Page 69 of Bachelor

“About what?” She pulled her hand away.

“Just clearing up some rumors. We’re fine.”

“I hate that you have to lie.”

“I’m just protecting you, Whit. It’s fine. We’re fine.”

Tyler coughed, and Whitney and I stepped apart. Whitney walked over to Tyler and they continued walking to the library as a trio of students passed on the trail.

None of them even turned in our direction.

I clenched my hands into fists and relaxed them before turning and walking toward my house. I’d barely made it to the gate before another voice cut through the air and I cringed, my shoulders sliding inward.

“Did the Dean of your department come talk to you today?” Cassandra asked as she approached through the darkness.

I turned, my hand resting on the gate. “He did.”

“Oh, good. I was hoping he would, given how quickly it’s escalating.”

“What are you talking about?”

She came to stop a few feet from where I stood, her bright pink coat gleaming in the lights that lit up the bike trail behind her. She shrugged, twirling a lock of blonde hair around one of her gloved fingers. “Christian Brockford is causing a huge commotion. Apparently, he’s trying to get Whitney kicked out of her program. The dean of the Fine Arts department came to me today to ask about it. I told her I’d talk to Whitney, but her schedule is insane. Maybe you could talk to her instead since you see each other sooften.”

“She’s not part of my department any longer.”

“So?”

“What are you insinuating?”

“That there’s more to the story here, Rhys. I see the way you look at her. I see the way she looks at you, which is far more telling. The rumors are true, aren’t they?”

“Stay away from Whitney.”

“What?” She laughed, a shrill sound that betrayed her usual peppy demeanor. “I’m her advisor.”

“You’re spinning a tale to try to get what you want, and I am not interested, Cassandra.”

Her brows arched, nearly touching the white beanie covering the top of her head. “I have it on good authority that you and Whitney carried on an inappropriate relationship—”

“Whose authority?” I said, stepping toward her. “Christian’s authority?”

She paled. “He’s adamant—”

“Christian wants to back Whitney into a corner, and if you’re aiding him in this endeavor then you’re part of the problem. You’re a graduate level advisor. You should have nothing to do with Christian—”

“You’re a professor,” she coldly cut in. “You should have nothing to do with your students outside of class, yet you hang out with them like you’re one of them. We’re not like these students, Rhys. Despite how young we are, despite how much we like them and want to be included. Whitney is in a different social class. If you think her parents would ever allow her to stoop so low, you’re more delusional than I thought.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I do. Trust me.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “If you think your issues will be solved by Whitney graduating, you’re wrong. This is only the beginning.”

I was so angry I couldn’t see straight. Cassandra gave me a smug smile, her eyes lighting on mine, pleased with the reaction her words had on me.

“Quit now, before it gets worse, because it will.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“No,” she said sharply, tilting her chin up. “I’m trying to help you.”

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