Page 20 of Crown of Thorns
The entire place has been refurbished. The ugly, brown bookcase has been replaced by cream-coloured vintage furniture that houses the books I took from the library. Or are they?
Narrowing my gaze, I grab one of the large books about the galaxy from the shelf, and it looks to be a special edition hardback. Not the same version I borrowed from the library. It looks like a copy I would love to own.
My eyes skid over my desk. That damn phone is back. A text is waiting for me. It’s an image of Louis’s hand, black ink swirling together with his veins and long fingers. He’s got beautiful hands. They’re holding a book in his lap. I don’t miss the outline of his cock. Mine twitches in reply, the reaction so primal, so instant, he’s got me furious immediately.
Little Devil: Good morning, Professor. Already studying hard
“Leave me alone!” I throw the phone on the floor. “You…you, asshole!” My hands are shaking, chest heaving from my ragged breaths. I feel a panic attack coming and slide down in my chair, confused and angry. Cupping my face, I take in short, shallow breaths that rumble through my chest.
I don’t know how he did it, but Louis managed to slither his way into my office and refurbish everything. He bought me all these books.
No one’s ever bought me anything.
I stare back at the bookcase. There are many of them, and they are all beautiful. It’s like…it’s like he took the actual time to pick and select them for me.Why?There’s a cactus on the windowsill that sticks its proverbial tongue out at me. I stare outside the window, half expecting Louis to grin right back at me. Soon though. He’s in my first class. The phone dings with a message.
Little Devil: You like it?
You like it.
I think about his choice of words. Almost as if it’s more important to him what I think of his actions. Not what I think of him as a person. It’s like he truly searches for my approval, which is ridiculous, because he never asked for it before he decided to take over my life.
I throw the phone away, call the janitor and request a new lock on my door, and get ready for today’s class. And all the while I’m thinking of how I can stop this craze. If I don’t, Louis will be able to use everything against me.
He will want more and more, higher grades, or approval of absence, or whatever else. Both will ruin my career. If he thinks that he can push me out of balance, he’s wrong. I’ve got extensive experience teaching at a shit university in Paris, I can deal with bullies.
A plan, that’s what I need. Something that will stop Louis from using my mistake against me. I can’t risk my career, can’t risk being back on the streets.
I glare outside the windows at the forest, absentmindedly slapping against the punching bag to feel its resistance.
Who says I can’t use thisunfortunateevent against him as well? Does his father know that his son is into men? Jean-Luc seems like a decent man, but if he’s anything like my father was…
Bile rises in my throat. Just thinking it makes me sick. I know what it feels like to be cast out for who you are. To be made a pariah in your own home. I can’t do that to someone else—won’t—even if he’s trying to destroy me. That kind of cruelty made me. I won’t become it.
I head over to the canteen and order my usual flat white and a croissant, then make my way to class. For once, everyone’s already ready to begin.
“Good morning, everyone.” I hand out packets for the next module. “We’ll work on this for the remainder of December, then execute a group assignment in January.” Over the next hour, I give them famous examples of breaking results in group behaviour.
“Louis—” I stop him when the bell rings. He turns my way, his clean-shaven face handsome and arrogant and damn irresistible. “Meet me in my office at four.”
He lifts a brow in surprise. “Is this still about that photo? I received your email. Or, did you want to discuss theotherthing?” A slow smile spreads across his face. He looks like a dog who’s been told he’s a good boy. Smug, spoiled, and ready to beg.
I clear my dry throat, then nod toward the door. “You may leave now. We’ll talk later.” My hands are fisted, my chest tight. I haven’t decided if that was a good move or whether I just dug my own grave. I don’t recall having made the decision with my brain at all.
When I get back to my office later in the afternoon, I barely have time to finish my work and throw in a few much-needed punches before there’s a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
In walks Louis, a piece of art straight out of a painting. His uniform sits like a glove around his strong limbs. No longer wearing the navy-blue blazer, the top buttons of his shirt are open, revealing smooth, tanned skin. His earthy scent takes over the air, and the room becomes too small when he gets comfortable in the leather chair. He looks at me with that haughty air, that sly curve on his lips a silent challenge. “You wanted me, Professor?”
I ignore the double meaning of his words. “I want this to stop, Louis.”
Louis raises a dark eyebrow and takes in my office. “You don’t like the new look? We can change things, you know.”
“Don’t play stupid.” I get out of my chair. “That’s not what this is about, and you know it.”
“Yeah? And what if I refuse?” he murmurs, dark eyes daring me. “What if I want more?”
“You have no option. None whatsoever.” The more I speak, the more I get riled up. This is war. My job is on the line. “I’ve been reasonable with you. I’ve been professional with you. But you keep on provoking me, keep on backing me into a corner. I’m not having it. Who do you think you are?”
