LOGINThe next morning, she got ready to meet with Tyler.
Technically, it was a school day. But with the exams approaching, lectures didn’t happen often, and reading was in full swing.The next morning, she got ready to meet with Tyler.Technically, it was a school day. But with the exams approaching, lectures didn’t happen often, and reading was in full swing.“Try the blue top,” Lena said from the bed. “It makes your eyes look all Disney.”Aria swapped tops, tucked it into her jeans, then reached for her jewelry box.When she opened it, the promise ring caught the light.
The next day, after school, Aria hurried over for her shift at Brew Haven.The machines hummed, low music played, and the smell of coffee clung to everything.“I think I’m going to have to stop working soon,” she told Lena as she wiped down a counter. “At least until exams are over.”Graduation was just a few months away.Lena nodded as she restocked pastries. “Aw… already?”“Yeah… It’s been hard juggling everything.”
By the time the campus started to empty out, it had almost gotten dark.Aria sat on a bench near the quad, an open book in her hands.Sofia had long gone, so she pretended like she was reading to pass the time.From where she was, she could see the faculty building across the lawn, windows glowing here and there like rectangular stars.One by one, the lights went off.First floor, followed by the third floor.Then the ground floor.Eventually, only a single square of light remained. Jason’s office.Her pulse picked up.She checked the time. 7:30PMIt was now or never.She stood, slung her bag over her shoulder, and typed one last message to Jason.Aria: “Lecture Hall 421.”A top-floor number.Her heart raced as she climbed the stairs.It was quiet up there, and the air was cooler. Most of the doors were closed and locked.The one Sofia had secured was near the end of the corridor.It provided some sort of privacy.That way, they could tell if someone was coming before they got to thei
“What do you mean, leverage my scholarship?”“It’s easy,” Sofia explained. “You say there’s a workshop in Europe tied to your scholarship. Academic development, networking, blah blah. It lines up perfectly with the France dates.”She looked very pleased with herself.Aria stared at her in disbelief. “You want me to invent a workshop?”“Not invent. Imply. You’re a high‑achieving, scholarship‑holding student. Of course, there’d be international opportunities dangling in front of you. It’s practically expected.”“And it literally works for both cute baristas and Professor Sarah,” she added. “It’s literally your golden ticket. Use it.”Aria frowned. “That’s risky, Sofia… What if Sarah asks for details? Or letters? Or the conference website? It might work for Tyler, but she’s going to want receipts.”“Yeah… that’s true,” She chewed her lips. “Oh, I got another one. For Sarah, we fall back on a classic: the sick mum.”“Tell me you’re joking.”“No,” Sofia shrugged. “It worked for the other g
Immediately, Aria palmed Sofia’s mouth. “Shh… you’re too loud.”Sofia just giggled.Then, she let her go.“I’m just so excited,” Sofia whispered.“Can we talk about this after class?”“Fine,” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll sit on my genius idea until then.”The hall was already filling with students as the low hum of chatter echoed off the high ceilings.Aria took a seat in the back row while Sofia had peeled off to sit nearer the front.No one sat too close as the seats on either side stayed empty.She needed the isolation.Moments later, Jason entered in his three-piece navy blue suit that matched his eyes, followed closely by Ethan.His presence commanded the room like always, tall frame, dark hair neatly combed, aura unmatched.He set his briefcase on the podium, scanning the class with those piercing blue eyes that locked onto hers for a minute too long.Memories of his cock stretching her too many times last weekend flashed unbidden in her mind.She forced her gaze down."We’ll be h
On her way to school the next morning, Aria decided to call her mum.“Honey?” her mother answered on the second ring. “Is everything all right? You never call this early.”“Yeah,” She adjusted her bag on her lap. “I’m fine. Just… on my way to school. Thought I’d say hi.”Her mother’s voice softened. “Aw. Thank you. How’s school?”“It’s fine,” She paused, then took a breath. “Actually, I wanted to tell you something.”“Okayy… What’s going on?”Silence.“So… there’s the boy I met.”There was shuffling on the other end. “Go on. I’m listening.”“His name’s Tyler,” Aria said. “We’ve been… seeing each other for a while. Like eight months now. He works on campus as a barista, but also interns as a junior software developer.”There was a small pause.“That’s wonderful, honey,” her mum said finally. “I thought you might never let yourself try again after what happened with Marcus.”The mention of his name felt like a ghost hand squeezing her chest.Images of their anniversary day when she’d wa
The last thread of Jason’s control snapped.In one swift motion, he surged forward, his lips crashing against hers in a bruising kiss, like he’d been starved for so long.He forced his tongue down her throat, plunging deep and claiming every inch as he tasted her.Aria moaned into him, her hands fi
Aria’s mind spiralled on her way to the office. “Breathe, girl, it's probably nothing,” Aria whispered to herself. But what if it was? She rubbed her sweaty hands on her jeans, trying to calm her nerves. The crisp brass plate on the door read: Dean R. Hargrove, Graduate Studies. Then, she knock
Aria loved the third floor of the main library at this hour. It was late afternoon as the light came through the tall curtains, making it look like the dust motes were glowing. Downstairs, the open study tables were packed with students and their half-eaten snacks, but up here among the literature
There was a tiny hitch in his controlled facade, but she felt it like a shockwave. His pupils flared, then narrowed. His jaw clenched, flexing a muscle near his cheek. “Professor Anderson,” the Dean continued, oblivious to the tension between them. “This is Miss Aria Jenkins. One of our most p







