Page 13 of Knotty Lessons

My cell phone beeps from my pocket as I stare at the full parking lot, spotting my Volvo where I left it. But I don’t see a figure inside.

Adrian: FYI Scarlett asked to be picked up from campus. I left your key fob in your tire well.

Me: I told her she could take my car.

Adrian: I was nearby when she asked if she could go to her old dorm. I’m swinging her by since she still hasn’t received the rest of her belongings. We’ll see you at dinner.

I stare at the text message, wondering if I might have freaked Scarlett out. No, she was probably just anxious and didn’t want to wait or leave me stranded.

“Professor Hart, are you okay? You look a bit lost.” Chaz stands by the rusted pickup with the two other betas that must’ve waited for him.

I shake my head and turn away. “Have a good day, Mr. Broderik. It’s best if you get to work now.”

I stride toward my Volvo and don’t look back.

All I want to do now is drive.

6

Leo

Daddy Issues

Therehasbeensomuch tension and anticipation in the manor that I feel as if one of us might explode at any second. Even though a couple of days have passed since Scarlett moved in, I still haven’t had my chance to get her alone...until today. I’ve never been so grateful to see my name written on the calendar in our formal study shared by the five of us. I always hated that thing, a reminder of my responsibilities, but Scarlett is far from that. I don’t feel as if she’s my responsibility. I feel as if she’s my treat and my day off from everything. I’ve always been pretty chill with my schedule as the Director of Athletics, and most of my classes don’t need an instructor present all the time. That’s what my teacher’s aide is for. The sports coaches don’t give a shit either, as long as they get the funding they want. Everything is self-run, and I basically just show up to unlock the gym and prepare for the testing every quarter.

It’s also nice that my first day with Scarlett falls on a Saturday, so nothing can interfere with us.

I swish mouthwash and spit in the sink, running my fingers through my long beard as I follow my grooming ritual. There is nothing more disgusting than an unkempt, ungroomed beard, and I’d never bestow that shit on the woman of my dreams. I’ve seen douches not bother to wash their beards in the locker room, and just no. Repulsive.

A soft tap sounds on the door, and I turn away from my bathroom mirror. “Come on in, Scarlett. It’s unlocked.”

Scarlett cracks the door open and peeks in, not being able to see me in my spot in the bathroom where I can watch her in the mirror. “Leo? I didn’t know if you wanted me to meet here or if you were picking me up from my room. You let me sleep in.”

“It’s Saturday. You can sleep for as long as you want. If you’re still tired, hop in my bed. My room is your room.” I hang my towel over my shower rod and stroll into my bedroom, spotting Scarlett standing just a few feet into my room.

If I could capture the look on her face forever, I would. Her beautiful gray eyes widen as she stares at me standing naked before her, my body still gleaming with the heat of shower steam.

She doesn’t cover her eyes or turn around, proving that she isn’t as shy as she acts around my pack mates. And maybe it’s because she’s comfortable. Or maybe she loves what she sees.

“Oh, you have a Jacob’s ladder.” Scarlett focuses on my semi, devouring the sight of me as if she plans to draw me later. Maybe she will.

I chuckle and run my fingers along the silver barbells. “I’m surprised you know what that is, my dirty girl.”

She ignores my quip and asks, “Did it hurt? I’ve never seen one in person.”

I step closer, puffing out my chest, loving that she is completely unfazed as she stares at me, admitting that she’s not naïve, nor is she embarrassed. “Fuck yeah, it did. But it’s cool as hell. Extra sensitive.”

“You have a lot of tattoos as well. I thought about getting one.” Scarlett stares at my cock, tilting her head back and forth, clenching her fingers at her sides as if she’s resisting reaching out her hand to stroke me.

I get a hard-on just thinking about it, the idea of her anywhere near me is exhilarating. “I’m not sure my pack mates would agree to allow someone else to touch your body or leave a mark on you even if it’s one of your choosing. But I might be able to wear them down.”

“You’d do that for me? I mean, it’s just a thought. I don’t know if I actually want one. I was thinking about doing something I design myself.” Scarlett grazes her fingers over my arm, sending my muscles rippling. Fuck, what I would give to feel her explore the rest of me.

It’s as if she wants to memorize my body, familiarizing herself with me.

I don’t stop her. I know I should, because if she continues, I might seduce her right here, right now.

“Maybe I could design something for you too. You have some space right here.” She presses her finger to my hard pec.

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