Page 61 of Prince of Hawthorne Prep

His voice drops, becoming so low that it scrapes something deep inside. Something I’m terrified to inspect more closely.

“Afraid of what might happen?” There’s a beat of silence as his eyes search mine, seeming to pick through my thoughts. “And that you’ll enjoy it?”

That’s a resounding affirmative to both questions.

But there’s no way I’ll admit that to him. Can you imagine what he would do with that kind of information?

I straighten my shoulders and lie through my teeth. “Of course not.”

“Then there’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”

I press my lips together, irritated that he’s caught me neatly in a trap. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.

His shoulders shake with silent mirth as if he can hear the thoughts running rampant through my head. As he continues up the staircase, I’m treated to the broad expanse of his back. His shoulders are the widest part of him before tapering to a narrow waist.

I jerk my gaze away before reluctantly following.

By the time I reach the second-floor landing, Austin has disappeared inside his room and the door has been left wide open. I draw in a deep breath before steadily releasing it into the atmosphere and propelling myself forward. Once outside his personal space, I pause. The woodsy scent of his cologne lingers in the air and assaults my senses. It’s so tempting to inhale a big breath. Instead, I carefully peek inside, only to find it empty. That’s when I hear the shower from the bathroom running.

My muscles loosen in relief.

Maybe he isn’t going to torment me like yesterday.

Since there aren’t any seating options, I drop the stack of books on the bed before gingerly settling next to them.

There’s no way I’ll bring it up to Austin, but I did a little research last night on dyslexia to see if there were any tips or tricks I could use to make working with him easier. I remember him admitting that Summer helped him a lot. It was so tempting to text her, but I didn’t think she’d answer. Or, if she did, it would be with a barrage of names and accusations.

His sister has always been kind to me, but after the fundraiser, she refuses to meet my gaze. Like everyone else, she believes I was Jasper’s willing accomplice.

Just as I grow restless, Austin saunters out of the bathroom. My gaze darts to him long enough to see that he’s naked. The cottony feeling returns to my mouth as I yank my attention away and force myself to stare at the landscape beyond the windowpane.

It doesn’t work.

“I see you watching me from the corner of your eye. It’s all right if you want to check me out. I don’t mind.”

He strolls close enough for me to feel the heat emanating from his body in suffocating waves. I release a shaky breath and attempt to ignore him. He’s like a child seeking out attention.

It doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative.

His voice drops, becoming low and husky. “Last chance to get your fill.”

The snap of material against firm flesh makes me jump. Muscles tightly strung, I glance just in time to see him pulling up his athletic shorts. My nerves settle now that he’s clothed.

Somewhat.

“Maybe you could put a T-shirt on?” I suggest.

“Nah.”

“How about being showered and changed by the time I get here tomorrow?”

“But then you wouldn’t get to see my cock, and I know how much you enjoy that.”

Heat rushes to my face until self-combustion feels imminent. He’s—unfortunately—not wrong. I find his body ridiculously fascinating.

Especially that part of him.

“I barely looked at you today,” I mumble.

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