Page 22 of A Lesson in Deceit (Mystic Riegan Duet #1)

Riley

M y shoulders tensed when I saw River looking back at me as if he had a million questions.

I looked over his shoulder to see Asher appear out of his office, leaning against the threshold of the door.

If he was already suspicious of me before, this would add another thing to his list that I’m sure he was building.

“Uh, hey,” I said, my t-shirt immediately feeling a little too tight, even though it was made of the most breathable material.

“What are you doing here?” River asked, his face the look of pure innocence.

I’d looked at the names associated with each floor and found Mr. St. James.

He was one floor down from my dad, so if I could accomplish two things at once then today would be a success in my book.

I was the most confident and determined I’d ever been, planning to march right into his office, ask to speak to him with urgency and hope I could get moved to the front of whatever waitlist he had.

What I had not planned for was running into River and the last person I wanted to see.

I looked over River’s shoulder to see their dad’s office staring me right in the face.

“Yes, what are you doing here, Miss Monroe?” Asher repeated, but his tone was more accusatory as if he was just begging me to fuck up.

I rubbed my lips together, thinking through my options. “I came to talk to Mr. St. James about something for class.”

River’s mouth pulled up in an amused manner. “Wait, you make her call you Mr. St. James? Asher, you really do take yourself too seriously.”

Asher ran his tongue over his front teeth. “I don’t have office hours today. I know that and you know that.”

I gave a casual one shoulder shrug. “I thought maybe you’d make an exception for me.”

“Unfortunately, I’m not one for favoritism.

You’ll have to come by on my regular days like everyone else, but I don’t think you will because I don’t think that’s why you’re actually here.

” His eyes never left my face, as if he was trying to intimidate me with just his piercing stare alone.

I wouldn’t say the look made me feel small, but I also wouldn’t say it did nothing for me.

River snapped his fingers in front of his brother’s face. “Give it a rest, Asher.” He shook his head, giving me his full attention. “You all done for the day?”

I nodded, knowing that Asher was still staring at me.

“Good, let me walk you back to your dorm.” He started to walk past me but swiftly turned around on his heels. “Forgot my bag.”

When River was out of sight, Asher stepped up to me, making sure there was no space between us.

He leaned down, so that his words could not be misconstrued.

“As flattered as I am that you’ve made me a part of whatever it is you’re doing here, don’t do it again.

My brother may be so infatuated with you, but luckily, I am not. Strike two, little liar.”

“I’m not doing anything. It’s not a crime to want help from my teacher. Is it, sir ?”

His jaw ticked, but he didn’t say anything else.

He moved away from me when River returned, giving his brother a tight smile.

Asher went back into his office, slamming the door.

River took my hand and walked us to the elevator.

I turned my head, seeing his father come out of his office right as we entered, and I let out a sigh, almost cursing under my breath.

I would need a new strategy.