Page 4 of Plaything

After my quick five-minute cry, I wiped my tears away. Get it together, Odette.

I chewed on my lip, noticing how everything around me suddenly turned to trees and fog. I wished my father would have given me more information. This clearly wasn’t a dorm or apartment building.

My eyes widened when a huge mansion came into view. It was at the end of a long gravel driveway with trees on each side. The mansion was dated but Victorian and lovely in its own way. I didn’t know a place like this existed around here.

This couldn’t be it.

Exiting my car, I slowly walked up to the front door. I was cautious as I gently knocked.

A few seconds passed before the massive door was opened with a creak.

My whole body froze, and my face went cherry red at the familiar face of Professor Wyatt Wright. I’d taken one of his literature classes last semester. His hair was sand blonde and slightly chaotic. He had kind eyes, green and welcoming. All the other times I’d seen him, he was dressed in a suit. Now, he was in gray sweatpants and a black shirt.

“Yes?” He questioned after a few seconds of me not saying anything.

I slowly leaned back, looking at the rusted numbers on the side of the house. The address was correct, but there was no way this was where I was supposed to live. Obviously, it was his house, and it was completely illegal for a student to live with a teacher working at their place of education.

Looking back up at him, embarrassment and nerves filled me. “I-I’m sorry, I have the wrong address,” I quickly apologized. I turned to go back to my car, feeling his eyes on me.

“Wait,” he called after me in a confident voice.

I stopped and turned to him, wrapping my arm around my stomach again. Oh God, I was in so much trouble. Why would my father think this was remotely appropriate? What card could he have possibly played to make a board member approve this? Charles would never knowingly send me to live with a man. That was improper.

Professor Wright watched me with calculating eyes. “What’s your name?” He asked.

“Odette Whitlock.”

A realization flashed across his face as he pulled out his phone, reading something on it. He took a breath, glancing at me before reading off his phone. “Good evening. Due to unforeseen circumstances, male honors student O. Whitlock will reside at the manor until spring graduation. These terms are final. If you have any questions, please reach out to board member Viola Kennedy,” he finished.

At a loss for words, I could only blush. I couldn’t possibly stay here. It was entirely inappropriate for a student to live with her professor. There was no way my dad knew the board chose this; he’d never allow it. They must have panicked and stuck me here when he called the board. Why else would the email specifically state that I was a male. It was to protect themselves.

I nervously hugged my stomach tighter. “I’m so sorry for interrupting your evening,” I apologized while shuffling backward to my car.

Wyatt looked deep in thought as he looked down at me. “Do you have anywhere else to stay?” He asked gently.

I stopped moving and averted my eyes to the side of the manor as I thought about his question. I couldn’t stay in the dorms. If I wanted any freedom after I graduated, I couldn’t use my father’s money to afford an apartment. A hotel would be temporary, and if I stayed in one long term, I’d have to end up using my father’s money anyway.

That wasn’t anyone’s problem but mine. I refuse to be a burden to a college professor. I nodded. “I’ll find—”

Opening the door wider, he stepped aside. “Odette, why don’t you come inside? We can discuss this while you’re not shivering from the cold,” he invited.

Trying to calm my nerves, I tried to breathe normally. Being out of the cold was tempting. In any other circumstance, I would. But I didn’t want to get in trouble. I didn’t wish Professor Wright to get in trouble, either.

Noticing my hesitation, he gave me a small smile. “Are you going to make me ask again?” He cocked an eyebrow.

The tone of his voice sent shivers down my spine. I gently shook my head, taking steps towards him. “Thank you,” I said quietly as I passed him.

The manor was massive inside, with high ceilings, round archways, and gorgeous woodwork trimming. It was also slightly warmer than outside but still cold.

A voice caught my attention, and my gaze fell on Professor Niko Moreno as he descended the stairs. “Have you seen this email? Some student will be staying with us? When did we sign up to be babysitters...” his voice faded as he looked up from his phone. His eyes widened as he stared at me.

I was sure I wore the same confused expression as him. Two professors? I was going to be expelled, and they could get fired.

Wyatt gently touched my elbow, gesturing for me to follow him as he walked.

My feet moved on their own, my mind feeling panicked and frozen. This was too much for one single day. Niko wasn’t far behind us as we walked.

Standing next to them, I noticed how tall they were. I’d only ever seen them teaching in front of a large class. They towered over me, which was impressive because I was just under six feet.

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