We both turned at the sudden sound of footsteps.
There stood Olivia in the doorway, arms crossed and expression unreadable.
Danny groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh my f*cking God… can't even get a quiet moment with my girl."
His tone was raw, full of annoyance—but that cuss? Yeah, not gonna lie, it sent a strange thrill down my spine. My knees nearly buckled. There was just something so wickedly hot about how protective he sounded.
I gently touched his arm and whispered, "It's fine, let's see what she wants."
Turning to Olivia, I stepped forward. "What is it now?"
She flipped her hair over one shoulder, that same smug confidence on her face. "The teacher's asking for you."
I blinked. "The teacher? At this hour? Why?"
She shrugged. "Beats me. Just told me to come get you." Then, of course, she rolled her eyes and walked off with that signature strut of hers.
I turned to Danny and said, "I'll be back in a minute."
He crossed his arms. "I'm coming with you."
"No, Danny," I said, soft but firm, "She asked for me."
He gave me a look but sighed in surrender. "Fine, but don't take long."
I smiled at him, gave his hand a quick squeeze, and turned to go.
Descending the staircase, I moved through the hallway, scanning the crowd for any sign of the teacher. Nothing. I checked near the auditorium doors, peeked around the corners, even glanced near the refreshment tables.
She wasn't there.
I turned to head back—but then—
A hand suddenly clamped over my mouth.
and then darkness