Page 10 of The Teacher of Nothing
A tear races down her cheek and she shakes her head. Hastily, she swipes at her cheek. “N-No. I didn’t know. W-Why?”
Levi deserves her hatred and rage.
Not her whispered questions and humiliation.
“Meet us in Mr. Erickson’s office,” I bark out to him. “You’re in serious trouble, Mr. Paulson.”
He gets up and stomps out of the room, muttering curse words along the way under his breath. As soon as he’s gone, I pluck the phone from her hands and pocket it once more.
“Are you okay?”
Willa remains frozen, her body trembling. She manages a slight nod. Her chin quivers and she hugs her arms around her body.
I wish my arms were the ones doing the comforting instead.
“He’ll be suspended for this,” I assure her. “The police will want to get involved because of your age.”
“I’m eighteen,” she breathes.
Those two words send fire spearing to my groin and settling in my nuts.
Eighteen.
Legal. Legal. Legal.
Clearing my throat, I attempt to be professional. It’s a sad attempt because I can’t fucking think straight when she’s so close I could touch her. When her scent is camping out in my nostrils, intoxicating me.
“Then it’ll be up to you if you want to press charges. I understand with family—”
“He’s not my family.” Her tone is sharp and her green eyes flicker with a fierceness I haven’t seen before. “I’ll need to talk to my mom.”
“Of course,” I agree. “When we get to Mr. Erickson’s, we’ll give her a call.”
I’m itching to grab hold of her hand and guide her to the principal’s office, but I can’t. That won’t sit well at all. The last thing I’m going to do is put her in a position that might have this entire situation turned on her. She needs me to protect her right now. At least until her mother arrives.
Unable to be a complete gentleman, I press my fingertips to her lower back, urging her forward. “Grab your bag and let’s go.”
Her shock seems to wear off and she jerkily makes her way over to her bag. Once it’s on her back, she follows me out of the classroom, waiting for me to lock up. Since this class was my last hour of the day and my planning period is next, I don’t have to worry about anyone but her right now.
The bell rings for final hour and a few straggling students rush into their classrooms. It quickly grows silent as I walk Willa to the office. When we arrive, Levi is sprawled out in a chair like the lazy slouch he is, not at all bothered by what he’s done.
“Have a seat,” I instruct. “Mr. Erickson and I will be talking to both of you shortly.” I stab a finger in the air at Levi. “Do not speak to her.”
He snorts in derision but wisely doesn’t argue. I give Willa a soft, encouraging smile before letting myself into Wayne’s office. Wayne’s laughter booms as he chats to someone on the phone. I clear my throat, making my presence known, and wait for him to end his call. As soon as Wayne sees my murderous expression, he groans and hangs up.
“Callum,” he says with a nod. “What can I do you for?”
I’m not fooled by Wayne’s friendliness. He’s a two-faced schmoozer. Nice to your face and talks shit behind your back. The Ericksons and Parks aren’t exactly friends.
“Levi Paulson,” I say and wave off Wayne’s annoyed groan. “It’s more than disrupting my class.”
Wayne frowns. “I’m listening.”
“He has pictures of Willa Reyes on his phone.”
“And?”
“They’re of her in her bed.”
