I lift my gaze, yearning to my professor’s beautiful face, listening to his voice, observing his gestures, and marveling at his kissable moist lips. I’m captivated and terrified at the same time, becoming cognizant of how strongly I’m drawn to him, which isn’t right. It’s most likely the cocktail. I no longer have control over my words. “Kristoff’s mom hates me. She didn’t even need to say anything. And America is a brat who is really straightforward. They have no right to look down on others just because they were born wealthy. I’m poor, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings or a mind.” His brows knitted together. “I’m not surprised, but have you told Kristoff?” “It wasn’t necessary. I’m sure he’s aware. He doesn’t like his family either.” I sigh hard and shake my head before drinking again. “Melissa and America are almost alike. But Kristoff’s mother wasn’t born rich, Anya. Her father used to work as a blue-collar employee for Sebastian Records.” I wipe the drink from my li
When I come out of the bedroom, I find Julian sitting in the living room with papers strewn across the center table. And seeing him in those black-framed glasses is always a delight for me.Damn. A small grumble escapes my mouth as I chew my bottom lip. I could never tire of that sexy, smart look.I avert my eyes and stride to his dining area, which is adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but admire his private space. It’s enormous and modern, much like his workplace. The living room’s walls are mostly glass, which overlooks the city’s panoramic view. There are no photographs on the walls, only vibrant abstract paintings.His space reflects his personality. It’s bright and well-organized. I’ve met men like him who are gentlemanly, but Lora used to say that nice guys are almost boring. I wouldn’t understand her because she prefers bad boys to nice boys.Well, Kristoff is nice...Julian, on the other hand, is anything but boring if I understand Lora correctly. The man
Lora wraps her arms around me the moment I walk into our place. Her embrace tightens around me, and she sobs like someone has died. I wish I could be a little enraged, but I can’t. That was yesterday.“I’m so sorry, Anya. I really am.”I close my eyes and give her a tight hug. My heart hurts for her, but I miss her. “Why don’t you just start explaining?”“I will. I swear.” She lets me go. I notice her puffy face and nose. With her swollen eyes, she appears to have been crying all night. “But where were you?” She takes notice of my baggy outfit. “And what are you wearing? Are those men’s clothes?”“It’s a long story.” I sigh. “But does this mean I didn’t lose you?”“Come on, Anya! You’re my best friend. My only one.”“Yes, but you will tell me everything you know.”“Yes, of course.” She wipes her tears away with her fingers. “We’ve been calling and waiting all night.”“Come.” I reach out and take her hand, leading her gently to the couch. I see that the house is also a mess. On the liv
“After the rock-star vocalist Phillis Stevens’ hospitalization, twenty-three-year-old son, Kristoff, has temporarily taken over Stevens Media in Los Angeles. He was spotted with his girlfriend, Candice McQueen, the rising pop idol, at the press conference last night...”A picture of Kristoff and Lora’s sister looking like the perfect celebrity couple appears on the TV screen. Candice’s hand is intertwined with Kristoff’s arm.“You shouldn’t watch the news. How long has it been since? He’s been gone for two weeks now with no phone calls or texts. Anya, forget about him.”“I didn’t even say anything.” I lie down on the couch and stare up at the ceiling. “Your sister has made headlines. Did you not want to see her?”“We were in the same womb at the same time, and I look in the mirror every day, so I don’t really miss her. I’m just annoyed with myself because I can’t be with Candice and can’t fully support my best friend.”I sigh. “You’re here with me. That’s enough encouragement, but I’m
In contrast to when I first came here, Paradise Avenue Nightclub is frantic tonight. A long line of people is forming outside the club.“Would you look at that?” Lora says as she tries to glimpse the entrance.I grab her by the arm. “This isn’t a good idea. Let’s just go to Caleb’s.”“Hush! Let’s wait for him here. We wouldn’t have to wait in line. He’s a VIP.”“His brother owns the club,” I inform her. “What if he doesn’t show up?”There’s no way he would. Why would he accompany two girls, let alone his students, into a nightclub? Someone from Whitlock might see us here.“He said he would. I have a feeling he’ll be here.”I’m sometimes envious of her audacity. I would never have the nerve to call my professors as she did.We wait for the next five minutes, watching every car that pulls into the driveway to see if Julian is in one of them. But he doesn’t show until a black Rolls-Royce pulls up in front of us.The professor steps out of the car in front of us, radiating virility. Peopl
He feels something... For me...A burst of bliss rushes through me.If only I could run to him with open arms and confide in him completely, I would. But that’s not how life works.This is not a fairytale. Life can be beautiful, but it can also be cruel. I’m just tired and afraid of losing in the end. I survived life’s adversities by remaining watchful and making calculated decisions. I tried to open my heart again with Kristoff, but where did it lead me?Julian Sebastian is my professor and has accomplished things that would take me a lifetime to achieve. He comes from a good family, like Kristoff, and he dated one of the world’s most famous artists.We simply don’t mesh. I have nothing to offer him to be considered his equal.I closed my eyes and let my emotions flow. My chest is attempting to explode, and I’m not sure I can take it any longer. I have to say something, even though I know it would betray me.I meet his gaze to respond, but Lora reappears in our lounge.“There you are
Julian drives us back to the apartment. It’s already after midnight. My best friend is too drunk to stand, and my anticipated alone time with my gorgeous professor has been postponed.Lora has fallen asleep in the backseat, and I imagine various ways to get her to our room.“Do you need help?” Julian asks, glancing over at my best friend in the back.I let out a sigh. “Whenever this happens, Kristoff used to carry her on his back. So, yes, I need your help.”He laughs, and the sound he makes slithers down my stomach. “I’ve witnessed worse. Help me get her up.”“Sure thing.” I get out of the car and then go to the backseat to open the door. I slide into the backseat to shake Lora’s shoulder, but she groans.“She won’t wake up,” I say.“Hold the back of her head and push over here.”I obey because he gestures to the other side. Julian gently hooks Lora’s arm to his shoulder and helps her out of the car while I support her.Lora almost falls down, but our professor immediately catches he
A tear rolls down my cheek as Julian’s chiseled mouth devours me. We’ve kissed a couple of times, but this kiss is different. It is soft, feverish, and cautious. It’s as if I can freely express my emotions, ready to give everything to this special moment.My chest is aching from so many conflicting feelings: excitement, tension, guilt, selfishness, and joy. My guilt stems from my failure to resolve the issue with Kristoff and the fact that Julian and I have crossed a line by becoming too intimate.I bury my hands in his hair and kiss him back, my tongue circling along with his. My back arches as his hand move down my waist to pull me.But it’s as if we can’t get enough; his pace becomes needy. He sucks on my bottom lip while gently caressing and squeezing my waist.I mumble between our mouths, “Julian...”“It’s insane how I kept my hands off you from the moment I saw you. Thank God you snatched me in the dark and kissed me two years later.”He blatantly grabs my thigh. My skin is flus