Page 37 of Savage Surrender

“I’m not mad…”

“You did tell me not to waste your time and disrespect the class rules and expectations,” she teased mildly.

“I did. But every student is allotted two missed days before their grade is affected.”But you don’t care about your grade, do you?

“What are you doing here, then?” I asked.

“I just wanted to come somewhere… safe.”

Alarms sounded in my mind. I was instantly on edge with her comment. I hated that she would ever feel in danger, and as soon as I acknowledged that, I wanted to groan.

She’s supposed to be a target. The enemy.

“And being around all these old books makes me feel safe.” She wrapped her arms around herself in a hug as she looked around at the rows and stacks of books surrounding us. Before she could elaborate, she continued walking further down the aisle, and beholden to needing and wanting her company, I followed behind.

“Thank you, by the way, for helping me out with those guys at that party.”

I hadn’t been counting on a heartfelt thanks, days later.

“They were just joking around.”

I frowned at her. “Don’t lie,” I warned. “They were trying to kidnap you. Capture you.”

She looked to the side, not commenting.

“Did youwantthem to capture you?”Was it supposed to be some kind of ploy that I’d interrupted?I felt like I was in the dark with what Igor had planned.

“No,” she mumbled, furrowing her brow at me, as if I were an idiot to guess that. “Besides, what would it matter whatIwant?”

I smirked. She was a Mafia princess. She had to want for nothing.

“Tell me.”

She stopped, facing me fully. “What?”

“Tell me what you want.” I waited, calm and patient even though my blood boiled at hearing her fantasies or wishes.

Trapped under her stare, I felt like I was the luckiest man alive. To be the object of her attention. To see her blue eyes glittering with mischief.

Without losing eye contact with me, she smiled slightly, backing up a step. Then two. I advanced after her, curious whether she was literally trying to play a game of catch. The thought of her enjoying the thrill of a chase made me start to get hard.

“I want…” She swept the tip of her tongue along her lower lip. I couldn’t get enough of this daring side of her.

I uncuffed my sleeves and rolled them up slowly, forcing myself to be patient before she’d tell me.

“I wish you’d kiss me again.”

Fuck yes.I nodded, letting her see how much I desired her as I kept walking after her. She led us further into the maze of bookcases, securing our privacy from the center part of the library space.

“That you’d pick up right where you left off in your office,” she added, her voice soft and quiet, as though she couldn’t believe she was speaking her mind.

“That’s what I want.”

I tilted my head, prolonging this wait and letting the tension and suspense build between us. Because the moment I had her in my arms, I would be doing my best not to rush.

“I should punish you for such naughty thoughts about me, sweetheart. Lusting after your professor?” I shook my head slowly, taunting her.

She drew in a quick breath as her eyes darkened. Under the shadows this far into the library, she looked more exotic, more like an untouchable dream.

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