CHAPTER 5: The Shift

“Show me.”

Mr. Ashford’s voice was quiet, like the calm before a storm.

Kai’s hand shook as he held out his phone. The screen glowed with the message.

Stay away from James Ashford. This is your only warning.

Mr. Ashford read it. His jaw tightened.

“When did this come?”

“An hour ago. I didn’t know if I should—”

The phone shattered against the wall.

Kai jumped back.

“Pack a bag.” Mr. Ashford was already moving to the door. “You’re not going to school tomorrow.”

“What? I can’t just—”

“You were threatened.” Mr. Ashford turned. A fire burned in his eyes. Real anger. “Do you understand what that means?”

“It’s probably just Victoria trying to scare me—”

“Victoria ruins reputations. She doesn’t make threats like this.” Mr. Ashford stepped closer. “This is someone else. Someone dangerous.”

Kai’s stomach turned to ice. “How do you know?”

“Because I’ve gotten three messages this week.” Mr. Ashford’s hand gripped Kai’s shoulder. Hard. “About you. What they want to do to you. To get to me.”

The world spun.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I was handling it.” His grip tightened. “But it’s getting worse. So now, you stay where I can see you. Always.”

“You can’t just lock me up—”

“Watch me.”

The next morning, Kai woke to Margaret packing books into his bag.

“Your schoolwork will be sent here,” she said. She didn’t sound cold anymore. She sounded worried. “There is more security now. You do not leave this apartment without him.”

“This is crazy. I’m not a prisoner.”

“No. You are a target.” She looked at him seriously. “And James does not let anyone take what is his.”

What is his.

The words stayed with Kai as he got dressed. He ate breakfast alone. The day dragged on. Mr. Ashford was gone.

Where was he?

Night fell. Still, he wasn’t back.

Kai tried the office door. It was locked.

Margaret left at six. The apartment was huge and silent.

Then, a sound. The front door opened and closed.

Kai hurried into the hall.

Mr. Ashford stood frozen. His shirt was torn. Dark red stains smeared his hands.

“What happened?” Kai grabbed his arm. “Are you hurt?”

“It’s not my blood.” Mr. Ashford pulled away, but not roughly. “I found the man who sent the messages.”

“And?”

“He won’t be sending any more.”

The coldness in his voice made Kai shiver.

“What did you do?”

“What I had to do.” Mr. Ashford walked toward the bathroom. “To keep you safe.”

Kai followed him. “You can’t just hurt people because—”

“Because they threatened to drag you into an alley? Because they described how they would hurt you?” Mr. Ashford turned. His calm was gone. “Marcus hired him. To punish you. For being with me.”

Kai couldn’t breathe.

“I’m not… we’re not together. We’re not—”

“Aren’t we?” Mr. Ashford closed the space between them. “You live in my home. I eat at my table. I have spent weeks making you stronger. Making you into someone who belongs by my side.”

His hand came up and cupped Kai’s cheek.

“I will not let anyone touch you,” Mr. Ashford said. “Do you understand? You are mine. Mine to protect. Mine to shape. Mine.”

The words should have scared Kai. They should have made him run.

Instead, a strange warmth spread through his chest.

“This is wrong,” Kai whispered. “You’re my teacher.”

“I know.”

“People will talk.”

“Let them.”

Mr. Ashford’s thumb stroked Kai’s cheek. It was gentle, but it didn’t match the look in his eyes.

“I tried to keep my distance,” Mr. Ashford said quietly. “I tried to be professional. But seeing you in the halls, knowing someone wanted to hurt you…” His eyes grew dark. “I can’t be objective about you anymore.”

Kai’s heart was beating too fast. He felt hot and cold at the same time.

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying this stopped being about tutoring a long time ago.” Mr. Ashford leaned closer. “I’m saying I have broken every rule I promised to keep. And I do not regret it.”

Kai’s mind was a blur. His thoughts were messy.

“What do you want from me?”

“Everything.” Mr. Ashford’s voice was almost a whisper. “Your trust. Your obedience. You. All of you.”

This was insane. It was dangerous.

But Kai’s body wouldn’t listen. He leaned into the touch.

“I’m scared,” Kai admitted, his voice breaking. “Of you. Of this. Of how I feel when you’re near me.”

“Good. Fear keeps you safe.” Mr. Ashford’s other hand settled on Kai’s waist. “But don’t be afraid of me. Be afraid of what I will do to anyone who tries to take you.”

Kai’s legs felt weak.

“I can’t do this,” he said. Tears filled his eyes. “But I can’t walk away.”

A small, soft smile touched Mr. Ashford’s lips.

“Then don’t.”