Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 141251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141251 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 706(@200wpm)___ 565(@250wpm)___ 471(@300wpm)
“It wasn’t on school grounds.”
“I don’t care,” I hiss, losing my temper. “This simply isn’t good enough. I warned you before that if I have to bring the police into the school to press charges, I will.”
“Miss Johnston, please calm down.”
I glance over at Julian who is still staring at the carpet, lost in a world of regret.
For God’s sake, he’s useless.
I scramble through my handbag and retrieve the piece of paper I have brought from home. “Here, these are the three girls involved. I would like a meeting with their parents as soon as possible.”
Emily Edwards
Michella Topan
Kiara McCleary
Teigan Hoslop
Bethany Maken
Karen Visio
The headmaster’s face falls as he sees the names. “I’m sorry, this isn’t going to be possible. This matter is confidential, and until something happens on school grounds, the parents and children won’t be involved.” “What?” I snap in horror. “This is simply not good enough. I don’t want another incident. She can’t take another incident. More to the point, she shouldn’t have to.” I hit Julian on the leg to drag him out of his daze.
“There won’t be another incident, because if there is, I’ll personally have you charged with neglect of a minor who has been placed in your care.” He growls.
The headmaster sits back in his seat, unsure what to say next.
Julian stands. “I’ll be back next Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. to meet all of her teachers in this office.” He pauses as he glares at the two men, and they wither under his glare. “Are we clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“If one thing—one more thing—is said to my daughter about her deceased mother, I’ll bring Hell and all its fire down on those involved.”
The two men glance at each other.
Julian glares at them intensely, and then he turns and storms out of the door.
I smile proudly. That’s my man.
I power walk to catch up with him. He marches to the car, not forgetting to open my door for me.
Ah, ever the gentleman even when furious.
He gets in the car and pulls out into the traffic like a maniac.
“You handled that well.” I smile over at him.
He shakes his head. “I didn’t even know. What kind of a fucked up father am I?”
“Don’t say that.” I reach over and take his hand to comfort him. He rests it on his thigh while we drive in silence
His hand is warm, strong, and I feel myself begin to weaken.
We stop at the lights and he glances over at me, his eyes dropping to my lips.
“I’m furious with myself,” he whispers.
“I know.”
Oh God, take it out on me.
He slowly lifts my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. This is the first time he’s ever touched me outside of our arranged night together.
“You should really get some of that anger out,” I breathe.
He closes his eyes, as if he’s imagining the same thing.
The air in the car begins to buzz. Hot, hard sex is all I can think about.
What would he be like when he’s angry and naked?
“We should get home,” I whisper.
His eyes darken, and he pushes down on the accelerator, sending the two of us flying back in our seats. “We should do a lot of things Miss, Brielle.”
The adrenaline hits me hard. Let’s do this. Let’s fuck at home.
We tear up the driveway, and my stomach drops when I see his mother’s car waiting there.
Damn her for interrupting my angry sex.
Julian exhales heavily, obviously annoyed, too.
“Your mother is here.”
“I see that,” he mutters flatly. “I am not in the fucking mood for her shit today.”
I wince. “Be nice, please.” He glares at me.
“Let’s take the kids out for dinner tonight?” I try to diffuse his annoyance.
“Fine.” He gets out of the car and slams the door, marching into the house without me. I find myself smiling goofily after him.
I think he’s even hotter when he’s angry.
How is that possible?
Chapter Thirteen
We walk down the busy street together. I’m holding hands with Sammy and Will is walking behind with her father.
“Where is this restaurant, Miss Brielle?” Julian calls from behind.
“Just up here.” I crane my neck to look up the street. “I hope,” I mutter under my breath.
It’s Friday night. After our meeting at the school earlier, I talked Julian into taking us to a new Texan restaurant that just opened up in town. It’s the opening week, so they have extra attractions there. It seemed like it could really be fun from what I read in the brochure. Hopefully, it will cheer Willow up.
“What exactly is Texan food?” Julian calls.
I smirk and wink at Sammy. “Horse.”
“What?” Will snaps, outraged. “I’m not eating horse.”
I giggle.
“They do not eat horse,” she calls. “You twit, Brell.”
Sammy and I giggle. Moments later, we arrive at the restaurant.
TEXAS RANGERS
The restaurant has huge double wooden doors, and the décor has been set up to make it look like a big barn. It seems so out of place compared with the snooty parts of London Julian insists on frequenting.