Chapter 73: Line We're Crossing
325 Words
Maria thought avoiding Daniel for the rest of the day would be easy—until she walked into Literature class and found him already in her seat.
“Move,” she said flatly.
“Why?” His lips curved in that infuriating smile. “We could share.”
“Not happening.”
He tilted his head, unbothered. “Then you’ll have to sit next to me. Your choice.”
Before she could argue, Mr. Tunde walked in, clapping his hands for attention. “Settle down, everyone. Today we’re pairing up for a reading exercise.”
Maria’s stomach sank. She already knew what was coming.
“Maria and Daniel,” Mr. Tunde announced.
Of course.
Daniel leaned close enough for his breath to ghost against her ear. “Looks like fate’s on my side.”
She ignored him and focused on the passage in front of them, but reading aloud was impossible when he kept staring like she was the only thing worth looking at.
“You’re making me lose my place,” she whispered.
“Good,” he murmured. “You look cute when you’re flustered.”
She shot him a glare, but her cheeks betrayed her. Heat was crawling up her neck, and Daniel noticed. His smirk deepened.
“Maria,” Mr. Tunde called from across the room. “Pay attention.”
“Yes, sir,” she said quickly, trying to focus—but Daniel’s knee brushed hers under the desk. Once. Then again.
Her pulse spiked. She wanted to shove him away, but part of her didn’t want to move at all.
When class ended, Daniel packed up slowly, leaning toward her as the others filed out. “Meet me after school. We need to finish what we started.”
Maria opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out.
She had a feeling that “after school” was going to be a very bad—or very dangerous—idea.
- Writer
