Page 11 of Stalk Me

I shrug, keeping my face carefully blank. “The play’s a tragedy, not a fairy tale. Nobody gets a happy ending.”

“I suppose there’s truth to that.” Professor Bennett nods, frowning. “But wouldn’t you say Lady Macbeth loses herself along the way, sacrificing her integrity for power? And is Macbeth’s eventual remorse enough to redeem him?”

A few rows ahead, Belle turns to whisper something to her friend Jessica, both of them giggling behind their hands. The sound grates against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. I’ve spent the day pretending their childish attempts at humiliation don’t affect me, but my patience is wearing thin. There’s only so long you can poke a shark before it bites back.

I open my mouth to reply, but before I can speak, Erik cuts in again, his voice calm and even.

“I wouldn’t give either of them absolution so easily,” he says, his tone casual but his gaze focused on mine. “They’re both ruled by fear. I guess there’s a lesson there. Sometimes, monsters are better left hungry. Or maybe, sometimes, the villain gets exactly what they deserve.”

I study him from the corner of my eye, trying to decode the challenge in his tone. Unlike the others, he hadn’t reacted to Belle’s video with either disgust or amusement. If anything, he seemed angry on my behalf. It’s… unsettling. I’m not used to people defending me without wanting something in return.

“And what do you think I deserve?” I whisper back, letting a hint of seduction creep into my voice. It’s a reflex at this point—use their attraction before they can use my vulnerability.

Something like frustration flashes across his handsome features before he schools his expression into an infuriatingly playful smile. “Right now? A headache.” He leans forward, that intense stare fixed firmly on me. “I think you’re asking the wrong question. The real question is: What do you want?”

The words hit too close to home. What do I want? To be free of my parents’ control. To know Alex is safe. To stop feeling like I’m drowning every time I let myself remember his touch. But those are dangerous thoughts, wishes I can’t afford to voice. That path leads only to a cliff with jagged rocks below.

Instead, I turn back to my book, tracing the familiar words with one finger. “What I want doesn’t matter. We all have our roles to play.”

“Maybe,” Erik concedes. “But who says you have to play the role chosen for you?”

That’s where he’s wrong. We don’t have choices here. Who would dare go against the expectations of their parents and their employers, when even simple whispers in the wrong direction can cost someone everything? As much as I hate to admit it, this place is part jail, part sanctuary. Sharks will always need a safe environment to weather out the tempests.

Before I can respond, Belle’s voice cuts through the classroom. “Professor Bennett? I think Luna might have some unique insights about manipulation and moral corruption. She seems to have plenty of… hands-on experience.” Her tone is dripping with mockery, and the class erupts in stifled laughter. I can feel their eyes on me, waiting for me to crumble. But I won’t give them the satisfaction.

Whispers break out like wildfire through the rest of the class. Professor Bennett purses her lips. The humiliation of this morning resurfaces, hot and embarrassing, I refuse to feel ashamed, though. My sexuality is no one’s business.

Before the professor can intervene, I’m already on my feet. The chair scrapes against the floor with a harsh screech as I gather my books. I can feel their judgmental gazes. I can feel the disdain seeping into every nook of the classroom, as palpable as the prying eyes of my so-called peers.

“You know what, Belle? You’re right.” My voice carries clearly across the sudden silence. “I do have experience. Which means I know exactly how this story ends. Keep pushing, and you’ll find out just how dark things can get.”

Her eyes widen, then narrow. It’s amazing to see the wheels turn in her head, watching the confusion pass through her, waiting to see what she’ll do. Any moment now, I’m expecting her to challenge me. Maybe yell, hit me, or even embarrass me on social media with more false facts about me, which is nothing but drama for drama’s sake.

“Every beauty has its beast. Unfortunately, I’m yours, and I’m coming for you with all my untamed power,” I say, then stalk toward the door, but pause long enough to meet her wide eyes again. “Lady Macbeth was an amateur compared to me.”

I can see her calculating the next move. Whether she’s weighing my words or fearing my retaliation, I’m not sure. I’ve made a move, and I’ll make another one. There’s no way I’ll let her dominate me in any way.

Professor Bennett purses her lips, her gaze flickering between Belle and me. For a moment, I think I see a flicker of sympathy in her eyes, but it’s gone as quickly as it appeared. She’s also a pawn in this system, bound by the same rules that govern us all. Still, her next words are sharp, a reminder that she holds the power here. “Miss Queen, we don’t condone disruptions of this sort. Return to your place. Now.”

I smirk. “Or what?” I step closer, closing the distance between us. “What. Will. You. Do?” Her jaw tightens, and I can see the conflict in her eyes—part frustration, part resignation. She knows she can’t afford to show weakness, not in front of the class.

Professor Bennet narrows her eyes; a corner of her mouth twitches. She lowers her voice so only I can hear. “Maybe another message from your parents is in order.”

Bitch. A shot straight to my gut, and we’ve not even known each other for a day. I force a smile, my teeth grinding together. Blood freezes in my veins as a chill runs down my spine.

“Return to your seat,” she repeats, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Now.”

Glaring daggers at her, I oblige and return back to my chair. I meet Erik’s gray gaze. He offers a wicked smile.

“Just a heads-up—don’t push the staff too far,” Erik whispers. “They’re ruthless when crossed, and they have plenty of experience dealing with spoiled brats and privileged assholes.”

“I can handle myself,” I grit out, facing forward. Still, I’m unnerved by his warning. Shark Bay University is a world of its own, and I know that for most, threats work differently here. Fucking Belle.

Biting my lip, I try not to let my worry show, but Belle must sense it because when class is over, her satisfied laughter fills the air as she flounces out the door, her friends trailing behind. For a moment, I feel the weight of it all pressing down on me. I want to scream, to tear down the walls of this suffocating world and breathe freely for once. But I can’t. Not yet, not ever. I have to be stronger than this. I have to be stronger than her.

Erik catches my eye and tilts his head toward the door, a subtle invitation, but I shake my head, not wanting to give Belle the satisfaction of seeing us together. Still, I can’t help but wonder what his game is. Why is he so interested in me? Is it just curiosity, or does he see me as a potential ally—or a threat? His gray eyes hold secrets I can’t quite decipher, and it’s both infuriating and intriguing.

Showing no hint of concern, I follow after Belle, keeping a semblance of distance. I watch as she smiles when Nicolas comes from around the corner. She lights up when he bends his neck to kiss her. I suppress the urge to vomit when their mouths lock or when he drags his lips down her skin, stopping at the sweet spot at her collarbone.

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