Chapter 68: Almost Exposed
313 Words
The first period was barely over when Maria realized Daniel wasn’t going to let last night go.
She was heading to her locker when she felt someone step close behind her, his scent hitting her before his voice did.
“You left me hanging,” Daniel murmured, so close his words brushed her ear.
Her hand froze on the locker handle. “Daniel, not here—”
“Why not?” His tone was low, teasing, dangerous. “Unless you’re afraid someone will see the way you react when I’m this close.”
She spun, ready to tell him off, but her breath caught—he was inches away, leaning forward, one hand braced beside her head like he owned the space.
“Someone could walk by,” she hissed, glancing down the hallway.
“They already did,” he whispered, the ghost of a smile tugging his lips. “But they didn’t notice a thing.”
He stepped in just enough for their bodies to almost touch, his eyes locking on hers like he could read every thought she was trying to hide.
“Daniel…” she warned, though even she could hear how unconvincing it sounded.
“Maria,” he replied, and the way he said her name made it sound like a promise and a dare all at once.
A sudden burst of laughter echoed down the hall—Mr. Tunde and two other teachers turned the corner. Maria shoved Daniel back instinctively, her heart slamming against her ribs.
He didn’t look fazed. In fact, he had the nerve to smirk, slipping his hands casually into his pockets like they hadn’t just been seconds away from getting caught.
“See you after class,” he said smoothly, walking away just as Mr. Tunde’s gaze landed on her.
Maria swallowed hard, trying to look normal, but inside, she was a hurricane.
- Writer
