Page 28 of Her Forbidden Teacher

“I’m so fucking sorry, baby. So sorry.”

This makes me sob even more. I want to burn the photos in my grip. Everyone saw me and I hate it.

“Sit down,” he instructs. “Over here.”

Theo pulls off my purse and backpack. Once I sit down, he takes the seat beside me, scooting closer so he can keep his arms around me. I’m still clutching the photos, afraid to let them go.

“We’re going to find out who did this,” he assures me, “and they’re going to fucking pay.”

The severity in his tone makes me feel a little better. Theo knows the whole story and believes that I didn’t send nudes to Mr. Thompson. It’s relieving to have a battle partner.

Eventually, the door reopens and Principal Renner makes his way back inside. He sets down a huge stack of papers on the desk. His eyes skim over the way Theo holds me and his lips thin out.

“Mr. Langford,” he says, a warning in his voice.

Theo, reluctantly, releases me. “They’re terrorizing her. It’s unacceptable, Adam.”

“I know,” Principal Renner rushes out. “We’re going to find out who did this.”

I scramble to find my phone. Then, I show the messages from Lucy, Nick, and everyone else. Theo vibrates with anger from beside me.

“Elody is Nick’s cousin. I’m pretty sure she’s responsible for this,” I say, voice still trembling from crying. “I just want it to all go away.”

“We’re here to protect you,” Principal Renner says. “They won’t get away with this.”

By the time Dad was able to leave work and come up to the school, I was much calmer. Principal Renner let me use hisshredder to get rid of the pictures. It was satisfying to watch them all get destroyed.

Dad was pissed on my behalf, in which I was grateful. It was nice to be seen as someone who needs protecting rather than someone to be ashamed of.

I ended up leaving for the rest of the day, but not with Dad. Instead of going home, I went for a long drive to clear my head and then to Moonlit Gables to see Savvy.

“I really wanted baby snuggles,” I whisper. “Is nap time over yet?”

Savvy groans and shakes her head. “Not yet. Be quiet or I’m kicking you out.”

We both grin. I sip from the can of Dr. Pepper she gave me, relieved to see my friend after so long. She looks happy and in a really good place. What’s weird, though, is she’s in a relationship with both of her deceased dad’s best friends. Two men. I’ve wondered a lot about the sex stuff, and how it all works out for them, but I don’t think we’re there yet. One day, we’ll be back to basically being sisters and I’ll put my nose right where it doesn’t belong because I’m dying to know the schematics of their relationship.

My watch buzzes and I flinch. When I see who the text is from, I relax.

Theo: I’ll call you as soon as the bell rings in just a few. Need to see you.

“That’s a cheesy grin,” Savvy murmurs. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

At first, I worry she might judge me but then remember she’s sleeping with two men. Two. I wonder if the men touch each other too or just her. It’s fascinating.

“Take it to your grave?” I ask, eyebrow arched.

Her eyes flash with interest. “Duh.”

“His name is Theo,” I say, another smile tugging at my lips. “He’s so hot and sweet and protective.”

“But…” She sips on her Dr. Pepper as she waits for me to answer.

“He’s my teacher.”

She nearly chokes on her soda. “What? The one you got in trouble over?”

My face burns hot. “No, a different one at my new school.”