06

Sophia's POV

I barely slept.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face those dark eyes boring into me his hand on my wrist.

And my body betrayed me every single time.

I hated it.

I hated how my skin tingled at the memory of his touch. I hated that even now knowing who he was, knowing he was my mother's husband and my professor—some sick, twisted part of me still wanted him.

It was wrong so fucking wrong.

He was my stepfather.

He was my professor.

I shouldn't want him I couldn't want him but

my body didn't care about should or shouldn't.

I tossed and turned all night, the sheets tangled around my legs, my mind racing in circles. By the time the sun came up, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck.

I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom. The mirror showed me exactly how I felt dark circles under my eyes, pale skin, hair a mess.

I splashed cold water on my face and got dressed into a simple Jeans and sweater pairing it with a comfortable shoe.

I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.

Diana was already in the kitchen sipping coffee at the island.

She looked up when I walked in.

"Good morning," she said her voice cautious like she was testing the waters.

I didn't respond.

"I made breakfast." She gestured to the table. "Eggs, toast and fresh fruit."

"I'm not hungry."

"Sophia—"

"I said I'm not hungry."

She sighed setting down her coffee cup. "Fine then at least let Thorne drop you off.”

"No."

"No? What do you mean no?"

"I mean no." I adjusted my bag on my shoulder. "I'll take the bus. I don't need a ride."

"Don't be ridiculous the bus takes forever and—"

"Mom. Drop it."

She opened her mouth to argue but before she could footsteps sounded on the stairs.

I knew who it was before I even looked.

His presence filled the room before he even entered that fucking expensive cologne and the energy that made the air feel heavier.

Thorne walked into the kitchen in a perfectly tailored suit, dark hair slicked back, jaw clean-shaven. He looked like he'd just stepped off a magazine cover.

He looked at Diana first then his eyes slid to me.

I looked away.

"Sophia's taking the bus," Diana said shooting me a pointed look.

Thorne raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes," I said quickly. "It's fine. I don't need—"

"Don't be silly." Diana cut me off. "Thorne can drop you off It's no trouble right honey?"

Thorne's eyes stayed on me. "No trouble at all."

"I said I don't—"

"Sophia." Diana's voice was sharp. "Let him drive you and of discussion."

I looked at Thorne. He stared back with his face completely unreadable.

"Fine," I muttered hating how weak my voice sounded.

Diana smiled like she'd won something and walked over to Thorne and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Have a good day sweetheart."

He nodded. "I'll be home early tonight."

"I'll hold you to that." She patted his chest, then turned to me. "Be good Sophia and try to actually eat something today."

I didn't respond.

Thorne grabbed his keys from the bowl by the door walking past me like I was a ghost

I gulped wondering how on earth I’d survive the ride to school.

I followed him like a puppet on strings.

The car was exactly what I expected sleek, black, expensive. He opened the driver's door and got in without waiting for me. I climbed into the passenger seat with my hands gripping the strap of my bag so hard my knuckles turned white.

The ride was silent.

He didn't look at me or speak not that I wanted him to.

His eyes stayed fixed on the road, his hands steady on the wheel. I stared out the window, watching the buildings blur past with my heart pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it.

We were about two blocks from campus when he pulled the car over to the curb.

I looked at him confused.

He turned to me with his face hard and eyes cold.

"Get out."

"What?"

"I said get out." His voice was flat and unemotional. "We're close enough. You can walk the rest of the way."

I stared at him. "But—"

"I don't like repeating myself."

His words hit me like a slap with the look on his face told me everything I needed to know.

He didn't want to be seen with me.

He was embarrassed.

Dropping me off at campus pulling up to the front doorsthat would raise questions.

My chest tightened as my eyes burned.

I grabbed my bag and opened the door, climbing out without a word.

The car door shut behind me with a soft click.

He just pulled away from the curb and drove off, disappearing around the corner.

I stood there on the sidewalk watching his car disappear.

My heart ached.

Not because I wanted him or because I loved him but because I knew exactly what that meant that I was his dirty secret and something to be hidden.

And I hated that I cared.

I hated that it hurt.

I pressed my lips together blinking back the tears threatening to fall.

And then I turned around and walked toward the campus.