“There you are, baby.”
Someone wrapped a strong arm around my waist, startling me into taking a step back. I turned my head, surprised to see Judge snuggling up close to my side. His focus was on Corey, a smug grin teasing at his soft lips.
“Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Judge, Flynn’s boyfriend.” Judge held out his hand to Corey, and I was too shocked to move or react. Corey seemed to be in the same position, staring at Judge’s hand for a few long moments before he finally jolted into action, taking it in a firm handshake.
“Uh, hey. Corey. I’m Flynn’s... friend?”
This was the first time I’d witnessed Corey falter, and it gave me a pleasant sizzle of pleasure to see him confused and surprised. It was almost as though he hadn’t expected me to find another man so soon, and that caused a spike of anger to rush through me. I wasn’t vain, but I knew I wasn’t ugly.
“Pleasure to meet you, man.” Judge dropped Corey’s hand and his hold on my middle tightened. His movements were possessive, and any sane person would run in the opposite direction if they experienced this from a stranger, but a spiteful part of mewantedCorey to see I had a man and was doing fine without Chris. Maybe he’d relay the good news to my ex. “If you don’t mind, I have plans with Flynn. Can we catch up later?”
Corey’s jaw worked in confusion, but finally he nodded, unusually quiet as Judge spun us around and began walking us toward the cars. I turned, giving a half wave to Corey, who returned it before backing away. Judge had no idea where we were going, but it didn’t matter because as soon as Corey was out of sight, I stopped and whirled to face him, shaking off his hold.
“What was that?” I snarled.
He shrugged with a silly grin. “You looked uncomfortable, and I thought I’d come to rescue you.”
I huffed, tugging the strap of my messenger bag up on my shoulder as it began to slip. “I don’t need rescuing. You had no right.”
“You went along with it.” The self-assured cockiness in his voice only frustrated me more, but there was also something attractive about it. Not like Corey, who was fake charming. Judgeknewwhat he was worth, and he’d done the right thing—and he probably expected a reward for it.
“I’m not giving you my number.” My jaw tightened. “I told you I don’t sleep with students.”
“What about date?” He raised his dark eyebrows. “My dick doesn’t have to go anywhere near you.”
“No.” I threw my hands up in disbelief. “Are you so spoiled that you think you can get what you want, when you want it?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. When he stepped in closer, I took a step back, but he grabbed my elbow and tugged me in until our mouths were inches apart. “You liked me fucking you, Flynn, and you liked being owned by me. If you become mine, you won’t have to worry about anything ever again.”
I let out a half laugh, half grumble. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me. I’m an adult and much older than you.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t belong to me.” He licked his lips, and my gaze followed his tongue as it traveled over his succulent mouth. “Just give in.”
“No,” I said with a sharp breath. Stumbling backward, I nearly tripped over my feet, and then I glared at him and regained some confidence. “No.”
He flashed me his teeth in a superior smile that had my belly warming. He was taller than me and wide—I never imagined myself being thrown around until I met him. “Since we’re only a couple of weeks into the semester, I changed my classes. I’m in Torts now.”
Anxiety lodged in my throat, jamming up anything I wanted to say. He didn’t move toward me, but he didn’t need to—it was as though he had my neck in the firm grip of his hand, cutting off my breath, and he hadn’t even touched me. A part of me buried deep inside wanted to give in, willing to let him fuck me and do what he wanted with me, but I couldn’t let it win. This was about myjob.
“You do give out your number and email to students with questions, right?”
Fuck. I did. Students already in the class had my number, and I couldn’t possibly say no to a new person starting. My shoulders slumped and I took a steady breath. I had no choice. I dropped my bag to the ground and unzipped it, pulling out a notebook and pen. While I wrote my number on a piece of paper, I watched him from the corner of my eye. He stood there with that winning smile spread across his face. He’d won this round.
After I’d shoved the notebook and pen back in the bag and zipped it again, I rose and passed him the paper. “You may only call for questions regarding the class. No exceptions.”
“Yes, sir.” He winked, and my heart fluttered.
I spun on my heel, keeping my back straight as I walked away from him. I was well aware of his gaze on my ass, could feel it the entire walk to my car. Once I’d unlocked the Corolla and dropped into the driver’s seat I started breathing again. Until my phone buzzed. I glanced down at the new message.
Unknown:Nice to have your number, Flynn. I have a lot of questions. What kind of underwear are you wearing right now?
I was fucked, and not in the way I wanted.
4
JUDGE
Maybe it hadn’t beenmy finest moment, but I did want to know what was under those suit pants he had on. For about a minute I stared at the dots that popped up on my phone to indicate he was busy sending me a reply, and then they disappeared. I wanted to know more than anything what he was doing. Was he shy? Typing and deleting? Hesitating? Did he spell out how much he wanted me to fuck him only to erase it again? Of course, he could just as easily be telling me to go eat a big one.
