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I nodded and cleared my throat, wanting to ask, but also afraid of his answer. He paused, his head tilted in question and I spit it out.

“Caleb said you didn’t think the meeting would do anything. Why?”

“Because if it was me, I wouldn’t give up either,” he answered simply, the words causing my body to flush as the spot he kissed on my neck burned. His gaze was knowing as I leaned back against the door to my motel room, my legs weak. My hand found the doorknob behind me, but I waited to go in, watching him as he turned and headed back into the forest.

Chapter Eight

The next few days were quiet as I begged my dad to drive me to and from school. I wasn’t ready to face Dominic or Caleb, not even to find out the outcome of the meeting their dads had supposedly had with the Hanley’s. I hadn’t seen the guys or their truck so I assumed they must have gotten the message. I personally had no desire to piss off Dominic’s dad. He didn’t seem the type to turn the other cheek.

Anna continued to talk to me in the halls, making sure I had some form of transportation each day. We didn’t speak about meetings or families, keeping our conversation strictly on school and our classmates. I’d gotten to know a couple of other students, one had even asked if I wanted to join them at the town library to study, but I turned her down. I wasn’t ready to take a risk by being in the open. I knew groups offered some protection, but I was also afraid someone would get hurt if the Hanley’s spotted me out with them.

By Friday, I had relaxed somewhat, between school and working at the motel my life had developed a routine, one I had begun to enjoy. It was nothing like my old life, which had required nothing from me but false smiles. None of my old friends had bothered to text or call once I left, as if my absence meant nothing. It might have hurt if I hadn’t seen it happen before. Where I’d come from the friendships were as shallow as a puddle, everything was about who you knew and who you had done. I’d discovered it was a relief to be away from them.

I paused as I walked into my next class, the sight of Dominic at the front of the class an unexpected surprise. One that wasn’t entirely welcome.

“Mr. Parker is out today so I’ll be subbing this hour,” he said and I lifted my head to meet his eyes. Our glance was brief as he moved on to scan the room, looking for anyone who may have an issue with his words.

As if.

There were a few nods and more than a few hair flips as girls giggled. I’d already heard enough girls discussing taking an extra year of gym on the off chance they might get put in Dominic’s class.

“I’m Coach Dom for any of those who may not know me.” I ignored the weight of his stare, already knowing better than to call him Dominic. “Parker made it easy on me today. He left a worksheet for you to complete and turn in before the end of the hour. This should help with your test on Monday.”

There were a few groans at the reminder of the test and he chuckled. “This is why I teach gym. No tests. Now get started and I shouldn’t have to remind you to work quietly.” The worksheet was handed back to me and I took one before passing it along. I concentrated on the work in front of me, resisting the urge to peek at Dominic.

I scribbled an answer and then unconsciously reached up to rub the spot on my neck. The clatter of a chair slamming into a wall brought my head up along with everyone else’s. Dominic’s eyes burned into mine as he clenched his fists rhythmically. Eyes darted between us as I slowly lowered my hand from my neck. The tension radiating off him seemed to ease slightly and he straightened his chair.

“Back to your worksheets,” he barked and everyone obeyed instantly. I sucked in air, my heart pounding in my chest as I slowly went back to the sheet in front of me. When the bell rang half an hour later, there was a mad scramble as students left the room, dropping their worksheets on the desk in front of Dominic. I took my time packing my bag as I waited for the room to empty, finally standing up with my worksheet.

I walked to the front, feeling his eyes on me as I dropped the worksheet on the top of the pile. I glanced up, meeting his eyes and smiled.