Chapter 10: Chapter 10

He smiles and it makes him look more attractive with his straight pearly white teeth. My stomach does a small summersault and I quickly walk away feeling guilty as my cheeks turn a light shade of pink.

Pull yourself together woman...

My inner goddess mocks me.

***

The afternoon fly’s by and before I knew it I was having one on one parent-teacher interviews. I loved telling each of my Care Bears parents how extremely well they were doing and how proud they should be. I also introduced my Idea of the kids taking home a journal every night to help them with their creativity. I explained to the parents and students that they can write whatever they wanted and decorate their entries however they pleased. It wasn’t a competition, I know some of my Care Bears are here strictly on scholarships. I also informed them that they could always come to class and use the art supplies they had available at their group tables before the first warning bell.

The evening seemed to be going smoothly until my last interview. Mr Thomas Day was Ryder’s stepfather and he wasn’t a pleasant man to deal with on any occasion.

“Is this you... Spying on us parents?” He practically spat in my face.

As I mentioned the journal.

“No Sir, some of my Care Bears struggle to produce anything creative for their age group.” I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Care Bears!” He laughs loudly.

“Are you a Care Bear Ryder?” He looks at Ryder, who shrinks further into his seat.

“Yes...Uh..No” He stutters and my heart breaks a little.

“You a little... Girl Ryder?” He teases.

“No.” He barely whispers.

“Do you want to write in a journal like a little girl aye boy?”

“No... Sir.” Ryder replies with unshed tears lingering in his eyes.

“You can keep your fucking journal and your nose out of our lives at home. You’re here to teach, not poke around in the kids' journals.” He stands and drags Ryder to his feet by the scruff of his collar.

“Thomas!” I raise my voice to get his attention.

“What bitch?!” He growls, before banging his fist against the table.

“Please... Please reconsider...”

“Woman, I said no! What part of no do you not understand?” He growls louder.

“I don’t believe the word NO belongs in the dictionary. I hate the word and I hate men who think they have the balls to yell at a woman in front of their son.” Sanz stops right in front of Thomas bringing them toe to toe.

“Some women have a hard time following orders.” Thomas stands taller, rolling his shoulders back.

“That’s because women weren’t put on earth to follow orders.” Sanz sneers.

“Guys, please!” I quickly rush to stand next to them in the hopes of breaking them up.

Both of them ignore me completely and continue to stare each other down.

“Sanz.” I place my hand on his arm lightly.

“Please, this isn’t the right time, nor the place. Ryder is still here.” I plead.

Sanz looks down at my hand and sighs.

“You’re right.” He looks at Ryder and his features become gentler.

“I’m sorry Ryder.” He says and winks at him.

Ryder smiles, then looks at it his dad. A small growl leaves Thomas’s lips and Ryder’s smile vanishes as he gulps trying to breathe evenly... Thomas grabs Ryder roughly by the arm.

“We're leaving!” He spits out as he barges past Sanz and me.

We both turn to watch Ryder being dragged out of the classroom. I can't help but feel like I’ve just given Thomas a reason to beat the poor kid and guilt fills my entire being.

“If Ryder shows any signs of abuse tomorrow morning, I want you to escort him straight to the nurse's station and notify me immediately. Do you understand me?” Sanz continues to look towards the door.

“I really hope it doesn’t come to that Sanz.” My voice starts to tremble.

Sanz pulls me in for a hug and I welcome it by wrapping my arms around his waist.

“It’s not your fault. I guess my timing was spot on when I decided to check up on you. You’re the last one still here doing interviews.” His hand gently strokes my hair.

“Thomas was late... “ I start to explain before my phone lights up and my alarm goes off

“Crap.” I step out of Sanz embrace and retrieve my phone that’s sitting on my desk.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I have a date and I’m already running late.” I quickly start to pack everything away and grab my handbag.

“Lucky dude.” Sanz scratches the back of his neck.

I chuckle, knowing full well I wouldn’t consider any man lucky to be with me.

“I think that’s it.” I look around the room.

“I’ll walk you out then.” Sanz puts his hand on my lower back and ushers me out of the class.

My phone dings.

Luca: I’m out front when you are ready to leave.

Vanessa: On my way.

Sanz and I walk out of the Academy together in silence till I spot Cullum. We say our farewells and I stroll towards Cullum.

"Miss Maddison, Shall we?."

"Evening Cullum, Lets" I smile and let him lead the way.

As we near the car, Luca steps out holding a single rose.

Oh My God! I'm having a bachelorette moment!!!

“Cara Mia, I hope your day was a success.” He says softly as he gifts me the rose.

I inhale the fresh scents and smile.

“Something along those lines.” I tiptoe and lightly press a kiss to his cheek.

"I’m sorry about last night.” I apologize for trying to keep the sadness out of my voice.

Luca sighs, he stares out towards the darkened car park briefly before he looks back at me. He slips a finger under my lowered chin and raises my head so we're looking into the eyes of each other.

“You’re slowly driving me insane.” He lets out a shaky breath and drops his hand.

“And the worst part of it Tesoro... I thrive in what little attention you can spare me.” He whispers coolly.

I’m speechless with his honesty.

“Are you doing this to me on purpose?” He anxiously stares at me.

“Of course not Luca.” I shift and take a step back.

“I’m just not used to this sort of attention from anyone. Especially from men like you.”

“Men like me?” He frowns, cocking his head to the side.

I inwardly groan starting to feel frustrated with the man like he hasn’t a clue.

“Yes. Men. Like. You, you’re so intense and I feel intimidated by you. You’re sexy as hell and you seem to know what you want and you just go for it not caring what the consequences could hold. I’m not like that, I care about the consequences. I’ve had my fair of trouble in life. And your trouble Luca, I’m no match for you” I suddenly feel overwhelmed which leads to me clenching my hands around my rose.

A lone tear trails down my cheek. Luca takes a step towards me scowling, and swipes the tear from my face with his thumb.

“You haven’t got a clue, Cara Mia. The way you have me feeling right now is… Is new to me.” He huffs out as if he’s suddenly feeling alienated

“What happens if we end up doing more damage to each other than necessary?. You’ll push me, and I’ll push back knowing you’ll only come back ten times harder. How will we deal....” Luca claims my mouth softly quieting me.

“You’re worth the consequences that come. I crushed on you back then and I want you now. Like this, all grown up. Responsive to my every touch.” He kisses me again but before the kiss gets too heated he pulls away, His eyes soften, and he kisses me on the hand gently.

“Let’s get out of here and have dinner.” He ushers me back towards the car where Cullum is still standing patiently not making eye contact with either of us.

I slide into the car as Luca has a word to Cullum, and follows after.

“Where would you like to eat?” He asks.

“I’m leaning towards something hot and spicy.” I wink at him and I’m rewarded with a smile.

“Hot and spicy huh?” Lucas brows go up and down in a frenzied wave.

“Hot and spicy…”

I lean into him seductively trailing a finger up his thigh slowly making him shift to adjust his growing erection.

“Tesoro, you’re playing with fir….”

I spring back quickly before he’s able to snatch up my hand.

“Indian. God, some Indian Lamb Karahi and Roti could go down nicely with some wine.” I bat my eyes innocently testing the boundaries, Luca shakes his head and laughs.

“I will get you back for that you little minx.” He grumbles amused.

“I’m counting on it Prestante.” I wink.

Luca smiles at me surprised.

“Very Cute Tesoro. You learned a new word today I see.”

“I looked it up on google and had to listen to the computer a billion times to try and pronounce it right.” I smile shyly.

“I’m happy you think of me as good looking.” He cocks his head to the side, frowning as he tries to understand why I’d used that particular word.

If anything.

Calling him good looking is an understatement and should be a crime.