“I don’t have your number,” I snapped, aggravated by the oversight on my part. I kept watch over her practically 24/7 but had never gotten her phone number.
“Anna does.”
“Anna’s not here. That’s why I came to find you.”
“Why isn’t she here?” Jess asked suspiciously.
“She wasn’t feeling good,” I replied, deciding she didn’t need the details. “I sent her home in the Jeep.”
“Oh,” Jess whispered. “I hope she’s okay.”
“She’ll be fine,” I dismissed, knowing it would be an uncomfortable few days, but she’d survive. “The bigger thing is you’ll need to wait until the scrimmage is over to walk home with me and Caleb.”
“I can see if my Dad can pick me up,” she stated hurriedly. We were squished between the narrow rows, my shoulders too wide to fit comfortably so I was standing sideways, and she had her back to the books.
“No,” I stated bluntly, not willing to have this argument here. I pinched the bridge of my nose, praying for patience as I sighed. “It’s not safe, Jess.” She didn’t immediately argue and I stared at her in surprise, before slowly continuing, “Things have escalated and I don’t want to take any chances with your life.”
She nodded, pressing against the bookcase, and my eyes narrowed at her easy compliance. “You’re not going to argue?” I asked in disbelief and she shook her head. “Are you feeling okay? You aren’t feeling sick too, are you?” I studied her in concern, sniffing discreetly for any indication of illness. She smiled suddenly, shaking her head and I exhaled with a huff.
“I’m not going to believe you until something smartass comes out of your mouth, you realize this right?”
Her grin widened as she turned her head, exposing the mark on her neck. She didn’t understand but the movement was submissive and I had to fight not to react. I grasped the bookshelf above her head, my body forming a cage around her as I lowered my head, whispering, “You have no idea how badly you tempt me.” Her breath hitched and I chuckled roughly, knowing this was a bad idea and I should walk away, but I couldn’t help warning her. “You’re lucky I won’t give into my baser instincts. That I truly do want what’s best for you.”
Her eyes flickered to mine at my admission and it was a struggle to maintain control when I saw the desire in her eyes. I locked my hands around the shelf, determined not to touch her.
“You’ll wait after school,” I stated, unable to keep a note of uncertainty from my voice. She had the ability to turn me inside and out, and I wasn’t sure she knew it. She nodded and I blew out the breath I’d been holding. “You should go,” I rumbled, my jaw tight with the effort of controlling my baser needs.
She rattled off a string of numbers, confusing me. She said them again slower and I recognized them as a phone number. I committed them to memory, but she didn’t leave, instead giving me a peculiar look.
“How good is your control?” She whispered, her eyes darting to either side, but I knew we were alone.
“Better than I thought,” I admitted reluctantly. My eyes narrowing in suspicion as I asked, “Why?”
She didn’t answer, stretching up on her toes to brush a feather light kiss against my lips. I groaned at the touch, my fingers clawing at the wooden shelf above her head as I fought for control.
“Run,” I rasped. “Run, little girl, and hide while you still have a chance.” The wood creaked as I planted my feet so I wouldn’t be tempted to chase her and she darted down the stack, silent as a wolf. I stayed until I knew she was long gone, safe behind the door of a classroom before I moved.
***
The weather had warmed up enough that I knew Jess would be sitting in the bleachers, and I scanned them repeatedly until she settled on one.
I turned my attention back to the players until I felt her mark burn and my gaze shot to hers, wondering if she was toying with me. Her fingers froze as my eyes flashed in warning. I didn’t need her distracting me anymore than normal. She lowered her hand and I didn’t miss the way it trembled, reassuring me that it hadn’t been intentional. I turned back to the field, snapping out orders as the players scurried to obey.
The game was an easy victory, but it pumped the guys up and they were all shouting as we entered the lockers. I checked that Jess was still in the bleachers waiting as guys slapped each other on the back, rehashing plays.
“Make it quick,” I reminded Caleb as he joked with one of his teammates. I didn’t like leaving Jess alone, even if less than a dozen yards separated us. By the time we walked out, Regina had cornered Jess in the bleachers and I growled.