Except I kept thinking about the way Mikhail had looked at me last week when we'd gotten back from the apartment. Like he wanted to devour me. Like he was holding himself back by sheer force of will. I’d looked back after I’d gotten out of the car and it was very clear how much he wanted me.
I’d forgotten that my things were in the truck, not because of the trauma that I’d experienced in the apartment and reliving it.No. I’d left it because being too close to Mikhail made me lose reason and all I wanted to do was him when he was around.
He’d carried everything to my suite without a single word. He kept his eyes diverted but there was no mistaking the bulge in his jeans. Mikhail wanted me and I liked that he did. Loved it actually. I’d never felt so powerful over another person before and knowing that I affected him in that way and that he kept himself in check had me on the biggest high. It had made my skin flush hot and my stomach do stupid fluttery things. Especially knowing he was about to be spending so much time with me.
"Stop it," I muttered to myself. "He's just doing his job."
A job he'd volunteered for. A job that meant being close to me every single day.
I grabbed jeans and a fitted black top, pulled my hair into a high ponytail, and told myself I looked professional. Confident. Like a woman who had her life together and definitely wasn't thinking about her bodyguard's hands. I finished off my look with a light pink waffle sweater that elevated my look. My matching boots and natural makeup look sealed the deal.
When I came downstairs, Mikhail was waiting in the foyer. He looked up when I appeared, and something flashed in his dark eyes. Something hungry.
"Ready?" he asked. His voice was deeper, almost as if he was starved and straining to get his words out.
Oh, boy. That flutter in my belly was back and my pussy began to throb. Yeah, I liked being able to affect him in this way.
"Born ready." I grabbed my bag and headed for the door before he could see the way my pulse had kicked up.
The drive to campus was quiet. Mikhail kept his eyes on the road, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on his thigh. I tried not to stare at those hands. Failed miserably. I could only guess how they would feel exploring my body.
"You nervous?" he asked.
"No." Yes. Terrified. "Why would I be nervous?"
"First day. New semester. Plus you've got me tagging along."
I glanced at him. "Are you going to actually follow me into classes?"
"If I have to."
"Mikhail."
"What? You think I'm joking?" He pulled into the parking lot, found a spot close to the main building. "I told you. Wherever you go, I go."
"So you're going to sit in on Introduction to Psychology? Take notes? Maybe participate in group discussions?"
His jaw tightened. "If that's what it takes."
I unbuckled my seatbelt and turned to face him. "Look. I appreciate the protection thing, I really do. But you can't actually sit in my classes. It's weird. It'll draw attention. They probably have rules against that, too. And the last thing I need is people asking questions about why I have a personal bodyguard."
He was quiet for a moment, staring out the windshield. Then he said, "Fine. I'll wait outside. But you text me when class is over. And if anything feels wrong, anything at all, you leave immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, Dad."
His eyes cut to me, dark and intense. "Don't call me that."
The way he said it made heat pool low in my belly. I swallowed hard. "Then don't treat me like a child."
"Trust me, Shanice." His voice dropped, rough and low. "The way I think about you is not remotely paternal."
Oh God.
I grabbed my bag and got out of the SUV before I could do or say something stupid. Like ask him exactly how he did think about me. Or climb into his lap and find out if he tasted as good as he looked.
Mikhail fell into step beside me as we walked toward the psychology building. I could feel him scanning the area, cataloging faces, checking exits. Always on alert. Always watching.
"You're going to give yourself a heart attack if you keep looking at everyone like they're a threat," I said.
