The hallway felt longer than usual. Teachers and students parted without me asking. The office door was already cracked open. I pushed it wider and stepped inside.
Damien stood by the window, hands in bus pockets, back to me. The room smelled of his cologne. He didn't turn right away. Just let Mr stand there, feeling the weight of his presence fill the space.
I shut the door behind me. He finally faced me. Dark suit, no tie, top button undone. That same calm, predatory look from the restaurant except now it was sharper, edged with something darker.
“Close the blinds,” he said.
I crossed my arms. “You called me here like I'm one of your employees. In front of the whole school. Really?”
He tilted his head. “You didn't reply to my texts.”
“So you decided to summon me like a dog?” My voi
