I could hardly think straight, let alone follow along with what Julian was saying. I was aware of every single breath Tate took. The heat of his body so close to me but not being able to actually touch him was pure torture.
Tabby leaned toward me, sliding a note across my notebook.
Want me to hex him?
I snort-laughed.
Julian’s eyes zeroed in on me, his lips pressed into a thin line. I mouthed sorry before scribbling on the note and handing it back to her.
I’m good. Thanks.
She smiled, returning to her note-taking.
When class was over, I didn’t know if it was better for me to linger behind so that Julian was there to act as a buffer or to dart out of the class like some coward. I was leaning more toward the buffer.
“See you around?” Tabby pulled the strap of her bag over her shoulder, her long skirt swishing against her legs.
I nodded, noncommittal.
I actually liked Tabby. The fact that she was willing to hex Tate for me definitely put her higher up on my list of allies. I had a feeling that if I decided to let her coven study me, she wouldn’t make me feel like some kind of lab rat or freak.
Tate climbed over the seats and landed in front of me. “Thanks for not letting the witch hex me.”
I crossed my arms and cocked a hip. “It’s rude to read over someone’s shoulder.”
He leaned toward me until I could see the pupils of his eyes. “It’s rude to leave someone unread that’s had their mouth on your pussy,” he teased.
I jumped and covered his mouth. My own gaped, my face burning, eyes darting around the room to see who might have heard him.
“Can you... just... not?”
A warm, hot, wet muscle swept across my palm. I jerked my hand back, revealing Tate’s grinning face.
“Did you seriously lick me?” I swiped my hand on my jeans, eyes narrowing on him.
Tate’s tongue swept over his lips, playing with the lip piercing. “You didn’t seem to mind it last time.”
“Is this how you tricked her into bed the first time?” Julian stepped up next to us, his arms bulging where he had his arms crossed. “Pester her with inappropriate humor until she gives in?”
Oh, here we go. Let the pissing contest begin.
Tate turned to Julian, crossing his own arms. “No, actually. I let my boyfriend do the seducing. I simply reaped the benefits.”
“I don’t think that’s something you should be proud of.” Julian stared Tate down, the muscle in his jaw ticking.
Closing the distance between them, Tate peered down at Julian, almost a head taller than him. “Jealous? Or are you a homophobe?”
I opened my mouth to put an end to the conversation, knowing it was going down a road that was not going to make any of us happy and would likely blow Julian’s cover as a professor. Unfortunately, Julian spoke before I could.
“I would watch what you say to me,wolf.If you want to stay in my class, then you need to show me the respect I deserve.”
Tate smirked, leaning slightly toward him. “I am.”
I shoved myself between the two of them before Julian could do something stupid like shoot Tate in his stupid, smiling face.
“Alright, let’s all calm down. Jul— Professor Fawley, I’ve got this. Tate,” I placed a hand on his chest and gave him a slight push, “if you want to talk, walk. Now.”
Tate stared Julian down for a beat before nodding, waving his book as he walked backwards toward the door. “See you next time, hunter.”
