Along with other parts of me.
“Oh.” I wrack my brain for an excuse. “Don’t you have football?”
He doesn’t miss a beat. “I’m skipping today.”
It takes effort to remain calm as I shake my head and wave a hand. “You don’t have to do that. I was going to call—”
“It’s nonnegotiable,” a flinty edge enters his voice as he cuts me off, “I’ll take you home.”
Why does he have to make everything so difficult? He’s constantly pushing, forcing me to bend to his will. What I’ve learned in the limited interactions I’ve had with Kingsley is that arguing won’t do me any good. He always gets his way.
“Fine,” I snap, grabbing my books from my locker before shoving them in my backpack with more force than necessary.
His fingers tighten on my arm before he spins me around and forces my back against the lockers. “What’s with the attitude?”
My eyes widen as I shake my head. “Are you being serious?”
“As a heart attack.” He pushes into my space until his body is flush against mine and I have to crane my neck to hold his steely-eyed stare. “What the hell is your problem?”
His minty breath drifts across my lips. It’s nothing short of drugging. All I want to do is inhale a big breath of him.
Focus!
“Nothing,” I whisper. “I don’t have a problem.”
“Could have fooled me,” he growls, one hand rising to my throat. His fingers splay wide as they settle over my collarbone. It’s almost as if he’s pinning me to the locker, but the touch remains gentle. It’s always a fine line with him.
“I’m the one who brought you to school today and I’ll be the one who takes you home.” His lips brush against mine, never quite touching them. Unable to help myself, I strain forward, desperate for the contact. “End of story.”
I swallow, wishing he would kiss me so I could forget everything buzzing around in my brain. “Okay.”
“Was that so difficult?”
I huff out a slight laugh as the thick tension gathering in the air between us evaporates. “Do you really have to ask?”
His gaze drops to my mouth before he bites his lip and backs away. I suck in a ragged breath before forcing it out again as I slam my locker door shut. When did I start having to remind myself to breathe?
I hitch my backpack onto my shoulder as we walk through the corridor. When we pass by his locker, I ask, “Don’t you need your books?”
“Nope.” He shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants.
Even though we only have one class together, Kingsley’s schedule mirrors my own. There hasn’t been an evening that I don’t spend at least two hours studying for tests and completing assignments. In the past, I’ve always performed well in school, but it takes work. From what I’ve noticed in our literature class, Kingsley is a top student.
So what am I supposed to take away from this?
That he’s not only diabolical, but a freaking genius?
Is this the kind of guy I’m dealing with?
How am I supposed to outsmart or stay ahead of someone like that?
It’s a daunting reminder that I need to keep my wits about me when dealing with him.
As we push through the glass doors, I stare at him from the corner of my eye. In the last couple of days, I’ve learned a lot about Kingsley, but I’m no closer to figuring out what makes him tick.
Who is the real Kingsley Rothchild?
He catches me staring as we weave our way through the parking lot. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
I shrug, unwilling to share my innermost thoughts with him. He guards his secrets well. It would be in my best interest to do the same.
Kingsley snakes his arm around my waist and hauls me close before nipping at my neck. “Are you thinking about what it felt like when I made you come?”
I choke on my saliva and sputter. No, I wasn’t, but I sure as hell am now.
“Cause I am.” He grins as heat fills his eyes. “I fucking love the sounds you make when you come.”
Oh.
My.
God.
As I glance around, praying that no one is eavesdropping on our conversation, my gaze collides with Sloane’s narrowed one.
That’s all it takes for me to untangle myself from Kingsley before jerking my head toward the blonde. “Your girlfriend seems upset by your lack of attention.”
His gaze flickers in her direction. Sloane’s expression turns flirtatious as she tilts her head and smiles before flipping her long hair over her shoulder. She finishes the show with a wave as her teeth sink into her lower lip.
Maybe if I’m lucky, he’ll change his plans and head that way. Then I can call Austin for a ride. It’ll kill two birds with one stone. I’ll get away from Kingsley and Sloane will stop channeling all her hatred toward me.