Page 44 of Burning Embers
Christian’s eyebrows arch upwards, as if he’s surprised by my boldness, before he grins.
“I actually have a meeting with the principal scheduled in a few minutes. If you must know.” The last statement is said almost as an afterthought, dripping with so much sarcasm that an acerbic taste coats evenmytongue.
I fold my arms over my chest. “Fair’s fair, after all. You asked me, so I asked you.”
“Isn’t that middle school mentality?” He cocks his head to the side curiously. “You show me yours, and I’ll show you mine?”
“I believe that’s elementary school,” I respond, watching as he takes another sip of his pop. “Speaking of elementary school…I can’t believe you stole from the vice principal.”
“I didn’t know stealing was ‘elementary school.’” His smile broadens, unveiling a row of perfectly straight and white teeth.
Damn him. Why does he have to look like he was plucked directly from a dental ad?
“What type of schools were you going to?” he asks.
An uneasy feeling settles in my stomach at his question—despite the fact he asked it rhetorically.
Ignoring his retort, I sit up straighter and say, “If you get in trouble, I’m not covering for you. I can’t afford to get any disciplinary action on my first day of school.”
The last thing I need is for Hale to believe me to be more trouble than I’m worth. I don’t think I can survive being thrust back into the system again, forced to fend off wandering hands and sneaking food from the cabinets at night to stave off my rising hunger.
“Are you going to snitch on me?” Laughter dances in his eyes.
“Of course not,” I snap. “Besides, I’m sort of an unintentional accomplice.”
“I didn’t know accomplices could be unintentional.”
“Haven’t you ever watched an episode ofCriminal MindsorSVU?” I squint at him. “Accomplices can totally be unintentional.”
Christian opens his mouth…but immediately snaps it shut when a door down the hall opens and a petite woman with graying hair and a kind smile hurries out. Her eyes widen when she sees me.
“Hello, dear. Can I help you?” She claims the vacated receptionist seat and takes a sip of her coffee.
“Um…yes.” Instinctively, I flick my gaze to Christian, who continues watching me curiously from his spot against the wall. “I was told I needed to come here before my classes this morning.”
I give her my name, and she tells me that there are a few forms my foster parents forgot to fill out. I’m to bring them home to have them looked over and signed before returning them tomorrow.
I take the freshly printed papers from her and shove them into my backpack just as the secretary’s gaze finally flits to the man standing like a silent sentry beside me.
“Good morning, Mr. Montgomery.” Her cheeks turn crimson, and she ducks her head with a lilting giggle, despite the fact she’s old enough to be his mother.
Wait…Mr. Montgomery?
“Good morning, Olive,” Christian greets, none of his cocky arrogance from earlier making an appearance in his tone. He sounds cordial and almost…respectful.
What the fuck?
I stare at Christian in disbelief as he backs into the office. I can tell he feels my gaze on him—his shoulders stiffen—but he doesn’t turn to stare at me, keeping his attention pinned on Olive.
“Can you tell Mrs. Hendricks to meet me in my office as soon as she’s done with her meeting?” Without bothering to wait for the secretary to respond, he begins to shut the office door—slowly enough for me to see the smirk playing at the edges of his lips.
It’s only when the door is completely closed do I see the nameplate on the wall beside the office.
Mr. Montgomery.
Vice Principal.
Fuck.