Page 16 of That Pretty Pucking Mouth

Professor Jennings nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer, but my relief is short-lived. His gaze lingers on me a moment longer, and I can sense that he’s still probing, trying to figure out what’s really going on beneath my facade. “Interesting perspective, Rhea. It’s vital to consider how individuals behave differently in group settings,” he responds, shifting his attention back to the whiteboard.

I blow out a breath and settle in my seat, but as he continues his lecture, I can’t help but feel the weight of his scrutiny. I can’t keep acting like this.

I’ve got to get it together.

The panic swirls inside me, threatening to spill over but I force myself to swallow it down and focus on the words coming out of Professor Jennings’ mouth, trying to anchor myself to the present.

Cassidy shifts beside me again and I see a note by my elbow. Discreetly I open it and read the hastily scribbled words.

Are you sure you’re okay?

I glance at her, a lump inflating in my throat. She met my gaze, and although I can’t see her eyes behind the solid black lens of her sunglasses, I know that they were filled with concern.

I don’t want to lie to her. But I can’t drag her into this. I nod and force a small smile.

Her gaze stays on me for a minute before turning back to the Professor. I feel her hand on mine, giving a short reassuring squeeze. The warmth of her hand on mine sends a wave of comfort through me, momentarily easing the tightness in my chest.

I squeeze back, grateful for her support. When I see the subtle tension in her shoulders ease, do I turn back to the lecture.

I focus on the lecture, trying to absorb the words spilling from Professor Jennings’ lips, but my mind keeps drifting. My brain won’t stop replaying the night in my head.

I take a deep breath, willing myself to push those thoughts away, at least for the next hour. I can’t let Cassidy see how shaken I truly am. She has her own battles to fight, and I refuse to add to her worries. Instead, I lean forward slightly, pretending to take notes, while I craft a plan in the back of my mind—one that will help me uncover the masked man’s identity and reclaim my normal life.

The class ends and I grab my things, moving quickly as if the faster I can get out of here, the faster I can shake the dread hanging over me. I can feel Cassidy’s eyes on me as I stuff mybooks into my tote bag, but I avoid her gaze. My mind buzzing, racing with half formed ideas and the sinking realization that I have no idea where to start. I zip the bag and sling it over my shoulder, the plan still blurry but persistent. I just need to get away, get some space to think.

Cassidy shifts beside me. “You sure you’re okay?” she asks quietly, concern lacing her voice.

I manage a nod, another lie. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just need some air.”

I move towards the door, but Professor Jennings’ voice stops me. He stands at the podium, shrugging on his jacket, his gaze cutting through the room.

“Rhea,” he calls out, his voice calm and even. “A moment, please.”

My heart skips a beat, and for a second, I freeze. Why does he want to talk to me? Do I look suspicious?

I swallow hard, forcing a calm expression as I turn back. Cassidy watches me, eyebrows raised, but I give her a small wave and gesture for her to go ahead.

“I’ll meet you outside,” I mutter, trying to keep my voice light. She glances between me and the professor before nodding and walking out.

As the door swings shut behind her, I take a deep breath and step closer to the podium, anxiety twisting in my gut.

I walk up to Professor Jennings as he descends the podium, slinging his bag over his shoulder. I try to keep my nerves in check as I stop in front of him and watch him adjust his glasses, looking at me with an expression that’s hard to read.

“Rhea, you seemed…distracted today,” he says, his voice calm and probing. “Is everything alright?”

I force a smile, my mind racing. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply quickly. “Just you know, late night studying. I didn’t get much sleep.”

“Studying?” He nods slowly. “Last time I checked, studying doesn’t involve alcohol.”

My stomach drops. My heart races as I replay his words in my head. How could he possibly know?

The shock must have plain on my face because he chuckles. “I can practically smell the alcohol on your friend Cassidy from here.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, forcing a relieved smile. My pulse slows just a bit, but the tension in my shoulders doesn’t fully ease. “Yeah, she went a little hard last night,” I say, trying to keep my voice light.

“Seems like she’s not the only one who went hard.” He gives a short, knowing smile. “Party last night?”

My heart skips a beat at his words. I try to keep my face neutral, but the knot in my stomach tightens. I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. I can’t answer. I refuse to confirm that I was there.

---