THIS IS PUNISHMENT

RYKER'S POV

“I'm okay.” I uttered, releasing myself from his  grip.

Robert  looked away, biting his lips. It felt awkward, really awkward.

“Okay….I…I'll help you treat it.” He stuttered, chest heaving.

JUST GO!!! I yelled in my head.

But I  stayed quiet until he finally turned around and walked out.

I hissed, rinsing my bleeding hand.

I pressed my jaw tight and carefully pulled the shards from my hand, wincing as pain shot through me.

☆☆☆

In class, the lecturer adjusted his glasses and leaned against the desk.

“Alright,” he said. “Who can tell me the difference between civil law and criminal law?”

A girl in the middle raised her hand. Her eyes flicked briefly in my direction before she spoke. “Civil law is for rich people,” she said, lips curling slightly, “and criminal law is for poor people.”

A few students laughed. I felt the heat crawl up my neck.

The lecturer’s face hardened. “That is ignorant and completely wrong.”

Another student cleared his throat. “Civil law is handled by the police, while criminal law is handled by the courts.”

“Wrong again,” the lecturer snapped.

The room went quiet.

My fingers tightened around my pen. I could still feel her words hanging in the air, aimed directly at me. I raised my hand.

“Yes,” the lecturer said, turning to me.

“Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations,” I said evenly. “Criminal law involves offences against the state and is prosecuted by the government.”

The lecturer straightened.

“Correct,” he said. “That distinction has nothing to do with wealth.”

A few heads turned toward me. The girl frowned hard.

The lecturer scanned the room. “If you reduce law to class or status, you’ve already failed it.”

I exhaled slowly.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class.

I packed up my things and left the class. I walked down the hallway, books clutched tight to my chest and my backpack heavy against my shoulders.  My  injured palm was bandaged. Evening lectures were over  and I was heading back to my  dormitory with a clouded mind. Tonight, I was supposed to meet Leonardo at the East tower–but right now, I didn’t even know if I should go.

The thought of him having fun with two bitches unsettled me. What if he enjoyed them? What if he calls the deal off? What if—

My heart skipped when I saw a gang of bullies walking towards me. My hands began trembling, silently hoping that they don't notice me.

Leonardo had promised me protection but he isn't here, what happens?

I adjusted my glasses up and kept my head down, hoping they wouldn’t notice me.

After that night with Leonardo at the restroom, I went back to the pool to find my glasses.

Luckily, the party was over and I easily found it, unscathed.

 Now I had a bigger problem. The bullies were getting closer, and my heart was pounding. There was no place to hide—just a long, straight hallway.

 To my utmost shock, they just ganced at me and  walked past like  I was invincible.

My eyes widened in shock.

Am I dead?

I gasped softly, pulling out my  face mirror from my bag pack.

“Okay. I can see myself, I'm not dead.” I breathed, panting heavily.

I glanced back at the bullies, my brows furrowed in confusion.

It felt strange. How could they see me and do nothing? Still, I thanked my stars and ran back to the dorm. Maybe they left me alone… or maybe they were planning something. Maybe… maybe… maybe…

I  got back to the dorm and  met Chris on his bed.

Chris was also my  roomate. He was a freshman and also a scholarship student. We were studying same course–Law. We were four in our room; Robert, Chris, George and I.

I and Chris were freshmen and scholarship students while Robert and George were seniors. Though they were seniors, they didn’t bully us.

I flung my books and bag pack on my bed, groaning tiredly.

Chris chuckled lightly, “Class was hectic right?” He muttered, hugging his pillow. It was a special class with our group supervisors. Chris was in another group, their special class was scheduled a different time.

I sighed, “Yeah.” I  pulled off my shirt, and Robert chose that moment to walk in.

Our gaze locked but I looked away first, scoffing inwardly as I  walked into the bathroom.

Few minutes later, I came out, drying my hair with a towel. I went through my closet, and fished out a casual wear.

“Heading somewhere?” George asked, arching his brows.

I stiffened, “Night class.” The lie slipped off my lips.

I finally decided to meet Leonardo. I’d only made a deal with him—we weren’t in a relationship. He was free to be with anyone else.

My chest tightened at the thought. I swear I didn't mean that!

“Ohh really? Can I tag along?” Chris squealed, already grabbing a book.

My heart raced. “No!! I yelled suddenly, startling all of them.

“Huh?” Chris muttered, furrowing his brows.

“Uhm…I mean…it's a private night class,” I lied, taking my lips in. “With a private tutor.” I added and they nodded in understanding.

Technically, there was some truth in my words.

The next minute, I was making my way to the East Tower. I paused on my tracks, thinking it over. Should I just go back? What if he doesn't show up? What if he's having fun with those girls? What if he doesn't want me anymore? What if–

I groaned, holding my head. I really needed to stop these negative thoughts and my “what ifs.” I resumed walking, heading into the tower. I  barely took three steps inside when a hand slid around my wrist and slammed my back against the wall.

My breath hitched.

Leonardo's face came to view. The faint scent of smoke and expensive cologne lingered in the air.

“You're late.” He mumbled, eyes darkening as he watched me intently.

I swallowed. Was I really supposed to tell him I didn’t want to come at first, just because he fucked two girls the same night I gave him a blowjob?

No! That would be ridiculous.

“I'm sorry.” I whispered.

Leonardo’s gaze sharpened. “Sorry?” He leaned in. “You’re getting punished, boy toy.”

My heart sank. Will he call off the deal? 

Before I  could blink,  he spun me around and my  backside faced him.

Swiftly, he pulled down my pants and boxers. I could hear him unbuckling his belts too.

Without hesistating, he drove his full length into me.

“Arrgh.” I gasped.