Page 95 of Wicked Little Secret
“I’m impressed you remembered I liked the macaroons at Cake Couture.”
“Heather ordered two dozen for you.”
“You know, you should probably be with Katie right now. The news about her father…”
Heather scoffs. “Please, the last thing Katie needs are more snacks. We all know how she eats her feelings. Besides, Nyssie, you’re my real friend. Not Katie.”
I can barely keep from laughing at the fact that these girls are falling over themselves to impress me. It’s so opposite from how our relationship was years ago that it’s a form of sweet revenge in itself—years ago, they’d relished the chance to bully me.
Today, they’ve basically become my minions.
I’ve become Switzerland. The neutral party—wronged party in the Samson and Heather situation—who has the high ground.
Macey shakes her head and pins Heather with a scolding stare.
“Can’t you be nice to Katie for once?”
“Why should I? She’s annoying.”
“And you’re a bitch,” Macey snaps.
“I’ve heard worse. Then again, Macey, so have you. Jocks talk.”
Macey’s face scrunches in disgust as she storms out of the apartment.
We remain in silence for the first few seconds that follow. I’m still amused, taking a bite out of my macaroon in between sips of rosé.
“She’s insufferable just like Katie,” Heather mutters finally. “Anyway, Nyssie, thank you for recommending that lawyer. I’m sure to get my inheritance.”
“Let’s hope. So, have you heard what the news is saying about Katie and Samson’s father?”
She shudders out a sigh. “Valentine really is back. Luckily,it seems he’s after these old people. Maybe he’s finishing business from the first time.”
Something like that.
“It’s no wonder neither one wants to show their face in public,” Heather goes on. “I heard Samson’s even dropped out of this semester. That reminds me. What’s going on between you and Professor Adler?”
For once, Heather catches me by surprise. I swallow my next bite of macaroon, battling the sudden dryness in my throat. “There’s nothing going on.”
“You always stay late,” she says, smirking. “Reminds me of me and Professor York junior year of undergrad. That man and his hands…”
“I wish I could relate. But I can’t.”
“Hmm. Well, who knows? He could be a viable rebound. After, you know, Samson.”
The blonde moves on as though she hasn’t just stumbled upon my secret.
Professor Adler and I aren’t simplyhooking up. The nature of our relationship has evolved past anything I ever conceived.
He’s come to terrify me at the same time as excite me.
Last night most of all, and how far he was willing to go the second he thought I was in danger…
There’s still so much to sort out, including the matter of my punishment because of last night. Any amusement I felt from Heather and Macey fighting among themselves fades. Gooseflesh dances across my skin as I think about what’s waiting for me in his classroom come Monday…
Professor Adler requests that I show up an entire hour early to his class Monday morning. He gives me instructions on the outfit he expects me to wear—the same rosy cashmere blouse, plaid skirt, and platform loafers I’d worn the day I bumped into him outside orientation.
He promised punishment was to come after what happened with Mr. Wicker. It seems that day has arrived.