The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

I want to say no so badly but I can’t lie. When I didn’t hear from him for a while, I was beyond worried. Despite how pissed at him I am right now, he’s family. I pout and mutter, “I’m glad you’re still alive.”

“Awe, come here, kiddo.” He engulfs me in a bear hug then ruffles my hair. “I missed you too.”

I slap his hand away and scowl? with affection. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop ruffling my damn hair. I’m not twelve.”

“Could have fooled me short stuff. You haven’t grown an inch since you were twelve.”

I roll my eyes and plop down at the table, hand on my jaw. It’s hard not to think about Bryce and the way he left.

Jake leaps onto the counter and I shake my head. That’s where Lucy gets it from. “Hey, I’m sorry,” he says. “It was just weird walking in on you with some guy. I mean, you’re my little Abigale. I’ve known you since you were running around in pink tutus.”

I point my finger threateningly at him. “Never mention my ballerina phase again.”

He smirks and grabs another biscuit.

“How much did you see or hear?” I gaze at him, horrified.

“Nothing.” He grimaces. “Thank God.”

A relieved sigh whooshes from my lungs.

“What are you doing with the mayor’s son, Abby? You should stay away from men like him.”

“What do you mean men like him?”

“Playboys.”

“You mean like you?”

He has the decency to look repentant. “Exactly. I don’t want to see you with someone like me. You deserve better.”

“Bryce is better. He’s no playboy.”

“Oh yeah? And you’re sure about that? How long have you

known him?”

My face floods with heat. “About a month.”

Jake grunts, and I feel myself blush harder.

“But I know he’s different.”

“Rich guys like him are only after one thing. Once, he gets it he’s gone. I don’t want to have to hunt down and kill the mayor’s son.”

I stare at him, knowing he’s deadly serious. My dad may run their criminal organization, but Jake does the heavy lifting. “I’d never forgive you if you hurt him.”

“I think you would,” he points at me, “once you learned that I was right all along.”

“He’s different, I’m sure of it, and I like him. Thanks for ruining it.”

Jake groans. “Come one, baby girl, you can’t be mad at me for too long. I can’t take it.”

I snort. “You’ve been to jail like a million times. You can take my fury.”

Rolling his eyes, he huffs. “If you’re right and he is different, what happened here shouldn’t ruin things between you two. Not if he’s really into. Talk to the guy.”

“So you’re in support of me having a relationship with him all of a sudden?”