Page 16 of Ruined Wolfsbane

Knocking on the open door, I step inside his office.

Malachi Grimm is no less stunning than he was yesterday. He’s wearing a black button-down today. It’s rolled up to his elbows, showing off his muscled forearms. I’m surprised to see winding black tattoos on one of his arms. Unlike yesterday, he has a day’s worth of stubble. It sharpens his jawline and makes him look more dangerous.

Glancing up, Malachi does a double take when he sees me in the doorway. “Briar? I thought our meeting wasn’t until noon.” He stands up as he finishes talking and crosses to where I’m standing just in front of the door.

“It’s not. I was just wondering if you had time to do it early. I’m… not feeling the best.” I can’t exactly tell him I’m nursing a concussion courtesy of my stepfather. No one can know what Patrick does. He’ll hurt Ava if anyone finds out what’s happening. I’ve kept this secret for seven years. I can damn well keep it hidden for another four.

“I’m sorry, I can’t. I have a 9:40 class I have to teach before. What’s wrong?” His voice softens with concern as he looks me over.

“Nothing really. I’m fine. Sorry for bothering you.” I turn to leave when Malachi steps in my way, blocking the exit. I crane my neck to look up at him. My breath stalls in my chest as I see the barely leashed anger burning in his sapphire eyes.

“I told you yesterday, Briar, don’t lie to me. I have half a mind to show you the consequences of lying, but you look dead on your feet. Just tell me what’s wrong.” His soft voice is at odds with his harsh words.

I’m sure I’d chafe at him telling me what to do if I weren’t spending all my energy trying not to pass out. I don’t have the will to fight with him. “I just have a bad headache.”

“Why don’t you lie down on the couch while I’m in class? If you still have a headache when I get back, we can reschedule our meeting.”

He doesn’t wait for my response before placing his hand on my shoulder and steering me toward his couch. When I reach it, he gently pushes on my shoulder to make me sit down. Leaving me for a moment, he returns with a pillow and colorful patchwork blanket. He places the pillow on one end of the couch and drapes the quilt over the back. “Lie down.”

My lips quirk briefly at his bossiness. Too tired to fight, I lie down on my side. The sofa is surprisingly soft and comfortable.

As soon as I’m settled, Malachi drapes the blanket over me. The blue and green quilt smells like him. It’s weirdly comforting.

After covering me up, he draws heavy blue velvet drapes over the three windows. When he turns off the lamp at his desk, the room plunges into darkness. I let out a small groan of relief at how much the dark helps my head. His quiet chuckle lets me know he heard me.

“I have to head to class. If you need to go home before I get back, leave a note to let me know, okay?”

I dip my chin in answer before remembering he can’t see me in the near total dark. “Okay,” I croak out. My voice reverberates painfully in my skull, making me regret saying anything.

He quietly closes the door as he leaves.

I doubt I’ll be able to get any sleep. I have enough trouble sleeping in my own space, let alone an unfamiliar place. I’ll just rest my eyes for a second.

I startle when a hand softly brushes my face. I flinch away from the sudden touch. My momentum sends me rolling off the edge of the couch, and I land on my hands and knees with a thud.

Blinking open my tired eyes, I take in the navy and cream Persian rug. I then notice black dress shoes and charcoal suit pants. As I drag my gaze upward, I land on Malachi Grimm’s groin. He’s crouched down, putting me eye level with his black leather belt.

It takes me a moment to realize I’m staring at my professor’s dick. An impressive one, if the bulge in his pants is anything to go by. My cheeks flame as I continue to stare at his crotch. I’m too frozen in embarrassment to move.

Jesus fucking Christ.

Does this type of shit happen to anyone else?

Do other people accidentally get trapped in a staring contest with their professor’s dick?

Malachi Grimm clears his throat, breaking my trance. I snap my gaze up to his. By the smug smirk he’s wearing, he noticed me staring at his bulge. I’m just going to throw my whole self in the garbage now. At least there I can’t do anything embarrassing.

“How are you feeling?” His question breaks me from my internal pity party.

Taking stock of myself, I’m surprised that I’m feeling a lot better. I only have a mild headache, and my nausea is completely gone. I must have done more than rest my eyes if I’m feeling this much better. “I’m actually feeling a lot better. Is it already noon?”

“It’s one in the afternoon.”

“What?” I squeak.

“When I came back after class, you were sound asleep. You clearly needed the rest, so I let you sleep an extra hour. You need help up?”

Oh, that’s right. I’m still on all fours with my head level with his dick.

---