Chapter 5: DO YOU WANT TO SLEEP ON MY SISTER'S BED?

The journey to the university was quick. The bustling morning streets were crowded with students, hurried workers, and the sound of honking horns echoing in the air. I weaved through the crowd, my bag clutched against me, moving with the confidence of someone who knew this campus by heart. Seven years. Seven years of walking these halls, juggling courses, exams, and projects. Seven years of building my future, fighting to prove I was capable of reaching the top. Today, I was no longer just a student. I was in the final stretch, ready to defend my doctorate in management and accounting. As soon as I entered the main building, I was greeted by familiar faces. Some classmates, professors I had seen for years, juniors who looked at me with admiring glances.

— Elodie!

I turned around and saw Sarah, one of my closest friends, rushing towards me. Tall, elegant, always impeccably dressed, she exuded confidence and intelligence.

— Hi, Sarah.

She gave me a radiant smile before glancing at my outfit.

— Still so classy. Who are you trying to impress today?

I chuckled softly.

— Myself, for starters.

She rolled her eyes before putting an arm around my shoulders.

— Come on, let’s go. We have a seminar with Professor Lambert.

We crossed the crowded hall before entering one of the lecture halls. The atmosphere was studious but relaxed. Some students were talking in hushed tones, others were reviewing notes.

As soon as I sat down, I felt a friendly tap on my shoulder. It was Lucas, another long-time friend.

— Hey, future doctor, not too stressed about the defense? he asked with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes.

— It’s fine, I still have time to finalize everything. But it’s getting real, that’s for sure.

— You’re going to nail it, like always.

— I hope so.

Professor Lambert finally entered, imposing silence in the amphitheater. A rigid man, demanding but fair. He set his belongings on his desk before scanning the room with his gaze.

— Today, we will discuss financial strategies applied to large companies and their impact on risk management.

Conversations ceased immediately, and everyone took out their materials. I pulled out my laptop and immersed myself in the lecture with the concentration that characterized me. After two intense hours of debate and analysis, the seminar came to an end. Sarah, Lucas, and I left together, exchanging our impressions.

— He’s still as strict as ever, Lambert, whispered Sarah.

— That’s what makes him a good professor, I replied while putting my notebook away.

Lucas nodded.

— You’re right, but sometimes a little more flexibility wouldn’t hurt.

We burst out laughing before stopping near the campus café.

— A coffee before heading back? suggested Sarah.

— Tempting, but I have work waiting for me, I replied.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, amused.

— Always serious, Elodie.

I shrugged.

— I’m almost there. I’m not going to slack off now.

They nodded, respecting my determination. After a final exchange of smiles, I waved goodbye and headed to the library. I had hours of work ahead of me, but one thing was certain: I was more than ready to face what was next.

The week had flown by in a whirlwind of classes, research, and preparation for the defense. The weekend was finally here, a breath of fresh air after days filled with stress and effort.

Lying on my bed, I stretched my arms with a sigh. I wanted to relax, to think about something other than numbers and financial strategies.

And then, there was Samuel. Since our late-night conversation, I hadn’t stopped thinking about him. His deep voice, his confidence, his calm yet captivating way of speaking… he exuded a fascinating aura. I sat up and grabbed my phone. It might be time to keep my promise. After a brief hesitation, I typed in his number and pressed the call icon.

He answered almost immediately.

— Good evening, Elodie.

My chest tightened slightly. His voice was even more seductive over the phone.

— Good evening, Samuel. How are you?

— Much better now that I hear your voice.

I smiled despite myself. That kind of line had always seemed cliché to me, but coming from him, it felt different.

— Are you still as charming? I joked.

He laughed softly.

— Only when the person in front is worth it.

I ran a hand through my hair, a little flustered.

— So… do you remember I promised you dinner?

— Of course. I was waiting for you to call me.

— I’m free tonight. How about you?

— Absolutely. What time do you want me to pick you up?

I thought for a moment.

— Let’s say… 8 PM?

— Perfect. Get ready for a lovely evening.

— I sure hope so.

— See you soon, Elodie.

— See you soon, Samuel.

I hung up, my heart racing a little faster.

The mirror reflected the image of a woman ready to seduce. Flowing yet elegant dress, slim heels, and a deep, bold red lipstick, almost cheeky. I smiled as I adjusted my earrings before taking a deep breath. This dinner with Samuel… I wanted to be perfect. After a final satisfied glance, I grabbed my bag and left the apartment to head to the meeting place.

When I arrived, Samuel was already there.

He was leaning against his car, a slight smile on his lips, arms crossed, with an effortless charm. He wasn’t in a strict suit like some men who tried to impress, but in a simple t-shirt that hugged his muscular torso perfectly. His smooth, flawless face, lit by the city lights, added to his natural charm. I felt my heart race a little faster.

— You look stunning, he said as he opened the door for me.

— Thank you. You’re not too shabby yourself, I replied as I settled into the car.

The restaurant was intimate, sheltered from noise and commotion. Samuel chose a table by the window, where the dim lights made the atmosphere even more pleasant. From the start of the meal, he was incredibly at ease. His natural charisma didn’t just come from his looks but also from his humor. He knew exactly how to lighten the mood.

— You know your lipstick is a deadly weapon? he said after taking a sip of his drink.

I raised an eyebrow, amused.

— Oh really? And why is that?

— Because it makes me want to kiss you.

I laughed softly, pretending to be indifferent while my stomach fluttered slightly. This guy was dangerous… but devilishly attractive. The conversation flowed naturally. He made me laugh several times, sharing hilarious anecdotes, and I surprised myself by enjoying his company more than I had expected. The evening came to an end far too quickly for my liking. Samuel drove me back to my apartment. He turned off the engine in front of my building and turned to me.

— I had a great evening, Elodie.

— Me too… I admitted with a smile.

I was about to say goodnight when I noticed Isabelle’s car was missing. My smile faded instantly.

— What’s wrong? Samuel asked, frowning slightly.

I sighed, annoyed.

— It’s Isa. She’s out again tonight…

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

— So what? She’s an adult, isn’t she?

I rolled my eyes.

— That’s not the point. I don’t like sleeping alone, that’s all.

He looked at me for a moment before smiling slightly.

— I see.

There was a silence, then he tilted his head slightly.

— I don’t want to seem intrusive… but if it helps you feel better, I can spend the night here.

I blinked, surprised.

— Pardon?

— I know, it’s absurd, we just met, he said, raising his hands in a gesture of innocence. But if the idea of sleeping alone bothers you that much… He shrugged. We can make an exception.

Part of me was skeptical. But another… another was thrilled.

I bit my lip, thinking.

— Do you want to sleep on my sister’s bed?

— If that’s an invitation, I gladly accept.

I laughed softly before opening the door.

— Okay. Come on.

Samuel turned off the engine and got out of the car. And that night, without even planning it, I might have just invited danger into my home.