Is He Your Lover?

Amara Cross POV

"Mr. Dorian… I think I should leave now. I’ve troubled you enough."

He turned to me, his brows pulling together in clear surprise, and said, "You want to go to the university alone, when I can take you with me?"

I smiled awkwardly, heat rushing to my cheeks. I rubbed behind my ear in embarrassment. "Yes. I think that’s the only way I won’t bother you again."

I hugged my bag tight to my chest like a shield, as if it could protect me from his pull. He stepped closer, slow and deliberate. Every step forced me to retreat.

In his rough, steady voice, he said, "Who told you that you bother me or tire me out? If you did, I wouldn’t have brought you here in the first place."

He leaned slightly toward me as he spoke. The strong scent of his cologne mixed with the air, making me feel small. Very small. I cleared my throat, trying to swallow the nerves drying it out.

"I… I told myself that. It felt obvious to me."

I clutched the bag tighter. He slipped his hands into his pockets and studied me calmly. "Do you even know the way?"

The question was logical. It hit my pride hard. Even though I had no idea, I answered with fake confidence. "Yes. I know the way very well."

I walked out of the villa with steady steps, my shoes scraping the stone path. But the moment I reached the street, my courage vanished. Two roads stretched ahead. No signs. Nothing.

I raised my hand, closed my eyes, and sang softly while pointing my finger. "A crocodile drinks from a jar, dances on the old roof, laughs and says so sweet, the chosen one is… Shafiq."

When my finger stopped, I pointed left and said firmly, "Left it is."

I walked with confidence, but the silence around me began to scare me. No taxis. No buses. The street felt empty, like a ghost town. Then I heard an engine behind me.

I turned, curious. My eyes widened when I saw Mr. Dorian’s luxury car moving beside me.

The roof slid open smoothly. His voice reached me. "You’re on the wrong road, girl."

I glanced at him, then looked away, pretending not to care. "Even so, don’t worry. I can handle myself."

He sighed, loud and clear. The car slowed, then stopped.

"Amara Cross, come here and get in."

The command made my pulse race.

I stepped closer and objected with fake sweetness. "Mr. Dorian, thank you for your help, but I can go on my own."

He smiled, sharp and playful. "Amara, you know what? Come closer. I want to tell you something."

I raised a brow and approached carefully. The moment I was close enough, he caught my wrist lightly and whispered, "You’re very stubborn. And I hate stubbornness."

Without warning, he grabbed my waist and pulled me hard. I was dragged into the car through the open roof. I landed right on top of him. In his arms. The car shot forward at full speed. I screamed and hit his broad chest with my small fists.

"Oh my God. Mr. Dorian, put me down. Now."

I tried to pull back and sit in the other seat, but his arms were like iron around my waist.

"Stop, Amara. You’re causing two problems right now. First, you’re distracting me while I drive. Second… you won’t like the second one."

I pressed my lips together, defeated. "Fine. Just slow down so I can sit properly. Am I supposed to stay in your lap like this?"

He scoffed, amused, eyes still on the road. "Didn’t you enjoy it? Who was staring at whose body earlier?"

Heat burned my cheeks. It wasn’t staring. I was just… impressed by his muscles.

When he slowed down, I shifted awkwardly and planted my feet on the seat until I finally settled beside him. I stayed silent the rest of the way, shame screaming inside me. Without him, I’d be lost in the middle of nowhere.

The university building appeared in the distance. I tapped his arm lightly. "Mr. Dorian, can I get out here? It wouldn’t look right if people see me with my boss."

I paused, then added softly, "They might misunderstand. Ruin your reputation. Please."

I met his eyes, wide and pleading, like a puppy asking for mercy. In a moment of impulse, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Just one second. Warm skin. Then I pulled away and jumped out of the car.

"Thank you, Mr. Dorian. Goodbye."

I waved with a bright smile as he drove off, his expression unreadable. But my chest was full of a strange warmth.

When I entered the lecture hall, I found Layla, the dark skinned girl I’d met before, asleep in the front row. I reached out and gently stroked her hair. She turned suddenly. I gasped and slapped her shoulder lightly.

"You scared me."

Layla laughed and rested her head on her hand. "Where were you, girl? I sent you so many messages to the number you gave me yesterday."

I rushed to find my phone. When I saw it on the desk, my heart dropped. Missed calls. Messages. So many. Then I saw the name Asla.

"Where are you? You’re late. It’s midnight." "Amaraaaa. Answer." "Oh God. Are you hurt?"

Cold sweat filled my palms. "Oh God. I’m in trouble," I whispered.

Layla noticed my tension and winked. "Wow. So many calls. Is he your lover?"

I ignored her teasing and texted Asla quickly. "Don’t worry. I’ll be back and explain everything. I’m fine."

"Amara, you’re not yourself today. You look like someone poured a bucket of ice water on you," Layla said suspiciously.

I nodded fast, trying to reassure her. "Don’t worry. Just my cousin. I left without breakfast. Now she’s scolding me."

Layla pinched my cheek lightly. "Those calls are too much. She really worries about you." Then she kissed my cheek.

In that moment, the memory of the morning kiss I gave Mr. Dorian burned inside me.

Did I rush it?

What if he misunderstood?

What if he felt disgusted by my boldness?

Does he hate me now?

Dark thoughts crowded my mind. My chest tightened. I wished I could turn back time and undo what I’d done.

When I moved to a new city that didn’t know me, and I didn’t know it, my eyes fell on a dangerous man.

And he took control of me.