by Sam Crescent
It was a power that he’d grown up with and recognized. When people said the name Parker in his parents’ circle, it commanded respect. He learned to hold onto that power, and to only use it when absolutely necessary.
“Well, I think that went rather well,” Principal Dowed said, coming to stand beside him.
Staring at the man, Jack no longer held any respect for him. “You’re a disgrace to teachers, and have no right to wear the title,” he said.
“Excuse me? You cannot speak to me like that.”
“I can speak to you any way I like. You allow parents to bully you in order to look the other way. You have an entire school of students under your care, and you offer special treatment to two people that I know hurt others.” He looked at Dowed. “You don’t deserve to be principal.”
He didn’t linger.
The last thing he wanted to do was be in the company of a man that he now wanted to hit. How many teachers had been pushed aside because of this man? The very thought made him so fucking angry.
Climbing into his car, he drove out of the school. Turning up the music, he shouted to the rock song playing, not caring as he cleared his mind. This wasn’t supposed to be so fucking hard, not now.
Life was supposed to be getting easier.
He didn’t trust Dowed, and he wondered who else had a hand in Mills’s pocket.
Arriving at his driveway, he spotted Lucia’s car parked down the street. Climbing out, he watched her lock up and head his way. Opening the door, he let her inside. The moment the door was closed, he trapped her between the wall and his body, needing her strawberry scent and her taste to surround his senses.
“We keep doing this,” she said.
“I can’t help it. It’s always too fucking long between touching you.” He twirled a strand of hair around his finger, tugging a little on the length. “I missed you.”
“Are you still a teacher?”
“It would be easier for the two of us if I wasn’t.”
“That wasn’t what I was asking, and you know it.”
“I’m still a teacher, so you’re going to have to complete your homework assignment for me.”
She chuckled. “How did you do that?”
“Quite easily, if I do say so myself. I fought fire with fire.”
“You’re the first teacher to not get burned by the wrath of Connor’s dad.”
“I’m sick and tired of hearing that boy’s name tonight.”
She pretended to lock her lips and throw away the key. “I’m more than happy to not talk about him again, like, ever.”
“How long can you stay?” he asked.
“I changed my clothes. If you want, I can stay all night.”
“I’d like that.”
“But.” She placed a finger against his lips.
“I don’t like buts.”
“We can’t do anything. It’s … erm … that time of the month. You know, being a woman and all.”
He stroked her stomach. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I’m used to the cramps.”
“Have you eaten?”
“No. I kind of left my parents’ home. Told them I was seeing a friend.”
“You should text them. Let them know you’re staying the night. I’ll cook us up some food.”
“Not vegetarian? Please tell me it’s not.”
He laughed. “Babe, I’m a grown-ass man. I don’t do vegetables unless it’s a little salad on the side of my plate. Call your parents or text them. I’ll get started on some food.”
Putting his briefcase on the table, he made his way into the kitchen. He’d purchased some steaks yesterday at the market. Preheating his oven, he opened up a bag of precut, precooked fries. Dumping them in the oven, he looked up as Lucia entered.
“They’re not happy about it.”
“No?” He didn’t imagine they would be.
“I just need some space right now.”
“Things will work out with you and your parents.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. There’s no way it can’t.”
“Did it work with you and your parents?” she asked.
“We’re still on speaking terms, so I guess it did.” He winked at her.
They both froze, however, when his doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting someone?”
“No.” He moved away from the stove and made his way toward the front door. Closing his eyes, he wasn’t interested in the woman on the other side. “It’s Ms. Bertram.”
“I better … hide.”
“Yes.”
He waited a few minutes for her to hide, and he didn’t know where she was.
Opening the door, he forced a smile to his lips as he stared at Beth.
“Hey, Beth, what brought you here?”
“I hope you don’t mind. Derick told me that you had an appointment this afternoon with Connor’s dad, and I just wanted to make sure everything is okay. That you’re fine.”
“Yes, everything is fine,” he said.
“It is.” She bounced from one foot to another, and the last thing he wanted was for her to be in his home but the gentlemanly thing was to let her.
“Come on in.”
This was his fucking time with Lucia. Closing the door behind her, he made his way down toward the kitchen.
No sign of Lucia at all.
“I’m just about to make me something to eat.” He quickly put the steaks into the fridge so she didn’t see he had two of them.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine. You were worried?”
“Well, the man does have a bit of a reputation.”
“Yes, well, I’ll be at work tomorrow, and we have an understanding. There’s no need to worry.” He faced her and didn’t know what else to say to get her out of his home. “How did you know where I lived?”
“I may have taken a trip to the principal’s office during lunch, and he was looking through your file. I wanted to tell him that I thought you were an outstanding teacher and didn’t deserve to be put on the chopping block.”
“It’s not going to happen. Men like Mr. Mills just need to learn that money can’t buy them anything.”
“It just makes life easier.”
“Is he known for bribing teachers and officials?” he asked.
“It’s not like that, Jack.”
“Look, you clearly have a way of doing things in Beyer Hill, but I don’t. I’m used to following the book, and that means no preferential treatment for any one student. I don’t give a fuck if Connor’s daddy is rich. That won’t stop me from correcting him in my class or calling on him. I think it’s best that you leave.”
“Jack?”
“No, I would like to eat alone, and that was exactly what I’m going to do.”
He saw she wanted to argue, but he really wasn’t interested. There was no way he’d lose his job, and it was time Connor’s little reign of terror ceased in the school.
Moving her toward the front door, he held it open, letting her know in no uncertain terms that she was no longer invited into his home.
“Jack, I’m really sorry.”
“It was thoughtful of you for stopping by. I appreciate it, but I won’t be blackmailed into giving a student a break or threatened because I refuse to. Goodnight, Ms. Bertram.” He closed the door, locking it. Glancing through the peephole, he waited until she had gone before turning away from the door.
“You okay?” Lucia asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I had no idea she was coming over.”
“I gathered with the way that whole conversation went down.”
He moved up to her. “Are you okay?”
“Me, I’m fine. Starving.”
He cupped her face, dropping another kiss to her full lips. “I put the steaks away so she didn’t see them.”
“Ah, you’re not wanting to share your food with anyone else. I get it.” She winked at him, which made him laugh.
“I want to feed you, Lucia.”
Grabbing the steaks out of the fridge, he quickly checked the fries, and they were not burned. He finished them and then got started on cooking the rest of dinner.
“Who knew you could cook?” she said.
“I live on my own. It’s not something I enjoy doing all that much, but I can whip something up for my girl.”
He saw her smile, and he wanted to keep her that way. Placing the steaks on the hot grill, he started to toss a salad, and within fifteen minutes, dinner was served. They didn’t eat outside as there was a chill in the air, but they sat at his dining room table.
It was a little surreal to him to be eating with her, or to be eating with anyone.
“This is really good,” she said, pointing down at the food.
“Good.”
Watching her eat and enjoying his own food, Jack felt a peace settle over him that he’d never felt before. He’d always been busy, driven to finding the next challenge to face in life, but with Lucia, she didn’t make him want to go out looking for something else.
He loved her company.
He enjoyed being with her.
For the first time in his life, he was actually happy.
She sipped at her water, and he watched her swallow before going back for more food. He wanted to take care of her. For her to be in his life.
“You keep staring,” she said.
“That’s because I’m sitting with a very beautiful woman, enjoying some good food. I’d stare at you all day if I could.”
“Do you struggle in class?”
“Class is the hardest, but I get through it, especially knowing I’m going to get to hold you at some point.”
“I like your answer.”
After they finished food, she helped with the dishes, and then they sat down to enjoy a movie. Lucia rested her head on his knee as she looked through the homework that he’d set and been handed in. Every now and then he’d pause, watch a bit of the movie, or merely stroke her hair. He loved the feel of the strands as they glided through his fingers.
All too soon it was late and time for bed.
Taking her up to his room, he watched as she slowly undressed, placing her clothes on the chair so that they didn’t crease. She still wore a pair of panties, and he waited for her. Lifting the blanket, he was as naked as she was. He’d even put on a pair of boxers.
She climbed into bed, and he held her tightly against him, stroking her stomach.
“Does it hurt?”
“It’s okay at the moment. Some times are worse than others.” She covered her face and groaned. “I shouldn’t be talking with you about this. It’s personal.”
He laughed, kissing her shoulder. “It’s completely natural, and I don’t want to see you in pain.”
“I’m not in pain, I promise.”
She rolled to her back, and he continued the gentle strokes of her stomach. “I was so worried today,” she said.
“Why?”
“You’re the first teacher to have a meeting with Connor’s dad and make it back. I don’t want you to leave Beyer Hill.”
“I thought we discussed no more talk of that boy.”
“I know, but … I’d miss you. I want you to know that.”
“I’d miss you as well.” He leaned forward and dropped a kiss to her lips. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“You promise?”
“I don’t need to promise. I know. Get some sleep, Lucia.” He kissed her lips, then wrapped his arms around her.
She was part of his world now, and he didn’t like that feeling that swept through him at the thought of never seeing her again. It wasn’t something he wanted to think about, and there’s no way he could let it happen.
He held her just a little tighter.
Lucia meant a great deal to him.
This wasn’t just a taste of the forbidden to him.
In fact, that held no appeal.
The only woman he wanted was Lucia.
He’d do everything he could to keep her, even though it killed him to keep her a secret.
She was worth shouting from the rooftops over, and he would. One day, he’d be able to.
Lucia was his.
Chapter Eleven
“What are you going as?” Lucia asked.
“I’m going as … zombie teacher.” Jack thrust his arms out and started to groan.
“Oh, come on, that is so lame. Seriously?”
“Halloween is lame,” Jack said, dropping a kiss to her lips before stealing the carton of noodles from her hands. “What are you going as?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I was thinking of not going.”
“No, come on. You’ve got to go to the Halloween party. It’s, like, the most awesome party in the entire world.” He flicked his head back, and she rolled her eyes.
“You’ve got to stop doing that. It looks so you.”
“I thought so. How do you think I’d look with long hair?”
“Like something out of the seventies.”
“Hey, they were supposed to be good times.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“I wasn’t actually born then, loser,” he said.
She giggled.
“In all seriousness now, and stop giggling. What are you going as?”
“I’m not going. It’s … boring.”
“Everyone is going, and I think it could be fun for you. Marie’s going.”
“I know, but…”
“Come on. No buts.”
“I don’t know.” She wrinkled her nose.
“Have you ever enjoyed Halloween?”
“Sure. I’m the one with the large bowl of candy feeding the kids. My parents are always the ones heading out to a party or something. I stay in and watch Halloween movies.”
“That is just sad. I won’t have you staying in while I’m having to make sure they spike the punch properly at the school.”
“Seriously?”
“How do you think I get through a party like this? I have to spike something, as otherwise the alcohol is in short supply.” She watched him slurp up some noodles. “And some of the kids can get their hands on some really good stuff.”
She stood up and went to his liquor cabinet, pulling out a bottle of really strong whiskey. “You mean like this?” she asked.
“How do you know that’s good stuff?”
“I have eyes, and this is pretty up there, pricewise.”
“I have expensive taste.”
“I always think whiskey tastes like mold anyway.”
He laughed. “That just goes to show you’ve not got the taste for it.” He grabbed a glass and took the bottle from her hand. Lifting it up, she watched him take a sniff before downing it in one. “You’ve got to be drinking the hard stuff from a good age.”
“You’ve mentioned how you were a rebel. Did you cause some trouble as a kid?”
“I drove my parents up the wall with my behavior. I drank a lot, smoked at the time as well. I didn’t do drugs though, not even a little. I just screwed around, a lot.”
“Maybe that’s what I need?” she asked, teasing him.
“What’s that?”
“To screw around, to act rebellious.”
He caught her hand and pulled her down onto his lap.
She gasped and then moaned as his hand moved between her thighs, cupping her pussy. She loved it when he touched her.
“This is mine, Lucia. You can screw around, but only with me. I’ll give you everything you need.”
“You will?”
“I know what I’m doing, and I’ll take care of you.”
He flicked the button of her jeans, and he used his legs to get her into a position that spread her open.
Arousal flooded her pussy, and she bit her lip, trying to contain her moans. His hand slid between her jeans, moving past her panties. He gave a little tut. “You need to start wearing skirts.”
“I like you working fo
r it.” She leaned back, flicking his earlobe before sucking it.
He groaned, and then she cried out as he plunged a finger within her pussy.
“Now there’s my dirty girl. All wet and desperate for my nice, hard cock.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him fill his glass once again. He didn’t make a move to drink it.
“Take your shirt off,” he said.
Her hands shook a little as she worked her shirt off, and then her bra at his instruction. Sitting with just her jeans on and his arm wrapped around her, and down her pants, it felt so fucking good, even wicked.
“Damn, I love how wet your pussy is. Especially as I know it’s only my dick that has been inside you.”
He drew his finger up, stroking her clit, making her shudder with the pleasure as he moved back down to tease her some more.
“Wriggle out of your jeans.”
She started to, but he wouldn’t let her go, so she had to do some weird shimmy to get her jeans down.
“I love to feel you move against me. Your cunt is tightening around my finger, Lucia. Do you want my dick?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
He pulled his finger from her pants, and she watched as he sucked the digit into his mouth, tasting her on his tongue.
Jack tapped her thigh, and she got to her feet as he moved the coffee table out of the way.
She stood completely naked, desperate, excited, and she wanted more.
He removed pillows from his chairs and placed them on the floor. Then taking her hand, he eased her down on the floor.
“Lie back.”
She lay back and was surprised by how comfortable it was.
“That’s it. Now, spread those pretty thighs for me.”
Even though she blushed, she did exactly as he asked, spreading her legs open for him to see. She wanted this, craved his touch, and what he did to her, she was addicted to. The porn she’d watched and the books she’d read had nothing on this man.
He was a force to be reckoned with, and she loved every second of it.
Not once did he humiliate her.
Jack was sweet, caring, loving, and sexy as hell.
He didn’t just take, he gave, and he showed her how good it could be if only she allowed herself to relax in her own skin.
“Now, touch your pussy,” he said.
Sliding a hand down her body, she cupped herself, giving a little gasp as she was so sensitive to her own touch.