Page 56 of A Lesson in Obedience

Does Asher have office hours today?

The three dots appeared letting me know he was typing.

RIVER

I think so, why?

Any clue whenthey are?

RIVER

What’s this about, Riley?

Nothing. I just need to talk to him.

RIVER

Nothing is your way of saying it’s something. I may have a pretty face, but I do pay attention, gorgeous. Did he do something to piss you off already today?

More than usual, I mean.

I wanted to laugh because River had a way of turning a dark moment into something worth smiling at.

I would love to let you in on every detail, but I need to talk to him first.

RIVER

Does this little talk have anything to do with why his mind was a dirty mess this morning? You might have broken my brother and I am highly impressed.

It wasn’t my intention I assure you.

RIVER

Haha, well here’s his number. Talk away, gorgeous. We’ll take you back home later today.

The next message I got was Asher’s phone number which I quickly saved into my contacts. Students started getting out of their chairs and barreling out of the room, so I waited patiently in my seat.

Are you busy right now?

ASHER

who is this?

your favorite student.

My screen changed from the text thread to an incoming phone call. He was fucking calling me. I started to leave the room when I answered.

“Hello?”

“What do you need, Riley?” There were some echoes and background noise on his end.

“Are you headed to your office?”

“Why are you asking?”

“Why don’t you answer?”

He groaned, clearly annoyed. “How did you get my number?”