Kings of Quarantine (Brutal Boys of Everlake Prep #1) - Caroline Peckham ,Susanne Valenti Page 0,20

set up mine and I tossed my stuff inside before stripping down and changing into the green sports skirt, sports bra and white tank top I’d been given at registration. The word Everlake was printed across the tank in bold green lettering. It was too big for me so I tied a knot in the bottom of it, showing off my summer glow stomach beneath it. That glow was gonna be sapped away by layers and layers of winter clothes soon enough, so I might as well let it shine while I still could.

We headed out of the room towards the basketball court and I almost made it inside before I realised I’d forgotten an elastic for my hair. I told Mila then turned back and slammed straight into a solid wall of muscle, stumbling back a step in alarm. I recognised the Viking asshole who’d fallen over my suitcase as he stared down his perfectly straight nose at me, his sharp blue eyes feeling like they were cutting into my flesh. His dark blonde hair was long enough to tuck behind his ears and his jaw was lined with stubble. The enticing scent of pine sailed from him and almost tempted me to lean closer.

“Was that another attempt on my life or are you really just as thick as you look?” he deadpanned and anger clawed its way under my skin.

My upper lip peeled back as I surveyed the dipshit in his fitted black shirt and grey sweatpants, apparently above wearing the designated uniform.

“If I made an attempt on your life, you wouldn’t still be breathing,” I said coolly and he laughed so hard it made my insides shrivel.

I tried to step past him and he barred my way by sidestepping, planting his huge ass chest in my path again. “You’re late for class,” he growled.

“And what? Are you gonna tell tales on me, asshole?”

His eyes flashed with rage and he pressed his shoulders back as a menacing smile pulled at his mouth. “Call me an asshole again and see what happens.”

I swallowed the sharp lump in my throat and mentally pulled up my big girl panties as I leaned toward him, tip-toeing up to get as close to his face as possible. “Ass…hole.”

“Detention!” he roared in my face, making my heart jolt in shock.

“What-” I blurted but he barrelled on over me.

“Next Monday night, six o’clock in my office.” His eyes gleamed as he gazed at me, waiting for the penny to drop. And it dropped alright. That bitch pinged off the inside of my brain and used my body like a pin-ball machine.

“You’re a teacher?” I breathed like an idiot.

He smiled like he’d won the lottery. Because he knew. He fucking knew I’d gotten it wrong and he’d let me believe he was a student just so he could wait to see my reaction when I figured it out.

“Come on, are you serious?” I demanded. “I didn’t know you were faculty.” I backed away from him. I mean sure, he looked mature, but he didn’t look like a damn teacher. What kind of teacher had a playboy smile and a warrior body? It wasn’t right. He could only have been a few years older than me. Max.

“Well maybe this will teach you a lesson about how to speak to other people with respect. Teacher or otherwise.” He pointed me back into the hall. “Go. Now. No questions.”

“I need an elasti-”

“Too late, princess. You’re late and if you waste another second of my time, I’m gonna make that detention a double.” He gave me a stern look which was hot enough to make my blood temperature rise for the second time today and I spun away from him, making sure my long hair accidentally slapped him in the face.

“Woops, shame I don’t have a tie,” I said innocently as his heated breath ran over my neck from behind. He was herding me into the sports hall like a damn sheep dog.

“Watch it, Rivers,” he warned in a low tone only I could hear. “Or you might wake up with it all cut off.”

My heart missed a beat as he swept past me into the hall and I hurried over to join Mila amongst the masses. She had a red ball tucked under her arm and she frowned at my loose hair. I jerked my head at the teacher with a pout in explanation.

“Did he tell you off?” she asked under her breath.

“Yeah, he gave me detention,” I whispered