"The only redeeming thing about him is his low prices," Dad retorts.
"Always cheap," Mom says. "He made his fortune from gambling, and now wants to appear like a serious business man."
I know there is more to their disgust with Cooper than this. Now that I think of it, I remember Dad ranting a few weeks ago when James came to dinner about this Cooper guy, but I can't remember what he was saying.
"Just make sure you keep away from his son. I can't imagine he's anything less than a leper like his father," Dad says. What a shock to hear him take an interest in anything happening in my life.
The real shock comes when Mom says, "Exactly. Your father is right."
Afterward, they both finish their course in silence. I’m still stunned. My parents rarely talk to each other, much less agree on anything. Naturally, the fact that they both agree I should avoid Damon at all costs makes me want to do the exact opposite.
Chapter Three: Dani
Eager to get out of the house the next morning, I arrive early at school. I'm looking at about forty-five minutes to kill on my own. Glad I brought a book with me, I decide to hang out at our usual lunch place. On my way to the rooftop, I pass by the principal's office and hear two voices inside.
"You are going to respect our teachers if you want to stay here."
I wince, coming to a halt in front of the door. The principal never shouts.
"Maybe I don't want to stay," Damon says in a defiant tone.
"Your father insists—”
"What did he bribe you with?"
"You will show me respect, boy." After a long pause, he continues. "You could do well here. Your old grades are good. Better than good, actually. Someone who had to deal with so much and still got mostly A’s has perseverance. You could get very far, Damon. It depends on what you will use your perseverance for."
Another long pause.
"Anything else?"
"No, that will be all," the principal says in a defeated tone.
I realize a split-second too late that Damon will exit the office. I pad back, looking for a place to hide. Too late. Damon bangs the door open and darts out. He’s wearing black today, as well. I catch my breath. Something about his bright green eyes completely shakes me. Were they as impossibly beautiful yesterday? They couldn't have been...I can't imagine being angry at someone whose gaze impacts me this way.
When he speaks, I remember just how angry this boy can make me. "Among all your defects, you also like to eavesdrop?"
I clench my fist, pulling myself to my full height, which doesn't amount to much. "I was just passing through here."
"And then you heard my sweet voice and couldn't help listening?"
"N—no," I stutter. "I just—”
He crosses to me fast. Before I blink twice, his arm snakes around my waist, plastering me to him.
"Let me go."
His lips curl into a satisfied smirk. "This is the second time in two days that you’ve been in my arms. I think you like it here."
Hunching his shoulders, Damon lowers himself until we're eye to eye.
"You’re delusional." I’d sound more believable if my voice wasn’t so breathy and undependable. “Get your hands off me.”
"I will as soon as you admit you were eavesdropping." He's so close to me that the whiff of hot breath accompanying every word lands on my lips. It makes my knees w
eak and the inside of my mouth dry.
Determined not to give him satisfaction, I spit, "Fine. I was. And you know what?"