Page 50 of Illicit Education

Here’s some feedback, asshole–

“Is there a problem, Ms. Blake?” He lifted only his eyes. They peeked out at me through thick lashes that were likely the envy of half of Manhattan.

I huffed. “No more than usual, Mr. Reed.”

He tilted his head, that smug hint of amusement in his eyes again. “Then why are you still standing here like a lost puppy?”

Running my tongue over my teeth, I bit back a slew of curse words that desperately wanted to propel themselves toward his self-righteous face.

“I’m not sure which I like more…” He tilted his head thoughtfully. “Your vicious tongue, or watching you struggle to control it.”

I sucked in a gasp.

After a lengthy pause, he finally said, “Well then, clock’s ticking.”

Oh.

My.

God.

“Where would you like me to work, Mr. Reed?”

“I’m sure you can find anappropriateplace to read.” He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, watching me with a challenge in his eyes.

Jaw clenched, I breathed deeply through my nose, then gave a curt nod and turned on my heels, leaving the office of the most annoying man I’d ever met as quickly as possible.

“Maybe try the cafe you’re so fond of downstairs,” he called after me.

I nearly growled my frustration. What was hisproblem?

The chair at reception was no longer empty.

“Good morning, Stella.” I smiled sweetly as I passed the woman, though she just watched me with that same hint of disdain I’d sensed in her yesterday. Waseveryoneon the seventy-fifth floor a complete and total ass?

She turned away from me and I nearly stumbled.

With her hair up in a messy bun, her neck was exposed.

And so was the dusting of star tattoos reaching up her neck.

Holy shit.

I hurried to the elevator and waited impatiently. It arrived quickly, thank God, and I stepped inside, anxious for the doors to close so I could let my face do what it wanted to.

The doors closed.

I brought my hand to my mouth to muffle the nervous giggle.

Stella was the woman strapped to the big X last night.

I’d seen her…

Have an…

I shuddered.

Oh God, no.That was something I didnotneed to see, and certainly didn’t want to think about. Some things just didn’t need to be public information.