Page 565 of Lessons in Cruelty

“Loosen up. If I report you, I’d have to report everyone, then I wouldn’t have anyone left to teach.”

I should let her leave. Instead, I glance out the alcove’s window, frowning.

The Witch is dead.

I should be relieved, but I’m just fucking pissed.

A career that’s circling the drain. A deputy who smiles like he knows where the bodies are buried. And the two people who understood the darkness inside me—gone.

After everything I gave them.

Everything I taught them.

Everything I made them feel.

My jaw clenches so hard it aches.

There are so many things I should be doing with my time this weekend. Planning a new class, getting my car detailed, hiring someone to fix my fucking doors—the glass one, and the wood one where Haven’s bullet is still lodged.

But I feel too malicious and empty to care.

I could try filling the hole with liquor. With coke. With sex.

From experience, I know there’s only one cure for this particular void.

I need to break something pretty again, and soon.

Need to hold it down as it struggles, my ears ringing with its desperate moans and pleas.

Need to watch it bleed.

Could have been us, Haven.

Could have been us, Kai.

Now I guess it’ll have to be Parker.

Parker shifts uncomfortably when my gaze lands on her again. Clearly wanting to leave but too polite to just walk away.

Such a good slut.

“I’m holding a small, invitation-only study group this weekend.”

“How many people are going to be there?”

“Only those I find worthy of my time.”

When she says nothing, just watching me warily, I add an annoyed, “Five, maybe six.”

“At school?”

“On a Sunday?” I scoff. “At a coffee shop, most likely.”

When she still says nothing, I exhale loudly and head for the stairs, our shoulders brushing when she doesn’t get out of the way in time. The halls are empty now, only a handful of stragglers on the first floor dashing for their classes.

“Have your secretary call me to confirm after you’ve checked your schedule,” I mutter.

I don’t even get halfway down the stairs.