Page 27 of My Forbidden Professor

I settle for the truth. It’s not like I don’t want to tell him. I ache to say everything but that will tarnish what we have. I want some part of my life that Daniel can’t tarnish. “I’ll tell you everything, when the time is right. I promise. It’s just that…I can’t. Not yet.”

The breath eases from his lungs and his lips flatten into a straight line. “That ‘time’ will come. I can’t stand the thought he’s here and making you uncomfortable. Whatever the reason, it’s never right to make you do something you don’t want to do.”

I frown, feeling equal parts good because Jacob cares, and bad because the situation with Daniel has no good ending. “I’m a big girl, Professor. I can make my own decisions and look after myself quite well, thank you very much.”

His thumb swirls on my skin, leaving a tingly path and his eyes darken. “I’ll call extra time for the class to do their assignments instead of holding a lecture on Monday. We’ll go away for four days. Three isn’t enough. I want you all to myself as long as I can have you.”

I slide my thigh over his and straddle his lap. His erection pulses between us. I glide my damp cleft around him. Days away with him sounds glorious. I can pretend the world doesn’t exist except for the two of us. “If you want me for four days, then you’ll have me for four days.”

He bands his arms around me and kisses me. “Let’s start with this morning. Stay with me here. Now. I’ll sneak out of the window when I’ve finished with you.”

I chuckle, swiping my tongue along his bottom lip. “I should be the one to do that. It’s not like I should be in the hallway outside your apartment.”

“Then we’ll just to wait until dark before you leave. I can have you the whole day.”

I want to stay here.

I want the world to fall away and be cocooned with him forever.

“What about your classes, Professor?”

“I could send out a pre-prepared lecture online.”

I hum my approval with that idea, pressing my breasts against his chest. His tongue plunges into my mouth and he rocks his hips against mine. A drop of pre-cum leaks from the tip of his hard cock, adding to the slick mess between us. Just him and me. Bliss. I throb with need, looking forward to the day ahead.

His cell pings with a distinctive programmed sound. He goes from pliant to stiff in an instant. He draws back with a sharp inhale and reaches for his cell.

I slowly sit back, watching him angle the cell and stab the screen. His brow draws tight, his lips thin and when he looks at me I know our day of lovemaking has just gone up in flames.

“You have to go, don’t you?” I say.

He sets the cell on his bedside table and I see Dean Marcus Sotheby’s name with a message in capitals beneath. It doesn’t look pleasant but the screen goes dark before I can read what it is. He brushes the strand of hair that’s fallen over my face behind my ear and cups my nape. “You’re so beautiful. Don’t hide who you are. Not for anyone.”

Something in his gaze makes my stomach roll and, in that moment, I’m certain I’m not the only one keeping secrets.

Chapter Twelve

Jacob

My morning—in fact, my whole day—is smashed to pieces. The idea of keeping Steph naked and sated in my bed was tempting beyond belief but Marcus has summoned me to his office, taking away any choice I have. I can’t make him wait no matter how much I want to tell him to go fuck himself.

My stomach sinks because I know why he wants to see me and I wish for the millionth time I wish I had more evidence—stronger evidence—against him. But I’m trapped until I do. There’s no way he’s going to resign from his position, or allow himself to be made redundant. I’ll be a professor here until I retire. Maybe even until I die.

I haul my sorry ass from the warmth of my bed and the woman who is pure captivation and dangerous desire. She brushes the long strands of her shining hair off her face and pushes away from where I lay. I pass her clothing across while I still have the strength.

I can’t make Marcus wait. It would only make him wonder why, and there’s no way I will jeopardize Steph because of that snake.

She huffs, but quickly dresses. I hear movement outside my window as someone jogs past. I’m usually out there myself. Awake and alone treading the same paths for an hour or two of mind-numbing intensity. Jogging was the only freedom I had when there was nothing more to look forward to in my mornings.

Unlike this morning, when I have every reason to stay in bed.

I give Steph my black hoodie. “I wish I didn’t have to go.”

I wish she didn’t have to go.

I turn when she frowns and I hope she can’t see straight through me. She’s smart enough to join all of the dots. I crack the door open and glimpse the empty corridor outside. Usually, Trevor Hardcourt is out early. The guy’s middle-aged, but like me, he has nothing to keep him in bed. A failed marriage and a paycheck he needs to provide for kids he doesn’t see are enough to stop him from sleeping. We usually pass each other around the circuit not long after the sun rises.

Sad bastards, both of us.

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