Page 90 of Pucking Good Girl

“What? No, you aren’t helping me with Econ. That was the deal.”

Victor barks out a laugh. “Isn’t it cute that you think you have any negotiating power? You and Gen will join the threesome you suggested. And you’ll do anything I tell you to do if you don’t want to get expelled.”

Then he gets closer. He’s almost within touching distance, but not quite.

Way too close for comfort, if you ask me.

“Touch her and you’re fucking dead!” I roar, bursting out of the closet with Mack and Professor Cantucci hot on my heels.

I grab Victor by the front of his polo shirt. His head rears back, and a spray of bright red blood lands on my face.

“What the⁠—”

Mack’s fist rears back again, ready for another hit.

“Hey,” I chuckle. “Let me get a hit in too, will you?”

“With pleasure,” Mack steps behind Victor to hold him up for me.

The piece of shit is crying and begging, his voice a garbled gurgle as his nose is bleeding profusely into his mouth. “Please… no.”

“Not feeling quite so powerful now, huh? You fucking creep.”

Before I have the chance to hit him, the office door bursts open as Tucker and Vaughn spill into the room.

“Don’t kill him before I get in a couple of hits of my own.” Tucker growls.

“Me too.” Vaughn joins in. “We’ll teach you what happens when you abuse your position of power to prey on your students.”

Mack is still holding him up as we have Victor surrounded. This is just like your run-of-the-mill hockey game minus the ice and the boards.

“That is enough,” Professor Cantucci’s commanding voice reminds me where we really are. This isn’t a hockey game, and I was so focused on eliminating the threat posed by Victor that I didn’t even think about checking on Talia.

I’m the worst boyfriend ever.

“Pretty girl, how are you?”

She has Professor Cantucci’s arm wrapped around her shoulders. Her eyes are wide as she takes in the spectacle offered by Victor, who hasn’t stopped crying.

“Talia is fine,” the professor answers for her. “She just single-handedly solved the mystery of last year’s incorrect grades and got us Victor on tape by recording everything, thanks to that tiny recording device hidden in her necklace. She isn’t a damsel. You should give her more credit.”

I open my mouth to say that I know full well that Talia can take care of herself. This isn’t the first time I see her bring down opponents who are bigger and scarier than her. The memory of how she handled those handsy customers the night we met is still very fresh in my mind.

“She doesn’t need to be saved,” Professor Cantucci continues. “She’s an example for every capable young woman out there. I wish my own daughter could have seen her today. We don’t need men to fight our battles, right Talia? And athletes tend to be the worst of the crop with all their extra testosterone. By the way, that door was locked and you two just damaged collegiate property.” She adds with a glare at Tucker and Vaughn.

“Sorry, ma’am. Professor, I mean.” Tucker rubs the back of his neck.

Vaughn, however, doesn’t look too concerned about the damage. “Not to worry, Professor. I’ll get a brand new door installed by the end of today.”

Professor Cantucci sighs. “Thanks, Mr. Heston. Our department is chronically under-funded, despite the very generous support of our alumni.”

“Make a list of what you need, and I’ll let my parents know. They’re both Star Cove alumni and very happy to support their alma mater.”

“Ha,” the professor giggles. “I don’t suppose they’d consider sponsoring the archeological expedition I’m planning for next summer? We’re going to uncover the pyramid of a pharaoh that has remained unknown to this day. It’s been in the works for a few years now, but the lack of funds has prevented us from⁠—”

Vaughn’s smile widens. “Done.”

“Professor Cantucci?” Campus security is at the door, alerted by the professor.