Page 17 of The Forbidden Note

The serious look disappears, instantly replaced by his signature smirk. “Just to be safe, why don’t you move out of dad’s house and move into mine? Nowhere is safer than in my bed.”

Of course, he’s messing with me.

I scoff. “Now that we’re here, I want to speak to you about something too.”

He tilts his head.

“It’s about what you did that day.”

“What day?” He leans down. His warm breath fans my lips. “You have to be more specific.”

I feel a shudder run down my spine, but I steel myself against it. “When we’re at school, I am your teacher. If you ever,” I step closer to him and poke a finger in his chest, “pick me up and throw me over your shoulder like that again—”

“You’ll what?” He moves into me, his nose practically on top of mine.

My heartbeat pounds.

“Put me on time out?” Zane taunts. “Spankme?” His voice is deep and rumbles through me, scratching at the parts of me that have never forgotten his touch. “What’s my punishment, Miss Jamieson?”

My nostrils flare. I step back. “Rule number one, don’t speak to me unless you have to. Rule number two, don’t touch me. Rule number three, always return to rules one and two.”

He licks his lips, a flash of a pink tongue over full lips. “Sorry.” He shrugs. “I’m not the type to follow rules.”

“Zane,” I growl.

He smirks, sticks his hands into his pockets and walks away.

I glare daggers into his strong back.

Zane Cross is a tall, tattooed menace. He has an air of danger around him that’s only gotten stronger since our first meeting. It doesn’t help that he has a bomb that could explode all over my career and ruin my mission at Redwood Prep.

I wish with all my heart that I’d never laid eyes on him.

He turns back, sees me still watching and winks.

Disgusted, I yank my car door open and climb in.

I don’t know what’s worse—having a one-night stand with a student or having a one-night stand with my step-brother.

Either way, I’m ruined if anyone finds out.

My phone buzzes.

I glance at the screen as a hum careens through my veins.

I’ve got a new message.

From Jinx.

* * *

Unknown Number: You’ve been a very naughty girl, Miss Jamieson. Are you holding out on me? Trade a secret for a secret. What’s going on between you and Snare King?

Unknown Number: By the way, save this number. And I suggest you spill fast before I find out for myself. Something tells me, Redwood Prep isn’t ready for its first Snare Queen.

CHAPTERFIVE

ZANE