Page 99 of Lovely Wicked Things

A sly smile twists her sultry mouth. “I know.”

While students filter past in a rush to escape the grounds, I wait patiently, more patiently than I’ve ever waited for anything in my miserable, selfish existence, until she mercifully returns.

My advance is intercepted by the man who shares similar features as her. I extend my hand. “Professor Kallum Locke,” I say in introduction. “I head up the occult sciences department.”

“Oh, of course.” He accepts the handshake. “Dean Masters sings your praises every year we visit. Darrin St. James. This is my wife Silvia, and my daughter Halen.”

I nod to the woman. “Lovely to meet you.” Then I give my undivided attention to Halen, echoing her name like a song. “Like the band Van Halen?” I arch an eyebrow, purposely popping the dimple in my cheek.

She’s affected, inhaling a fortifying breath before she nods. “Like the band,” she confirms, and fucking hell, I’m tempted to steal her away just so I can keep her sweet voice all to myself. “It’s this whole romantic meet-cute between my parents.”

Darrin chuckles. “We met at a concert,” he supplies. “Silvia was wearing this white dress, standing out like an angel and immediately ruining me for anyone else.” He gives his wife an affectionate glance. “We were both in attendance here for three years before that night. I guess the fates finally pushed us together.”

While he’s telling their story, my focus is on Halen, the way she beams at these two people with pride and love. It’s such a foreign experience for me, I’m entranced.

“It’s our anniversary,” Silvia says in follow up. “We return to the university every year just to reminisce. But honestly, we really should be getting back, sweetheart.”

“Please, let me show you around the new wing first,” I offer. “College traffic is terrible right now. Too many reckless drivers on the roads. Trust me.”

This seems to sway them, and Silvia nods in agreement.

And I am an utter gentlemen as I give the St. James’s a tour. Even as we gravitate toward the other side of campus and I’m scheming how to keep little Halen longer. Forever.

I’ve concluded her ring is an engagement ring. I don’t have to know this man to know he’s not good enough for her. Hell, I’m not good enough—but I will damn sure try to be what she needs.

“You haven’t mentioned what you do yet,” I say to her.

“I’m a crime-scene analyst,” she says. “I investigate violent crime scenes to build profiles on offenders.”

I hike an eyebrow as I try to envision this beautiful sprite of a woman amid all that chaos and darkness. “That’s fascinating, and dark.”

A curious crease forms between her brows. “Um, yes. Some people find it scary.” She twists her ring.

“Some people can’t understand the draw to chase the darker side.” And if I have to, I will become that darkness she chases.

She swallows, her slender throat working. “I’m sure you’re tired of hearing this, but your eyes are distracting.”

A smile ghosts my lips. My clever sprite is changing the topic. “Should I take that as a compliment?”

She peeks up at me as we continue to walk. “I have no doubt that you will despite my intent.”

I wet my lips, tasting her on the air. “Oh no, intent is everything.”

The evening has deepened to shades of navy and space, cloaking us in the dark to instill a sense of seclusion. The grounds are still as I slow my pace, forcing us to fall a distance behind her parents.

“Thank you for doing this for them,” Halen says, drawing her arms around her waist.

“Sure,” I say, slowing my steps further, “but just to be clear, I did this for me, simply in the hopes to get you alone.”

She laughs. “You have no shame.”

“None.” I send her a sly smile, invoking another shiver. “You’re trembling.”

“I’m not used to the weather.”

“Here.” I remove my suit blazer and drape it over her shoulders before we wander toward the parking lot.

She hugs the jacket tighter around her, and seeing her in my clothes wreaks havoc on my mental state. I know the jacket will carry her delectable scent, and I’m tortured in preparation for tomorrow’s lectures.

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