Page 38 of Jain

When his lips gave way to his teeth, they nibbled on my bottom lip, and I felt my knees buckle.

“Yes,” I gasped when he finally released me.

“Good. Now you better get to class, Ms Martin. I’ll see you after school.”

I stood in awe as he backed away from me, staring at me with an unreadable expression.

I walked towards the door, opening it before I turned back to him.

“Yes, Sir.”

Chapter Sixteen

Ileft school on time, deciding to walk directly to Evan’s house. I’d told my mum I would be at Kate’s again, and she was fine. I did feel a bit lousy lying to her, but I couldn’t help it. The thought of his lips on mine again—-“Doe!”

I bristled, feeling irritation at Arden’s casual attitude. I folded my arms as he approached me, feeling pity for him. I continued walking, hoping he would get the message.

“I’ve heard the news,” he murmured, lighting up a cigarette as he cupped his hands around it to protect it from the wind.

My heart still lurched when I saw him—emotions aren’t that easy to turn off.

“The news?” I echoed, wondering why on earth Arden was speaking to me about it, of all people. He sucked on the cigarette as he gave me a sidelong look.

“Why are you still pissed with me? It’s notmybaby.”

I stopped then, turning to stare at him in disgust.

“That’s what you think? Let me guess, you fucked heronce, and now that means you couldn’t possibly have gotten her pregnant?”

Arden’s eyes flickered over me, causing the all too familiar pull I felt when he looked at me that way.

“Jain...come on. How many guys has she been with? You can’t expect me to believe this baby ismine? She told me she doesn’t know who the father is!” Arden snapped, anger flashing in his eyes. “It was just a bit of fun—I don’t want a family with the girl, fuck no.”

I laughed in disbelief before continuing to walk.

“Arden, whether you are the father or not, show some fucking respect,” I seethed when I felt him hold my arm.

“Hey, this isserious.”

I stopped, exhaling with irritation.

“What exactly has this got to do with me? Why are we even having this conversation? I’m not your girlfriend. I’m not pregnant. End of story.”

“I know, but—”

I stopped to cross the road, checking both ways before hurrying across as Arden followed me.

“Arden!” I groaned, and he narrowed his eyes at me.

“I fucked up. I didn’t think for one second you would want a relationship with me,” Arden muttered, tossing his cigarette to the curb, exhaling the smoke as I wafted my hand.

“This isn’t aboutus,” I said softly, turning towards him as he automatically slid his hands around my waist. I pushed them away, stepping backwards. “That ship has sailed, Arden. Just...focus onthis. If it is your baby, Kate will need you.”

“If it’s not my baby, what then?”

Suddenly he looked terrified, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He was eighteen and potentially a father with nothing to offer. He didn’t even want to be a father.

“Well then, it’s your life to live.” I shrugged, unsure what he expected me to say. “I’ve got a tutorial...”