Alexander
Fuck.
It feels like the blood drains from my face as Principal Byrne marches up to our table. However, it’s not really him I’m worried about. It’s the fact that Professor Luigi is with him.
He clears his throat. “I didn’t realize all of you had clearance to leave the grounds.” His voice sounds calm, too fucking calm. “Who gave you permission?”
Coach Daniels kicks Aleks off his stool and sits down, eyes fixed on Adrianna Vasquez. Rumor has it she’s the girl he’s after this year, but she won’t put out.
Luigi remains standing with his arms crossed over his chest, which makes him even more intimidating.
“I did.” I lift my chin, knowing I have to take the rap for this. After all, I arranged it. I meet the Principal’s gaze. “After all, we’re eighteen years old. We can do what the fuck we want.”
Byrne’s brow arches. “That may be so, but you are all too young to be here legally.”
I laugh. “Who the fuck gives a shit about legal? The academy is all about teaching everything that isn’t legal.”
A few of my guys snicker at that, as it’s the God damn truth.
“Touche,” Coach Daniels says. “How about we join you?”
“If you think you can handle it, old man,” Rizzo says.
Coach Daniels doesn’t seem fazed by Rizzo’s remark. “You know I could kick your ass even after sinking two bottles of scotch, Rizzo.”
It’s as if some of the tension eases then, as Rizzo laughs and slides a bottle of vodka over to him. “Help yourself.”
I don’t miss the way Professor Luigi glares at Rizzo, and wonder if he’s just fearless, as if Luigi gave me that look. I’m not ashamed to say I’d shit my pants.
Coach Daniels pours himself a glass and sips it, acting as if it’s normal for our professors to be sitting and drinking with us at a bar. A bar we are all legally too young to be drinking at. There’s silence amongst everyone at the table, as Principal Byrne seems to watch Eva in particular.
The server, a flirtatious woman who tries to get with all the patrons, leans toward Byrne and slips a drink into his hand, whispering something to him.
I wolf-whistle at that and a few of my guys follow suit.
Byrne looks irritated at first, but then leans toward her, whispering something and handing her a twenty-dollar bill.
The server nods and winks at him before heading off to get more drinks.
“So, how the fuck did you lot sneak off campus?” Byrne asks.
“I’m afraid if we told you that, professor, we’d have to kill you,” I say, smirking at him. If he thinks we’re going to divulge the best kept secret at the SA, he can think again. I keep my arm draped over Natalya’s shoulder, holding her close to me. Ever since the teachers joined us, she’s been as stiff as a fucking board.
“I’d like to see you try, Alexander,” Byrne says, holding my gaze. “A few have tried, none have succeeded.”
I snort. “Yeah right, old man.” I move my arm off of Natalya’s shoulder and slide it to her thigh, squeezing as I lean toward her. “Don’t worry, I’m still going to have fun with you tonight, bonita.”
Her chest hitches as she breathes more unevenly and I love seeing the way I affect her.
“Dimitry,” Byrne barks, drawing everyone’s attention to him.
Dim’s eyes go wide. “What?”
“Did you forget what happened the last time you whispered something inappropriate to Miss Carmichael?”
“I haven’t said anything that Eva doesn’t want to hear,” Dimitry says, glancing at Eva. “Have I Eva?”
The tension seems to ramp up again, as Eva gets uncomfortable and then stands suddenly. “I need to get some air.”
Dim makes a move to stand. “Do you want me to-”
Eva shakes her head. “No, I’ll be back in a minute.”
Byrne watches Eva walk away, looking irritated. I glance at Luigi, wishing I hadn’t when his soulless hazel eyes meet mine and there’s delight in them. He’s loving this. The anticipation of getting to discipline us all. A shudder races down my spine as I tighten my grasp on Natalya’s thigh.
“You are hurting me,” she hisses.
When I glance back, Byrne is gone.
Coach Daniels speaks next. “Relax, all of you. We’re just here to have a good time, too.” His eyes are still fixed on Adrianna. “How are you doing, Miss Vasquez?”
“Fine,” she grits out, her nostrils flaring. “At least I was fine until you arrived.”
His brow arches. “That’s not a very nice thing to say to your coach, is it?”
I clap my hands and glance at Luigi. “I assume we’re going to get our asses whooped once we’re back at school, but why don’t you have a drink, sir?” I ask.
Luigi’s eyes narrow. “Bad idea,” he says, jaw clenching. “You don’t want me to dole out your punishment on a hangover. It will be far worse.”