CHAPTER FIFTY - THREE

LORENZO GRAYSON \ VADIM KERZHAKOV ©

We didn't even realize how much time had gone. I looked at Nick as he slept peacefully on the couch.

He had fallen asleep while sitting on my lap.

I gently brushed the stains from his clothes as he snuggled into my touch. I tucked the hair away from his forehead and placed a soft kiss there.

Then I stood up and went back to work. I still had a lot to finish before I had to leave.

Suddenly, a phone started ringing. It wasn't mine.

I glanced around before walking over to Nick's bag.

His phone lit up with "Avery" on the screen. As I picked it up, I noticed he had a long list of missed calls and messages.

I was about to put it back when I accidentally answered the call.

“Finally! What on earth have you been doing with Grayson?” she asked.

My eyes immediately shifted toward the door.

Has she seen us?

Wasn't the door closed?

“You left hours ago, and you haven't answered any of my calls,” she said while I stayed quiet.

“I know you're with Grayson right now. That's why I left you with him, but you've been gone for hours.” she complained and I raised a brow.

She was really quick to call me Grayson.

“Nick is with Grayson?” I heard Mira ask from the other end of the call.

“Shhh,” she whispered to Mira, and I let out a quiet scoff.

“Hey. Why aren't you answering me?” she asked.

I looked over at Nick, who was still asleep on the couch.

“Nick's tired. He'll call you when he wakes up,” I said, and I heard her gasp.

“Grayson? Sorry... I mean, Professor Grayson,” she corrected herself.

“It's alright.”

“He really... he really needs sleep,” she said. I could tell she already felt awkward talking to me over the phone.

“Just... Please let him know his mum is at the house, sir. She said she won't leave until she sees him,” Avery said.

“I don't think he slept well after everything that happened last night,” she added, almost under her breath.

“I'll let him know,” I replied.

“Oh... thank you. I'll leave him in your care, then.”

She ended the call.

She was right. He had met his mother last night.

After Mira threw a fit, it couldn't have been an easy night for him.

I walked to the door and turned the doorknob.

It wasn't locked.

I didn't think of the door while Nick's face was buried between my legs. My cock tightened as I remembered that.

I walked back to my seat, adjusted my glasses, and turned my attention to the computer again.

An hour later, while recording the students' grades, I felt eyes on me.

I looked over at Nick, and he quickly shut his eyes.

A quiet scoff escaped my lips as I stood up and walked over to him.

I sat on the couch opposite him and took a sip from the glass of water on the table.

He opened his eyes and noticed I wasn't at my desk anymore.

He slowly turned toward the couch where I was sitting and blinked.

I tilted my head and held up the glass in my hand.

“Thirsty?” I asked.

He pressed his lips together before shaking his head.

“I... I should get going,” he said. His voice was still hoarse.

He slowly stood from the couch and reached for his bag.

Before he could grab it, I gently pulled him onto my lap and turned his face toward mine.

He winced when I touched his cheek.

I gave him a questioning look, but he quickly looked away.

“I asked if you could handle it,” I said as I gently turned his face back toward me.

“I'm fine. I really should get going,” he replied, standing up at once. He kept a hand on his jaw as he spoke.

“Are you sure you're okay? Is it really that bad?” I asked, reaching for him again.

He stepped back and forced a small smile.

“I'm really fine. I need to get home to Mira and get ready for work,” he said before turning to leave.

“Your mum is waiting at your house,” I told him as I stood up and he turned to the door.

“Mira,” he muttered and started to leave.

I caught his arm and gently pulled him back. I turned him to me and lifted his chin.

I kissed him softly, my hand resting against his cheek as my thumb brushed over his skin.

“You really should have listened when I told you to stop,” I said and he only shook his head.

“It'll get better soon,” he replied with a small smile as he looked into my eyes.

“How's Mira?” I asked quietly.

He let out a soft sigh.

“Better than she was last night,” he said.

“Do you want me to drive you home?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“Do you really think I should accept my mum?” he asked and I fell silent.

It wasn't my place to answer. I hardly got involved in family matters, and I didn't know what to say.

“Do you think you should?” I asked instead as I gently brushed his bangs into place.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” he said and I looked at him quietly.

Does everyone really deserve a second chance?

I gently ruffled his hair and smiled.

“Of course,” I said. “I think you found your answer.”

“Finish your work. I'll see you tonight,” he said, and I nodded.

He pointed at his forehead, and I chuckled before leaning over to kiss.

Then he left the office, quietly closing the door behind him.

I watched him go.

It felt wrong seeing him leave.

I wanted him to stay a little longer.

I was falling far too deeply for Nick.

And my heart ached as I thought about the price I might have to pay for loving him.