Even though I wanted nothing more than to take her out, to sit and watch the stars with her, I knew it would be easier for my brother to do his thing, and if she chose him, then I’d be the better man and step aside. But I’m not because she does want me as much as I do her.
I convinced myself Ahren is better for her. He’s much less of an asshole than I am, and I never once denied it. But knowing he kissed her, that’s what’s frustrating me more. I want my chance to make her see I want her. And I think it’s time I did something about it.
It’s not been easy with Arabella around. I’m distracted the moment she walks into my classroom. As much as I try to deny the attraction, it seems to have a hold on me. One I can’t let go of.
The sun is streaming through the bedroom window. It’s too early on a Saturday morning which reminds me we have two days apart. That will give her time to consider what Ahren told her, and when I see her on Monday, I can talk to her before class. The weekend is a reprieve of the frustration that ebbs and flows through me each time she’s near.
I stare up at the ceiling, my focus on the patterns that hover over me. It’s no use acting as if she’s not real because even when we’re apart, I still can’t stop thinking about her. It’s wrong, I should ask Dawson to send her to one of the other teachers, but each time I consider it, I don’t act on it.
It’s masochistic. But it also forces me to admit that I’m alive, that I can feel. After I left the city, I promised myself to shut everything out. I had a job to do, and nothing was going to stand in my way, but then she walked into my classroom.
I reach for my phone on the nightstand. Unlocking it, I flip through the numbers, until I reach hers. It’s meant to be used professionally. For emergencies at school or checking to see if she’s okay if at any point she’s not in class, but I find myself tapping out a message that has nothing to do with homework.Elian: Are you spending the weekend reading or partying with your friend? EAfter I hit send, I grin. Arabella may want to seem innocent, but I have a feeling there’s a vixen under that sultry smirk and those pretty eyes. There’s also a storm raging inside her, one that’s attempting to come out and play. Which makes me want nothing more than to toy with her until she shows me who she really is.
I want to ask about her decision, but it’s only been a few hours. I’m fucking nervous. It’s ridiculous, but the tension twisting in my gut is tight, coiling, waiting for her to say yes or no. I have a feeling she’ll agree to try it out, only because I know her. And she’s got proclivities I never expected.
I’ve studied her file; I know everything there is to know about her. However, her past has nothing to do with why I’m testing her. I want to see how long it takes her to break, to admit she’s playing a game. I want to wrap her around my finger, until she’s begging for mercy. I want to see just how easily she’ll obey. And when I get her down on her knees, I know I’ll only want more. I’ve finally admitted I crave her more than I should, but I can’t stop myself from toying with her.
She won’t find herself in the same trouble she landed in back in the city. I’ll be here, right beside her to keep her in line, along with Ahren. But I do want to test that iron will she seems to possess. My phone vibrates, and I pick it up, only for a smile to curl on my lips.Arabella: Why? Would you like to join me? Or are you just checking up on me because you like me?She’s feisty. And I love it. I tap back my response and hit send.Elian: I’d like to make sure you’re safe. I may not be a nice man, but there are times I consider myself a level-headed adult.I don’t have to wait long, because the moment it shows delivered, there are dots that dance along the bottom of the screen. I’m tense, holding onto my phone waiting for her message to come through. I haven’t truly allowed myself to do anything as stupid as this for so many years.
I may not be that old, but sometimes, it feels like I’m in my forties. At thirty, I’m at times shocked that I don’t do what I’m sure most men my age do—sleep around with pretty girls who taunt and tease.