CHAPTER FIFTY - FIVE

NICK WALKER ©

After I got Avery's message, I couldn't think straight. I switched off my phone because the school group chats wouldn't stop flooding my screen.

I didn't think Enzo knew about the situation while we were still at the bar.

I acted like everything was normal while we talked. He asked what was wrong on the drive home, but I couldn't tell him.

This could ruin Enzo's role in College.

What would happen if Enzo lost his job because of me?

As soon as he stopped in front of my house, his phone rang.

I was sure it was someone calling about the situation.

This was all my fault.

“Do you want me to take you to my place instead?” he asked, ignoring the call.

“What will happen to us if everyone finds out?” I asked quietly.

He reached over, smoothed my hair, and pressed a soft kiss to my lips.

“Does it matter?” he asked.

“Huh?“

His phone rang again.

He switched his phone to airplane mode and looked back at me.

“The only thing that matters is you. As long as we're together, nothing else matters.”

My heart skipped at his words.

Did he really mean that?

Or was he saying it because he didn't know what was happening?

I sighed and placed my hand over his.

Tomorrow was going to be difficult for both of us. But Enzo had more to lose than I did.

What if this situation ends our relationship?

The thought made my chest ache. I could feel Enzo's fingers in my hair as countless thoughts filled my mind.

“I should get going,” I said.

He nodded.

“See you at school.”

I stepped out of the car, then turned back to look at Enzo before he drove away.

“Enzo,” I called as I walked over to the driver's side.

“What's the..” Before he could finish, I leaned into the car and kissed him on the lips.

He smiled.

“Are we being naughty now?”

I let out a playful scoff before heading into the house.

As soon as I got inside, I turned on my phone and searched for the video of Enzo and me.

I watched the moment Enzo pulled me back just as I was about to leave after I was told Mum was waiting for me at home.

He lifted my chin and kissed me, his hand gently cupping my cheek before we began talking.

I sank into the chair and let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

“That's a relief,” I murmured. At least it wasn't worse.

I ran my fingers through my hair as my thoughts drifted back to Enzo.

What exactly would be waiting for us at school tomorrow?

∆∆

~ COLLEGE ~

People stared and whispered as Avery and I walked into college.

“Are you fucking the professor now?” someone said.

Avery was about to respond, but I pulled her back and shook my head.

“Just leave her,” I said.

She shot the girl a sharp look before walking away with me.

The whispers followed us, and it felt like every voice was echoing inside my head.

I sighed as we sat down in the cafeteria.

“I haven't seen Enzo today,” Avery said.

“It's okay. They'll stop talking soon,” Avery said.

“I'm fine. Their words don't bother me. It's the noise that's giving me a headache,” I replied.

She let out a scoff.

“You really don't care?” she asked.

I nodded, pulled out my book, and started reading.

“Faggot!” someone shouted.

“Who the fuck said that?” Avery snapped, jumping to her feet, ready to fight.

“Avery, sit down,” I whispered, gently pulling her back. “Just ignore them.”

“Isn't he fucking the popular professor?” someone shouted.

I let out a heavy sigh.

Things would only get worse if they started arguing.

Where was Enzo?

Was he at the board of directors' meeting?

I buried my face in my hands and sighed again.

This could ruin his reputation.

It could even end his career.

Looking for him now would only make things worse.

At a time like this, we couldn't afford to be seen together.

I scrolled through my phone, thinking about sending him a message.

“At least he picked the hottest professor to sleep with.”

“He chose someone who can at least pay his bills.”

“I heard he works as a bartender.”

I groaned, packed my books, and stood up to leave.

“You don't have to argue with them. They'd never say it to our faces,” I told Avery as she walked beside me.

“Those pieces of shit. Like they haven't done worse,” she muttered.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

“Thank you,” I said, and she let out a quiet scoff.

“I didn't know you and Enzo had gotten that intimate,” she whispered with a teasing smile.

I rolled my eyes as she walked past me.

As I passed a closed door, someone suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.

I gasped, but a familiar hand quickly covered my mouth.

“Enzo?” I whispered.

He kissed me.

“You weren't even going to check on me?” he asked.

“What if someone had seen us?” I asked.

He let out a quiet scoff.

“Do you really care?” he asked.

I stayed silent for a moment before shaking my head.

“I'm sorry. This was my fault. I should've told you about it last night,” I said with a sigh and he smiled faintly.

“I didn't tell you either.”

I looked up at him.

“You knew since last night?” I asked.

He nodded. “I knew before I came to see you at the bar.”

My eyes widened.

“You've known for that long?”

Instead of answering, he leaned in and kissed me again.

“Was that why you were so quiet last night?” he asked.

“What did the college board say?” I asked.

He simply ruffled my hair.

“It's been sorted out. Don't worry about it. You have your last exam today, don't you?” he asked, and I nodded, still confused.

“Sorted out?” I asked.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Avery.

“Go on,” he said. “Your friend's waiting.”

I slowly opened the door and stepped outside to find Avery.

“Nick, the video's gone,” she said happily, and I raised a brow.

“How?” I asked, then I remembered Enzo's words.

“It's been sorted out.”