This work contains themes and scenes intended for mature readers (18+). It explores intimacy, emotional complexity, and adult relationships through contemporary romance and erotic realism. Reader discretion is advised.
Risk Management
Sacrificing Love for Safety
Janet is called into a meeting with Principal Henderson, who subtly threatens Eve's career with a formal investigation. Convinced she's protecting Eve and Connor, Janet meets Eve in a Rite Aid parking lot and ends their relationship, delivering the breakup with cold, calculated detachment that devastates them both.
An Excerpt from this Chapter...
“Janet,” Eve said. She took a step forward. “I was so worried. Did you talk to him? We can fix this. Isabel found the union rep’s number, and—”
“Stop,” Janet said.
Eve froze.
“I saw Henderson,” Janet said. She stood five feet away. She didn’t cross the gap. “He laid it out. A formal inquiry. Interviews. A permanent mark on your file.”
“I don’t care about the file,” Eve said. Her voice rose, cracking. “Let them investigate. We haven’t done anything wrong.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Janet stared at the Rite Aid sign, the red letters buzzing. “It’s the noise, Eve. It’s the parents. Mark and Lisa won’t stop. They’ll bleed you dry. You’ll be the teacher who sleeps with moms to get ahead. That’s the story.”
“So we fight the story!” Eve stepped closer, reaching out. “We fight it together.”
Janet flinched back. “No.”
Eve’s hand dropped. She looked at Janet like she’d been slapped.
“I can’t do this,” Janet said. She made her voice flat. Monotone. “I spent the last year rebuilding my life. I can’t be the center of a scandal. I can’t have Connor be the kid whose mom ruined his teacher’s career.”
“Is that what you think this is? A scandal?” Eve’s eyes filled with tears. “Janet, last night… Saturday morning… that wasn’t a scandal. That was us.”
“It was a mistake,” Janet lied. The words tasted like bile. “It was too fast. It was messy. And now it’s dangerous.”
“You’re lying,” Eve whispered. “I know you. You’re scared.”