“If Crew claims to be your friend, it’s merely code for something more.”
“Code for what?” I decide to play stupid. Of course I know what he’s referring to, but everyone thinks I’m an innocent virgin, so why not play the part.
“He’ll—take advantage of you. That’s how boys like him operate.”
I stare at Fig, hating the way his words make me feel. Hating more that he’s just like the very boy he’s describing. He takes advantage of his female students, preying on the weakest ones.
Is that how he saw me only a few weeks ago? Weak and unassuming? Too trusting and easy to manipulate?
Well, too late, sir. I’m on to your games.
“I know exactly how boys like him operate.” It’s my turn to lower my voice. “Maybe that’s exactly what I want him to do, hmm? Did you ever think of that?”
He struggles to keep his expression neutral, though I can tell I shocked him. “Very well. I just—wanted to warn you.”
“Thanks, Fig. Appreciate it.” Oh, where did that come from? I sound like I’ve got attitude.
I kind of like it.
I turn away from Fig’s desk so fast, my skirt flares out, flashing a bit of leg. I catch Crew’s gaze dropping to my thighs, and my skin warms as I walk back to my desk.
Why am I keeping him at arm’s length again?
I fall into my seat, glancing over at Crew to see he’s already watching me.
“What the hell did he want?” His simmering gaze shifts to Figueroa.
“He asked if I was okay.” I shrug, trying to play it off, but Crew won’t let me.
“Trying to make a move on you?”
“Never.”
He clenches his jaw. “I’ll kick his ass if he says something inappropriate to you, Wren. I mean it.”
My entire body erupts in goosebumps at the ferocity in his voice. How protective he is, how he said my actual name. “I blew him off.”
“He can pick up on girls who are going through shit,” Crew continues.
“I know. I figured that out.”
Crew’s gaze finds mine, the anger slowly dissipating. “You’ve got this handled, don’t you?”
I nod. “I do. I’m going to be okay. But thank you for watching out for me.”
“Anytime,” he murmurs, just as Figueroa starts lecturing again.
I turn and face the front of the classroom, thrilled that Crew actually trusts that I can take care of myself.
Something no one ever gives me credit for.
The rest of the day passes just as the last two did, though I decide to switch it up at lunch. I go in search of Maggie, who I find sitting with Lara and Brooke. They all stare up at me as I stop at their table, murmuring uninterested greetings before they return their attention to their phones.
“Can I sit here?” I ask no one in particular, pulling out a chair and settling in right next to Maggie. “How are you?”
She shrugs, staring down at her uneaten sandwich. “Okay.”
“Hey.” I reach out and settle my hand on top of hers, which startles her. She turns her head, frowning at me. “I wanted to apologize to you.”