Page 76

Phew, the day seems to have passed me right on by. They say time flies when you’re having fun. I think, chuckling to myself.
The room begins to fill up in my colder than normal classroom. I’ll give everyone another minute or so to make it in. As I wait, my mind wanders back to lunch. I don’t know what it is about those guys, but I want to know more about The Devils of Cliffside. I know Cressida mentioned them, but we didn't see them, and I find that odd, but call it curiosity or me being nosey. Either way, I’m gonna find out who they are.
The door slams shut, causing me to shake those treacherous thoughts from my mind. As I look up to see who caused all that noise, my eyes stare into a set of deep, brown ones. Why does he have to be so cute? If his attitude wasn’t so nasty, maybe he’d be beautiful.
“You’re late.” I announce, and see the smirk plastered on his face as if he finds what I said funny.
“I’m not late, I’m right on time, actually.” He says, walking down to the front row, taking his sweet effin’ time.
“If my door is closed when you arrive, that means you’re late in my book.” I growl.
“Did you just growl at me?” He laughs, staring at me. I’d love nothing more than to have a showdown with him, but not in front of the class. So, I break eye contact first.
“Sit down so I can begin.” I say after a minute or two.
“Whatever you say, teach.” He says, smirking again, causing me to stifle a groan as I roll my eyes.
God, he is so arrogant.
“I hope you’ve all had an amazing first week and are ready for some fun with Intro to Biology.” I smile, trying to connect with the kids and making eye contact. “I just want to remind everyone that being late is inexcusable, but since it’s the first week, I’ll let it slide.” I chuckle, letting my eyes fall to Wyck, sitting front and center. “I can’t stand someone that has no home training.” I say, staring directly into Wyck’s eyes.
Again the class erupts in laughter as I see his hand shoot up, signaling he has a question.
“Yes, Mr. Vaughn?”
“You can just call me Mister, I like it.” He smirks as the class snickers from his joke.
“You’re not very funny. Kindly refrain from speaking if you don’t have anything intelligent to say.” I grunt as a round of oh’s and ah’s pass around the room. I can tell what I said hit a soft spot, because he’s no longer smiling, and a deep, red flush is creeping up his neck, making its way to those perfectly, sculpted cheeks of his.
“I’d watch it if I were you,MissWalker.” He spits.
“I think I can handle myself,MisterVaughn.” I say, bending down to his level. I dare him to challenge me in front of everyone.
Another staring contest is taking place, and this time, I have no intention of losing. His eyes roam back and forth across my face as mine watch and calculate his. If I had to put a time frame on how long this lasts, I would say an eternity.
It takes him longer than I thought to finally back down. When he does, he grins at me, leaning back in his chair, but not before he gives me a piece of his mind only I can hear.
“You may have won this round, 7-Eleven, but when I finally break through your tough skin, you won’t be able to shake back from what I have in store.”
7- Eleven? “Are you calling me a slut?” I growl. When he just stares at me with that smug smile on his face, I know that’s what he meant. “Well thisslutcan take whatever you dish out.” I back away from him, his intimidating stare and that exotic cologne he has on. My head feels dizzy from being too close to him, drunk off the sex appeal he’s oozing. Turns out, I haven’t come down from the high I got at lunch.
Get a grip Athens. You can’t show him that he scares you, and you damn sure can’t let him know that you’re in the least bit attracted to him.
“We’ll see.” He says as the flush slowly subsides from its resting place on his face and makes its way to me. The urge to roll my eyes is evident, but I have to be the grown-up and remember he’s just my student.
“Now, class, let’s begin.” I call out, clearly done with his crap. If that was his attempt at intimidating me, it’s gonna take more than that.
I smile to myself, moving away from him. But when I turn around to face the class, I feel a penetrating stare, breaking through the barriers leading to my soul.
His devilish smile tells me that I just poked the bear, and I am definitely gonna be in deep shit.
I look at my watch and see that time has flown by, I wish the class a good weekend, and the students empty the room, leaving me to reflect on my day.
Just when I think I’m all alone with my thoughts, Wyck comes striding up to my desk, taking a seat on the edge.
I don’t look up, in hopes that he will take the hint and just leave. Moments later, his hand reaches out and moves a piece of my hair to the side. I crane my head back before he can touch me.
“What do you think you’re playing at, Wyck?” I bark.