Read Online Breathe for Me by Rhonda Helms - Free Book Online Page B

break,” a whispering voice says as Sitri settles into the seat across from me. Speak of the devil .
    I ignore my surprise at seeing him, forcing my heart rate to steady by drawing in slow breaths. I can’t concentrate anymore, but I pretend to read. Why is he here?
    He leans over and plucks the book from my hand, then scans the cover. “Really?” he asks me, curiosity apparent on his face. “I never would have guessed.”
    â€œThere’s a lot you don’t know about me,” I say, then instantly wish I could take the words back. If Sitri feels I’m being secretive, he’ll close off again, and I’ll have to work harder to regain the trust he’s shown me so far. I can’t lose that hard-earned ground. “I mean, I’ve learned a lot in school.”
    A smile creeps across his face, and his eyes warm to a rich, dark grey. “I look forward to hearing more about these things that interest you.” He pauses. “I hope you’re behaving yourself,” he continues. His voice is low, soft, but the thread of seriousness beneath his words is undeniable. “And that you remember your time is coming to a close.”
    â€œHow can I forget?” I say, fighting to keep the edge out of my voice. Stay calm . “I’m reminded every day.”
    â€œIsabel?” Dominic’s voice floats into the library as he enters.
    Oh, God. Oh, God .
    I stand. A wave of nausea sweeps over me. I wish Dominic would go away. Or better yet, Sitri. But that’s not going to happen, because Sitri is studying my face with a keen eye and drinking in Dominic’s presence, no doubt wondering who he is to me.
    He misses nothing.
    â€œI’m in the middle of something right now,” I say to Dominic. “I’ll see you later in class.” I mentally plead for him to leave, even as my heart aches for having to push him away.
    Sitri stands. “No, no, I’ll leave you two alone.” His eyes suddenly glow like hot black coals, and he smiles again. But this time, there’s nothing close to warmth in his face. It chills my blood. “I’ll see you later, Isabel.” With that, he moves by Dominic, brushing oh-so slightly against his arm, and leaves the room.
    I exhale sharply, not realizing I’d been holding my breath. My head spins from dizziness and fear. This is a mess. I can’t do this. I can’t let Dominic get in the middle of something he can’t ever possibly understand. Sitri would tear him up in ways even I can’t imagine.
    â€œWho was that?” Dominic asks. His face is unreadable, his voice a little tighter than usual.
    I shake my head, unable to speak. If I do, I know I will cry. And I’m barely holding on to myself right now as it is. I move around the table and start walking toward the door.
    â€œYou promised not to run.”
    His words freeze me in my spot. “He’s…my ex.” I say. I pause, swallow. “I don’t like him anymore.”
    He nods. “I can tell.”
    â€œI’m not trying to run away, but I really need to go to the restroom now. I’ll see you in class, okay?”
    With that, I leave.

    Mr. Morris moves up and down the aisles of our math class the next day, thrusting papers into our hands. It’s our quizzes from last week, and mine has a large red D on the top. I sigh and close my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my nerves. This is bad.
    A small, sarcastic voice in my brain tells me I shouldn’t get this worked up, as I’m going to be leaving soon anyway. I force that dark thought back down. While I’m here in New Orleans, I’m doing the best work I can. That’s been my motto from the start. Because I will find a way to make this work out so I can stay. I have to.
    â€œI’m disappointed in some of these grades,” Mr. Morris says as he makes his way back up to the front of the class. “Many of you need to do a