Page 192 of Lessons in Cruelty

Hidden from Milo’s view, his thumb brushes the dimple above my tailbone. My pussy clenches at the intimate touch, and that makes me press my thighs even tighter together. Any minute now, someone’s bound to ask me if I need to pee.

He stays where he is, close enough that his breath warms my mouth.

“You have no idea how bad I can be, sweet girl.”

Fuck. I officially have a wet spot on my pants.

“Drinks,” Milo grumps.

I step back in a rush, clearing my throat as I reach up to take the bottle of beer he hands me. He’s not even making eye contact with me, staring off into the distance like he’d rather watch the traffic than me.

Jeez, is it getting cold out here, or is it just me?

“Thank you,” I say, as sweetly as I can.

“Order up in ten,” he says, eyes flicking briefly to Bastian. I might as well be invisible. “You can wait over by the benches if you want. It’s more private.”

My heart gives a hard jump inside my chest.

Bastian scoffs, giving me a cheeky grin. “Don’t you love it when people jump to conclusions?” he says, loud enough that Milo can hear.

My face feels ready to melt off.

But when Bastian holds out his arm, I slip my hand through it, and I follow him to a bench in the shaded area between two food trucks. And we sit side by side like he isn’t my professor and I’m not his student.

Like he isn’t the worst decision ever.

Like he isn’t the bad man he just claimed to be.

But that’s exactly what I want, isn’t it?

Someone to ruin me. Someone who’ll destroy me so utterly, there’ll be no coming back.

Someone even worse than Kai.

A bad man…like Bastian.

Chapter 48

Haven

I’m making an absolute pig of myself, but Bastian should know I don’t play around when I’m eating. I revere food. Anyone who’s spent as many nights without supper as I have would too.

Meanwhile, he’s watching me like I’m the meal.

Like he wants to know what sounds I’d make with something else in my mouth.

It should make me uncomfortable as hell. But the fucked up thing is, I’m performing for him. Every bite, every swallow, every time I lick sauce off my fingers…it’s all for him.

“You’re right, these are the best tacos in town,” he says, wiping his mouth with a napkin before sipping his beer. He turns around, giving the stand a quick scan. “Can’t believe I haven’t heard about this place before.”

“People that side of the Agony River tend to stay that side.” I don’t know if it’s the food or the alcohol, but I’m feeling so relaxed I could put my head down and sleep for a week. Or just kick back and listen to some music, like we did at Bastian’s house the other night.

Shit. I totally forgot what this lunch was all about.

I push the sorry remains of my meal away. I’m stuffed, but I wouldn’t put it past me to lick the traces of guacamole left in the wrappers.

“So, uh, the vibe isn’t exactly what I was going for, Professor, but⁠—”