Page 19 of Jain

Was he referring to Arden and me?

“The difference is, if something makes you feel good, who cares if it’s wrong?” I argued as he studied me carefully for a beat before blinking.

“Unfortunately, lots of people. Teachers, parents—even the law sometimes.”

“Are you referring to my relationship with Arden?” I asked as he frowned, shaking his head.

“I wasn’t aware what you had was a relationship, Jain. Congratulations.”

His voice was dripping in sarcasm, and I stood up angrily.

“Well, apparently, everyone knows better than me. My mum, my so-called friends- and now you, my bloody teacher. I’m not in love with the man.”

“Boy,” he corrected me, and I felt my breath hitch in my throat.

“Sir—”

“My apologies. It’s my job to correct language when inappropriately used, I’m afraid.”

My heart hammered in my chest when he dropped his gaze over my body briefly before he met my eyes again.

“Anything else, Jain?”

Yes, actually, what the fuck was that look? I wanted to ask but instead shook my head.

“No, Sir.”

“Maybe people are looking out for you. Sometimes it’s wise to listen.” Mr Silver walked me to the door, leaning past me to open it.

His neck was dangerously close to my mouth as he did, and I had to fight the urge to bury my face in it.

WHAT?!

“Sometimes it’s not.”

I stood, frozen to the spot as his gaze dropped to my lips before he glanced at the open door.

“Are you going, or—”

“Or what?” I whispered, unable to think with the way his eyes darkened when I spoke.

“Or nothing, I suppose. Our session is over,” he softly said as I took a step closer to the door.

Was it me, or did I see a flash of panic in his eyes?

“Yes, Sir.”

“Think about your options, Jain. Not all of them are obvious.”

Chapter Nine

Iwas fast asleep when I was woken by my phone ringing. Bleary-eyed, I searched for it with my fingers on the duvet, finally locating it.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?”

“Arden?”