The Tutor (BOOK 2: OMEN KING SERIES)

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Romeo Benjamin

Usually when a girl texts me late at night, it's for one thing only-an invitation to come over and fuck. But tonight, it's different. I can feel it in the pit of my stomach as I stare at my phone, the screen illuminating my face in the dim light of my room. The girl who's texting me-the girl who somehow burrowed her way under my skin-is the last person I ever expected to be doing this.

Jenny: Meet me @ the rink in ten!

Jenny: We're skating.

This isn't a request; it's a command. And no matter how much I don't want to, I can't bring myself to tell her no. What on earth am I thinking? It's a stupid idea. The storm outside is relentless, the wind howling like a banshee, and I'd rather be doing literally anything else.

Before I know it, I'm soaked and shivering, the frigid wind biting at my skin as I jog across campus. Each step feels like a battle against the mud, my shoes squelching with every push forward. My clothes cling to me like a second skin, heavy with rain, while my hair flops against my forehead, a wet mess.

As I step into the unlocked building, the cold air hits me, but it's nothing compared to the sight of Jenny leaning against the concession counter. She looks like a goddess in her tight black jeans and that dark green sweater that hugs her curves just right.

"Hey, Romeo." Her voice is soft, like a warm blanket in this icy hell. Her eyes, full of concern, lock onto mine, and she's biting her bottom lip-an adorable habit that makes my heart skip. "Glad you made it."

Her long legs carry her across towards the double doors, moving with a confidence that makes me want to smile and groan all at once. I can't help but admire how her hair bounces behind her, and despite the chill in the air and the water dripping down my back, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on.

"Well, I'm here." I shrug, trying to play it cool, but my voice cracks a bit. "And I'm fucking freezing, so let's do this."

Her lips twitch, and I can see the grin fighting to break free. She nods and walks over to the counter, grabbing two pairs of skates and tossing them my way.

I raise an eyebrow, incredulous. "How'd you get the keys? I doubt your dad would have given them to you, especially considering the weather."

"Oh, he didn't," she laughs, the sound bright and cheerful, lighting up the dreary rink. "Apparently the hockey captain can't say no to his girlfriend."

I bark out a laugh, the tension in my shoulders easing. I know Kohl well enough to picture the scene-the guy melting like butter in front of Leia. But I didn't know Jenny was close enough to his girlfriend, Leia, to get the rink key.

"I'm guessing you didn't tell him why you wanted it?"

"Nope," she grins, popping the 'p' with a cheekiness that makes my heart flutter. She looks far too pleased with herself, and I can't help but admire her audacity.

I sigh, surrendering to the moment as I follow her into the rink. The familiar scent of sweat and ice fills my nostrils, a strange comfort amidst the chill. I was already drenched, and the last thing I want to do is skate, but here I am, and I have no idea what else to do.

I sit next to her, lacing up my skates, the silence stretching between us, deafening yet charged with something I can't quite name.

Her blonde hair falls into her face as she concentrates, biting down on her lip. It's a cute look, and I feel like I'm being pulled into her orbit, even as my mind races with uncertainty. What is she doing here, in the middle of a storm, wanting to skate? Why now?