The Tutor (BOOK 2: OMEN KING SERIES)

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Romeo Benjamin

I jog forward, forcing a smile at a few familiar faces. Familiar faces try to chat with me, their smiles a blur as I push past them, desperate to reach the blonde near the street.

My heart races for a reason I can't quite pin down. If one more person tries to pull me back into that suffocating house, I swear I'll scream.

I'm already on edge, and the sight of Jenny, red-faced, sends a jolt of anxiety through me. Is it anger? Sadness? I can't tell, and that uncertainty gnaws at me.

"Wait up!" I shout, desperation creeping into my voice as I finally close the distance, taking cautious, almost hesitant steps toward her.

I don't know her well, but I can't shake the image of her tiny fists flying if she's angry. And knowing my luck, she'd land a punch or two just to relieve whatever frustration she's carrying. It's hard to think that someone like her would bother with me, but I can't ignore the feeling that something is brewing beneath that polished surface.

She turns to face me, her black dress clinging to her curves blissfully. "I'll tutor you!" she says, breathless, as if the words were a weight lifted from her chest. Then she sucks in a sharp breath, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her features. "But there's a catch."

What? I blink, dumbfounded.

Did she really just do a complete 180 in seconds? This can't be real. My gut twists with skepticism. Why can't anything just be straightforward with this girl? I mean, I'm thankful she doesn't look mad anymore, but why does it feel like I'm stepping into a minefield?

As much as I try to resist, her eyes hold me captive. I've never been one to hand over anything to a girl-never felt the need. Yet here I am, ready to jump through flaming hoops just for the chance to have her tutor me. If she asked for my soul, I might just give it to her.

"Teach me how to, you know..." Her voice trails off, and I see the pink creep across her cheeks, spreading like wildfire. It shoots straight to my groin, and I curse my body for betraying me.

What the hell is she saying? I feel like I'm trying to decode an alien language, one I thought I knew well. My mind races, but I can't pull my gaze away from her. Is she really suggesting what I think she is? No way. She wouldn't dare. Just days ago, she wouldn't even spare me a glance. It's like she's stepped out of a different universe.

I'm left staring at her, stunned. "Are you talking about..." No, I can't even finish that thought. I stammer, searching for a way to make this less awkward. "Teach you how to be approachable? Because if so, that's a tall order."

Her eyes narrow, transforming into a glare that could slice through steel. Instantly, I feel the charm I thought I had fly out the window, leaving me exposed and awkward. She crosses her arms, pushing her breasts together, and I force myself to look anywhere but there. It's like being caught in a riptide-there's no escape, no way to come up for air.

She rolls her eyes, sighing. "No genius, teach me how to have sex."

And there it is. The word I was dreading, the one that sends my mind spiraling into a dark pit. Sex. The air feels heavy, the street noise fades into a dull hum, and I'm left standing here, gaping like a damn fish out of water. She's standing there, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk creeping onto her face like she's just told the best joke of her life.

"Wow, that shut you up," she barks out a laugh, and it sends a chill down my spine. I feel like a complete idiot. My heart is pounding, and my brain is racing with thoughts I can't keep up with. "Teach me how to play that stupid sport you idiots love so much. Show me how you do it and I'll tutor you."