“You would learn there’s so much more to what you see,” Riff corrected with a broad grin.
“Will you stop flirting,” Kyler snarled, and I flinched, wincing when my back spasmed at the sudden movement. “It’s disgusting.” Eyes twinkling, Riff kissed my cheek, and I ducked my head, my fingers wrapping around his forearms when he grabbed my hips.
“Ignore him,” Riff chuckled in my ear, and I shivered when his breath tickled my skin. “He’s jealous. See, you snarl and bite him, but purr for me.” I eyed him dubiously but sighed before smiling at the dork. It somewhat made sense, but I didn’t want to understand. Not yet. So, I accepted it.
A soft chuckle had me looking at the desk in the room’s front, and my cheeks burned upon discovering a handsome male in his early twenties watching us. I found it intriguing that his feet rested on the edge of his desk, crossed at the ankle. “That was quite the little performance. I cannot wait for the debut of our newest show choir pair. I am Mr. Renard, and I am your biology teacher. Although, I’m certain you have the gist of it down.” He threw his head back to laugh when my cheeks burned even hotter. “I’m afraid you must be my buffer, Angel Draven. You’ll sit between your partner and growly face over there.”
A chill raced along my spine, and I gulped, which had his face softening. “I’d put you elsewhere, but I see the tension between them, and they’ll kill each other if I don’t,” Mr. Renard sighed with a concerned frown.
“I will not sit by that trash,” Kyler snarled, and I flinched, staring at the ground because of the fury in his voice.
“Fine,” Mr. Renard shrugged, “move seats then.” Smirking, Kyler stood while Mr. Renard tilted his head with a sly grin. “But, for every day you sit other than where I assigned you, every single thing we do, you will fail. Tests, homework, classwork, all zeros.” Kyler’s expression froze, and I glanced between them. “You have forgotten that I don’t belong to your father, boy. Good luck bossing me around. In fact, since you tried, you owe me an essay on why trying to exert power over our elders is a terrible idea. I expect it tomorrow.”
Riff snickered, although his expression became neutral when Kyler glanced at him with a soft growl. Riff shifted his stance, looking like he was ready for a fight for several moments until he paled. In the next moment, he was on his knees, clutching his head and gritting his teeth. “Riff!” I cried, kneeling beside him to place my hand on his forehead.
Sighing after a tense moment, Riff relaxed, leaning his head on my shoulder after flashing me a grateful grin. What the hell? Feeling cold, I looked over my shoulder to discover Kyler sneering with hatred burning in his eyes. Scowling, I glared back, and he took a step back in surprise. I didn’t know what Kyler did, but I did not doubt he had something to do with what happened to Riff. Either he pushed him too far or stressed him out. Kyler recovered from his shock and growled. Furious, and done with his weird shit, I growled back.
Kyler stopped and sort of fell into his chair. Snorting, I returned my attention to Riff, only realizing once the tardy bell rang that the doorway was full of students. “Is it still a war zone in there, or can we come in?” The other boy who was with Kyler yesterday asked with a friendly smile. He had his arms braced against the doorframe, preventing anyone from entering.
“Miss Draven has declared and enforced peace, so come on in,” Mr. Renard chuckled with amusement. Nodding, the boy came into the room while the rest of our class filed in behind him. He was beside me a moment later, offering me a hand to help me stand.
“We haven’t met yet, I am Char, and I’m sorry about yesterday. Won’t happen again, promise,” the boy murmured with a soft smile. His eyes were a stunning smoky gray, and his hair was an ashen brown. He looked adorable, although he gave me a bit of a trouble vibe. I smiled, taking his hand, and he grinned wickedly when he towered over me. “Oh, we shall be best friends, won’t we?” He asked with a quirked brow, and I nodded. Nodding as well, he held out his hand, and I gulped before shaking my head.
“I don’t use my phone for anything other than emails,” I informed him in a quiet voice, and he nodded. Well, at least he didn’t get angry or accusatory, so I read him correctly.
“Well then, I shall pick up one that you can use for texting and such. Whatever your reason is, it won’t apply to one from me, will it?” Char asked casually. So, I was right, he had a rich bad boy aura.
Shaking my head, I dropped my gaze and muttered, “I refuse to accept such a gift.” Hah. No buying expensive, unnecessary things for me. I’m not worth them.
“Pity I know where you work and will just leave it there for you so you can either use it or let someone else steal it. I’ll still pay for it either way,” he sighed with a smirk before heading to his seat. You! This isn’t over, Char! He grinned, taking his place at the table in front of mine, and I grumbled while taking my seat.
“You are now my partner in crime,” Riff informed Char with a grin once he was in his chair, and the boy threw his head back laughing. Nodding, he winked before turning his gaze to the front of the room when the bell signaled the start of class. Great. Now trouble one and two are friends. Lovely. Ah, well, I have friends, so I won’t lie and say that I’m not pleased with a warm fuzzy
