Page 9 of Teaching Ms. Tingle

“What happens on those nights, Kane?”

“Ms. Tingle that should be obvious.Youwill be a good girl forme.”

Chapter Five

Kinsley

Is a midlife crisis at thirty a thing?

Because it feels as if I am in the midst of one. Just a week ago I was looking forward to the fall semester. Writing my plans, creating my class syllabus. I was excited to get another year of teaching under my belt. Excited to get to live the dream I wanted for so long.

Now I feel as if that dream, as if a life I was building brick by brick has fallen apart. Not only has it all began to crumble, it is my hands, my selfish, reckless student-kissing hands tearing it down. I kissed a student! No, no, I just about made out with a student. One I am supposed to tutor, to guide, to set an example for.

What’s worse—I think I am going to do it again.

“Ms. Tingle that should be obvious.Youwill be a good girl forme.”

Recalling his words from the other night, a shudder vibrates me to my bones. He called me agood girlwhen I obeyed his command to call him by his name. Those two words from Kane unlocked pandora’s box. Now I crave his praise, Iwantto follow his commands.

“Kinsley,” his voice startles me from my thoughts.

Towering over me, his light eyes skim over me in a way that feels invasive. As if it takes just one look for him to know what I am thinking. All the filthy things I imagine him doing to me. Me doing for him. His sinful grin makes me think he knows all of it.

“On time, Ms. Tingle? Pretty sure I was warned you would be late more than you would be on time. Eager to see me, kitten?”

Flushing, I bow my head as he rounds the same table we sat at for our first session. A disaster I am still recovering from. Taking his seat, he pulls the hat off his head, letting his hair fall loose. Ignoring how I want to run my fingers through it, I straighten my spine.

No, no more filthy thoughts or daring touches.

“We should talk, Mr. Hilton,” I begin quietly, hands tangled together on the table in front of me.

“Now, now,” his voice is low, rough, his eyes flashing. “We discussed this, kitten. What do you call me?”

Sitting up straighter, I narrow a pointed look at him. He cannot keep talking to me this way. Making me feel this way. Expecting nights beyond our tutoring sessions. Truth be told I should not even be here now.

“Stop it. I am yourprofessor. Do not talk to me that way. Or touch me,” I hiss, pulling my hands back when his reach across the table. “What happened before…it was wildly inappropriate. If someone ever found out, it could cost us…” I trail off as he pins me with his dark gaze.

“No one needs to find out. Nothing we did, nothing we’regoingto do,” he corrects himself with a crooked grin. “Is wrong. I waited months to get close to you, Kinsley. Months to touch you,” his voice drops as he reaches out to touch my face gently. “It almost drove me mad. Now that I know you feel this too, don’t think for one second it’s going to stop.”

“What do you mean you waited months? We never even spoke before the first time you came to my office.”

“I was not afraid of English, kitten,” his voice is so soft as his vulnerability is clear in his eyes. “I was afraid ofyou. Kinsley…I wanted you long before you became my tutor.”

Sitting there stunned I cannot speak. What do you say to that? How do I tell the hottest guy on campus—who I have also wanted long before I became his tutor—that what we want does not matter? Nothing can happen between us. It would be wrong for me to let this continue.

“We can’t, Kane. It is wrong.”

“Kinsley, there is nothing wrong with what we feel. With what we want. We both know I am the predator here, don’t we kitten?”

His voice is sweet sex, his hand sliding to the back of my head, his fingers fisting my hair. He tugs roughly, pulling a sharp cry from me. I nod just once. Yes, if anyone has prey in their sights, it is Kane.

“Y-yes, Kane.”

“Yes,” he hums, licking his lips as his eyes drop to my mouth. His eyes come back, simmering with dark heat. “Come here. If I am going to study, I need you closer. I will be a good boy for you, kitten, I promise.”

Shaking my head, I take a calming breath. I am not going to move. If I get too close to him, I will lose my senses. Being this close is doing damage enough. His fingers tighten in my hair, his body bending over the table. Before he speaks, I know whatever he says, I am going to obey.

“Come. Here. Kitten. Last time I wanted to spread you out on this fucking table. If you don’t sit with me, I might forget why we’re here.”

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