She’s not telling me about how he forced a kiss on her.
I don’t like that she’s holding back, but it’s probably for the best that she doesn’t even consider the fact that anyone could’ve witnessed the scene in her kitchen. She doesn’t suspect that there are cameras hidden in every room of her apartment. In her mind, no one could know about his attempted assault.
“That must’ve been enough to draw the attention of your stalker,” I reason.
Her mouth pinches with distaste. “I wish you’d stop saying that.”
“What? That you have a stalker?”
“Yes. I’m not a victim, Professor.”
“Rand,” I correct her. “And I can see you’re not a victim. That doesn’t mean someone isn’t stalking you.”
“What happened to not encouraging familiarity with your students?” she challenges instead of rebutting the truth.
“You were right. I was being an arsehole. I want you to call me Rand.”
She’s looking at me warily again, as though she isn’t sure if she can trust this new side of her uptight professor.
“Fine.” She capitulates, but she doesn’t actually say my name.
It irritates me, but I do my best to hide it.
“I should go join the others at the pub,” she says. “Amala was really upset.”
She reaches for her phone, but I pick it up before her fingers brush the device.
“What are you doing?” she demands.
“Giving you my number.” I enter my contact details.
“What? Why?”
I spear her with a no-nonsense look. “If you’re not planning to tell anyone else about your stalker, I want you to come to me if he contacts you again.”
She couldn’t be falling into my trap more perfectly, and I have to conceal my smirk. I won’t have to worry about anyone else comforting her through this difficult time.
Karolina’s trust issues are working to my advantage for once.
She snatches her phone away, but I close my fingers around hers, trapping her.
She gasps and goes completely still. I know she feels it too: the electric chemistry we share. The almost painfully intense sensation of our skin finally touching. After agonizing years of physical denial, she’s within my grasp.
Her eyes are soft when they meet mine. Some of her defenses have dropped.
If I were truly a stranger to her, this kind of contact would be unwelcome from her professor. But deep down, Karolina knows me. She recognizes her soulmate.
It will take time for her to accept the truth, but in this moment, I know I have her. She will come to me. I can be patient.
“Tell me you’ll call me if you need help.” I don’t bother to keep the ring of command from my words.
“Okay,” she breathes.
My kitten can be so sweetly submissive when I turn this side of myself on her. Our power dynamic is even more potent in person than it’s ever been over a phone screen.
Good girl.I barely hold back the praise.
Reluctantly, I withdraw my touch, allowing my fingers to brush hers as I slowly break contact.
