in his left ear.

Along with his shoulder cuff tattoo which I’ve caught glimpses of during the week depending on the shirt he wore; it makes him all too manly and appealing.

I’m weak for ink and piercings and my fingers itch to rub over the silver bar.

“Spare me the pop psychology, mouse. I am who I am because I want to be, not for any nefarious reason, or my home life is bad. This isn’t me rebelling.”

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