"you aren't ready to know me."

there was nothing light about the way he said it. in fact, his expression was razor sharp.

"i looked in your student file."

my words hung in the air a moment before patch's eyes aligned with mine. "i'm pretty sure that's illegal," he said calmly.

"your file was empty. nothing. not even an immunization record."

he didn't even pretend to look surprised. he eased back in his seat, eyes gleaming obsidian. "and you're telling me this because you're afraid i might cause an outbreak? measles or mumps?"

"i'm telling you this because i want you to know that i know something about you isn't right. you haven't fooled everybody. i'm going to find out what you're up to. i'm going to expose you."

"looking forward to it."

i flushed, catching the innuendo too late. over the top of patch's head, i could see vee weaving her way through the tables.

i said, "vee's coming. you have to go."

he stayed put, eyeing me, considering.

"why are you looking at me like that?" i challenged.

he tipped forward, preparing to stand. "because you're nothing like what i expected."

"neither are you," i countered. "you're worse."

chapter 6

the following morning i was surprised to see elliot walk into first