Oakley.
I adjust my backpack as I walk down the path toward the cottage. A sense of someone watching me makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Eva,” Alexander calls.
My stomach dips as I turn to face him. “Alexander, what do you want?”
He smirks and crosses his arms over his chest, leaning against a nearby wall. “Why don’t you come and sit?” He signals to the wall.
I shake my head. “I’m alright here, thanks.”
His eyes narrow. “Just because you’re now the principal’s little pet, don’t get any ideas about Natalya and me.” He stalks toward me. “You may think it gives you power, but with Natalya, you stay the fuck out of it.”
I glare at him. “Why don’t you stop messing with Nat and admit that you have feelings for her already?”
His jaw clenches, and he stops moving toward me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I tilt my head. “I think you know what I mean. Why else would you be so obsessed with her?”
“Obsessed?” he asks, his brow furrowing. “I’m not…” He trails off as if only now realizing that he’s obsessed with my friend.
“Did the penny just drop?” I ask, teasing.
Alexander glares at me, fists clenching as he moves forward. “Just stay out of my way, understand?”
“I understood you the first time, Alexander. And have I gotten in your way since?”
Alexander smirks and leans back. “No, but I’m saying don’t get Oakley involved.”
“I had no intention of doing so.” I glare at him. “Now, if you don’t mind. I’m going home.”
The crunch of gravel as someone approaches draws our attention as Oak marches toward us. His eyes are on Alexander, and his fists are clenched. “Alexander, what the fuck are you doing here?” he growls.
I set my hand on Oak’s chest. “It’s okay. We were talking.”
Alexander’ grin is so cocky it makes me want to punch him. “Yeah, are you getting so jealous Eva can’t even talk to guys anymore?”
“Not boys that fucking throttle her in empty corridors,” Oak growls.
Alexander holds his hand up in surrender. “Alright, calm down. I’m leaving.” He turns away and strolls down the path back toward the school.
“What did he want?” Oak asks.
“Just asking about Natalya. I think he has a thing for her.”
“I doubt it, Eva. The boy has spent his time here tormenting Natalya.”
I shake my head. “Why can’t anyone else see it?”
“See what?”
“Nothing,” I mutter, wondering if I’ve imagined it. I see the way Alexander looks at her from across a room. It reminds me of how Oak looks at me. Hungry, possessive. It’s as if he wants to own her in every way possible, both physically and emotionally. Clearly, he doesn’t have the emotional maturity to go about it like a man and has to torment her instead.
“How was your day?” Oak asks as we enter the cottage.
I throw my bag down and slump onto the sofa. “Weird.”
“Weird?” he asks.
I nod. “Yeah, to start, Jeanie congratulated me.”
Oak raises a brow.
“She was being genuine and told me she admired me for bagging the hottest teacher in school.”
He laughs. “Is that right?”
I nudge him in the ribs for being cocky. “And then, everyone was giving me high-fives or giving me filthy looks, but it was better than I expected.”
“Good.” He sits next to me. “I must admit, my day was tough.”
“Parents?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Not yet, but I had to sack Alice Jameson today.”
“Oh no, she was my favorite teacher. Why?”
He rubs a hand across the back of his neck. “She had a lot to say about us, and tried to make a pass at me, which I refused and dismissed her.”
I clench my fists. “What did she try to do?”
“She tried to kiss me, but she didn’t get close.” Oak leans toward me and presses his lips to mine. “No other woman will ever come within an inch of these lips,” he breathes.
“Good,” I reply, pressing my lips to his. “Because they’re mine.”
He smiles. “Yes, they are.” He yanks me onto his lap. “I’m yours, and you’re mine.” He wraps his fingers around the back of my neck and pulls my lips to his. “I missed you today.”
I smile against his lips. “That’s silly.”
“It’s not. I miss you whenever we’re not together.” He kisses me, deepening it. “Before I go past the point of stopping, I need to make us dinner.”
I groan as he slides me off his lap and escapes toward the kitchen. “And then I’ll devour you.” He winks and disappears into the kitchen.
After insisting he’s not the best cook, it appears he’s pretty skilled in the kitchen. I love his food. I love him. I flop back against the back of the sofa and rest my head, smiling to myself.
The next few months may be turbulent after the unveiling of our relationship, but we can get through anything together.