6. Then

“So, how are you liking Hammada Academy?” Rexley comes up beside me and leans down to speak close to my ear. I bite my lip and fight the way my body wants to lean into his. I”ve been here for a few weeks now, and it’s getting harder not to give in to my urges and touch him. I clear my throat.

“It’s different than I thought it would be,” I sigh, and he pulls back, turning to his locker. I watch him from the corner of my eye as his biceps tighten when he spins the lock to the correct combination. I don’t know how a seventeen-year-old can have the amount of muscles that he does. He must work out all the time.

“Do I have something on my arm, kitty?” I quickly look away and shake my head, pretending there’s something fascinating in my backpack. He laughs for a minute then starts to talk.

“Hey, do you have a partner for the English assignment yet?” I freeze and think back to the last class. Rexley had been doodling on a piece of paper and running his fingers through his hair. Did we have an assignment?

I shut my locker and give him my full attention. We haven’t spoken much, but when we do, I tend to get lost in his eyes and miss the whole conversation.

“I don’t, why do you ask?” I rake my trembling fingers through my hair, trying to hide my nerves, forgetting I threw my locks up into a messy bun after lunch. I get caught in a tangle and have to remove the tie from my hair. His eyes heat, and he reaches out to twirl a strand on his finger. He grips it tighter, and I whimper from the sting. His nostrils flare, and he steps closer to me.

Someone shouts from down the hall, and he shakes his head, stepping back and releasing my hair. He shakes his head again.

“Mine,” he quietly growls, and I raise my eyebrow at the possessiveness in his tone. He clears his throat. “Be my partner, I mean.” It’s not a question, more a statement, but I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly. Alone time with Rexley Scott? Yes, please.

* * *

“Dad, I’m home,”I yell as we enter the side door to the kitchen. I slip my shoes off and toss my bag on the counter. Bizzy comes hurling down the hallway almost knocking me on my ass. Rexley grabs my hips, preventing my fall. Sighing, I relax into him until Bizzy barks, causing me to pull away. My face heats, and I know I’m blushing. Attempting to hide my cheeks, I bend down and give her some pets, then move over to the fridge. I need something to cool me down.

“Who is this?” Rexley asks, squatting down and rubbing behind Bizzy’s ears. She sniffs him and lets out a warning growl. He laughs before standing and walking over to me. I watch as she comes between us, preventing him from coming closer to me. Gently, I nudge her with my foot, and she looks up at me with her big brown eyes.

“She’s usually very friendly. I don’t know why she’s acting this way. Do you have any dogs at home?” I glance Rexley’s way, and he has an odd look on his face as he shakes his head.

“I was never allowed to have a pet. My father didn’t want to deal with the messes they made.” Frowning, I open the back door to let her outside.

“I’m sorry,” I say with a gasp as I turn into Rexley’s chest. When did he move?

“Don’t be. I plan to have a bunch when I’m on my own. I want a huge house, kids, and a yard full of animals,” he says with a dreamy sigh. I can picture it, and I hope someday he gets that.

He kisses my forehead, then takes a small step back. I smile up at him, and he has a cocky grin on his face. My cheeks heat again, and he laughs.

“Has anyone ever claimed these perfect pink lips?” he asks me, and my eyes widen. I shake my head and avoid his gaze. Gah, he must think I’m so lame. Seventeen and never been kissed. He lifts my chin up with his finger and presses a sweet kiss to the corner of my mouth. I gasp, and he pulls back, looking for consent. With a small smile, I nod and he presses my back against the door as he claims my mouth as his. I try to follow his lead, and soon he has me moaning as his tongue tangles with mine. Wow.

Pulling back he runs his thumb along my puffy lips. I stare into his green eyes trying to catch my breath. He gives me a beaming grin, “Now, kitty, you’re mine.”