na'

and for some reason, my heart couldn't stop racing. M

lked to my office, every student suddenly felt like they were watchin

re your career is the first thing to burn," he swore. I could on

always calmed me filled the air. But today, the air felt thick with forebod

k rose. And beneath it was a book. Not a textbook. This was a worn, l

leave this on my table? I had no ad

li

ck at the closed door. I knew I turned the key be

thorns sharp against my

alone. I dropped the rose and reached for the book. I flipped to the first

become unsettled? He was pushing me, tes

he would get tired. I threw the rose into the trash can, as well as t

and pushed a smile to my face as

composure. I taught my lectures and feigned interest in departmental me

ed back to my office, seeking some rest. The d

shed my door

wo dark roses followed by a book. I didn't have to check to k

y had a few students and Julian was not in sight. I walke

but when I reached for the book, I noticed something

save me from my academic fail

igest his words and when I d

y head. I thought ignoring him would work, but absolutely not. I needed to act. I couldn't b

ked to the class and luckily,

stood at the entrance of the d

t made my skin prickle, following me down the hall. Not even a flash of f

k you're doing? Do you thi

talking about," he said as

he gifts. Stop the staring. Stop whatever game you thin

the door, crossing his arms over his broad

e woman who loves your father. You will r

epped into my personal space, his height dwarfin

respect from me?

hing but try to be a

ing into my face. "Nobody wants

ck to put some s

there and there's nothing you're

nt to replace

ked, frustrated. "I am only trying to f

you," he said w

? I treat you the way I treat other s

sk me," he said, covering up the little distance I managed to cre

asked, captivate

his voice a low rasp. "A club

fr