Devil Incarnate (Boys of Preston Prep #4) - Angel Lawson Page 0,195

the water.” I stroke her hair, thinking of what it feels like every time I dive into the pool, cutting across the water. “For me, it’s like…”

When I trail off, she looks up, asking, “What’s it like?”

I did my first lap when I was seven. It was the first time I really worked hard at something and had someone tell me it was good. Not because of my name, but just because of this thing I could do with my body. I struggle to find the words. “It’s like my own world. I control it. Harness it. When I’m in the water, I know I’m good at something. I know I can win. No matter how high I go or how low I fall, it’ll always be the same. That’s what it’s like for me. A guaranteed win, every time I jump in.”

Her breath comes out shaky. “That sounds nice.”

“I realize it’s not the same for you, but you’ve got this, Little Red. I know it’s going to be hard, but you did it when you had to, and you’ll do it again. People like us? We survive, because there’s no other option. You’re stronger than you think.” I cup her cheek with my hand, tipping her face up to search her eyes. “But hey, if you really can’t? I’ll deal.”

I mean it. I’ve put Georgia through enough already. I’m not going to force her to do anything she’s not comfortable with, even if it means setting me back to zero on my service hours and getting a new sentence.

She lets out a soft breath, eyes falling closed. “Well, it’s hard to say no when you’re being all nice about it.”

I tip down to push a kiss into her hair. “I can be a dick, if you want. It is my factory setting.”

“No,” she says, pressing her nose into my chest. “I like the nice.”

“Then how’s this?” I sweep her hair away from her neck, kissing a slow wager into her neck. “If you do it—pass or fail—I’ll take you out tonight.” Hesitantly, I tack on, “If you’ll let me.”

It’d be a stretch to call what we do dating. I’m still her teacher, which means we can’t exactly waltz into The Nerd and make out in the corner booth. But ever since that night, I’ve made it a goal to ask her every few days, even if it is something painfully lame, like dessert at the overlook, or watching the newest episode of Lakevale on my couch. She’s only said no once, and only because she had a paper to write.

Her breath stutters, head tilting to the side. “Yeah?”

I hum into her skin. “Wherever you want.”

“The Yarn Barn?” she says, voice hopeful.

I pause, hoping that she can’t feel my grimace. “Sure.”

“I felt that face you made.” She laughs, nudging me back. “I still have to make four scarves!”

A knock interrupts us, followed by Micha’s fake whisper. “Put your clothes on. It’s time for the test.” I yank the door open and he stumbles in, pretending to shield his eyes.

Georgia pushes his face away. “Don’t be gross, Micha.”

He rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. If they drag Heston out of here in handcuffs, I’ll have to take the class all over again.” He flashes me a smirk. “And without you here to torture, what’s the point?”

Georgia pushes him out the door, and I grab my clipboard, following after her. I’m looping my whistle over my neck when I realize that it’s not just Coach James waiting by the end of the pool. Collins stands next to him, looking like a proper asshole in his uptight brown suit.

“The headmaster wanted to see the results himself,” Coach explains when I reach them. He’s obviously miffed about it, but either Collins is too laser-focused on the pool to notice or he just doesn’t care.

“Whatever,” I say, noting that he’s not the only one here. Ms. Gilbert is sitting in the stands. Vandy, Caroline, and Michaela are a few rows back, holding up obnoxiously decorated posters that cheer on both swimmers. It’s all a bit much, if you ask me.

Of course, then the back door opens, and another person enters, stopping by the edge of the stands.

Warren.

“I invited Mr. McAllister as well,” Collins says, nodding at Warren, “that way we can all handle your paperwork at once and turn it in efficiently to the judge.” He gives me a look that’s more malicious than I think him capable of. It’s clear that