The Teacher

17: WREN

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping and an arm wrapped around my waist. I lie still for a moment, enveloped in the warmth of his embrace, feeling his chest rise and fall against my back with each breath he takes. The only thought racing through my mind right now is getting the hell out of here. I need to go before two things happen: he wakes up, or his daughters get up.

Slowly, I remove his arm and slip out of the bed. I move toward his closet and borrow one of his shirts and his sweatpants. I roll them three at the waist, making it possible to walk without tripping. As I tiptoe out of the bedroom, the plush carpet muffles my steps, giving me the courage to move faster. The mansion is eerily quiet, so his daughters aren't up yet. I move downstairs quickly, hoping gravity stays on my side as fast as I'm moving.

Just as I reach the front door, I hear some clearing their throat. I freeze. My gaze darts around, spotting Roxie. The assistant said nothing was going on between them. I don't even know what time it is, but for her to be here this early is insane.

"Good morning," I force a smile to my face as she slowly looks me up and down, judgment in her eyes.

"Morning," she replies, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Leaving so soon?"

"Not soon enough. Have a good day."

"Without shoes on? Or your belongings?" she questions.

"My friend will be here any moment." It really isn't any of her fucking business what I'm doing. But she is right. Where the hell am I going without shoes? It honestly doesn't matter; I will walk barefoot if I have to.

I ignore her pointed stare and pull the heavy door open, stepping into the crisp morning air. The chill bites at my bare feet, but I push forward, determined to put distance between myself and the mansion. Stopping at Skylar's car I spot my purse on the passenger seat. I was smart enough to leave it out here, but I pray he didn't lock the doors.

Thankfully, the car is unlocked. I grab my purse quickly, rummaging through it to find my phone. It's dead, of course. I sigh heavily, slumping against the cool metal of the car. This morning is just not going my way.

Just as I'm about to commence my barefoot trek down the driveway, a warm hand clasps my shoulder. I tense up, expecting to see the assistant again, but when I turn, it's Skylar. His hair is tousled from sleep, and his eyes are clouded with confusion and concern.

"Why are you leaving like this?" he asks.

I try to muster up some semblance of dignity despite the odd ensemble of his clothes that I'm wearing. "I think it's best if I go now," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Skylar's brow furrows as he studies me. "At least let me drive you home," he offers, his voice low and earnest. "You shouldn't be walking around without shoes."

"No, I can manage." My voice is wobblier than I would like. "You should go back to Roxie. I can manage."

"Be fucking for real, Wren; you can't walk from here to your house. You would be walking all day. What kind of human being would I be to allow you to walk home barefoot? Why would you even think walking barefoot is a great idea is beyond me. And don't you need to get ready for work?" he asks.

His logic is sound, irritatingly so. I've never been good at admitting when I need help, but the thought of walking miles on the rough pavement in nothing but a silk nightgown and bare feet is daunting. "Okay," I relent, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

Skylar nods, his expression softening. He guides me back to the passenger side of the car and opens the door for me. I slide in, suddenly aware of the way the early morning light catches in his eyes, turning them into a bright, piercing blue.