Hello, Professor

CHAPTER SIX

HELLO, PROFESSOR.

School was quiet for the next two weeks. The news of Artemis suspension spread like wildfire. 

A lot of the students refused to believe that a new professor actually got Artemis suspended. The untouchable Artemis McAlester. 

The bets were coming in really fast. Many were certain that once Artemis resumed school, he would take his revenge by making Lucian his next victim. 

A few, like Shawn, were certain that the professor was going to be the anti-bullying activist.

Lucian sat on his desk, sipping the vodka he carried in his water bottle. He hated the taste, but it dulled the memories he had no business remembering during lectures.

The whispers didn't go unnoticeable by him. Especially during his lessons. 

“He’ll be back tomorrow, Kingston will go up in flames again…” Lucian caught one of their endless whispers. 

“I don't think Professor Meyers will be able to handle the heat.” 

“He's hot enough for me.”

They were always whispering and giggling. If it wasn't about his fashion sense or his looks, it was about Artemis. Nothing related to the Penetration Testing he was lecturing on. 

They were currently working on a quiz and so far, only one percent of them seemed to be actually making an effort. The rest were busy feeding their eyes. 

Lucian took another sip of the vodka. 

“Care to share the joke, Miss Jonas?” He asked and the blonde went red. 

“Sorry, Mr Meyers,” she apologized. 

“I didn't ask you to apologize. You and your little clique have been chatting since the class began. We want to know what you're discussing,” Lucian said coldly. 

“The thing is…” she drawled, glancing at her friends who were mouthing warnings to her. “We just think you're… uh, really attractive. And, like, super passionate about teaching or whatever…”

Lucian arched a brow, his voice laced with dry sarcasm. “Flattery? In my class? How original. I suppose I should give you extra credit for your bravery, though I doubt it'll help your grade.”

Murmurs erupted at the sassy response. 

He leaned against the desk, arms crossed. “Now, unless you’re planning to flirt your way into understanding network vulnerabilities, I suggest you reboot that brain and start paying attention.”

Her face grew red and so did her girls. She slowly turned her attention to her quiz, muttering a soft cuss under her breath. 

Lucian turned his attention to his watch. “Ten minutes more.” 

Soon class was over and the students turned in their quiz. He packed up and headed to his office. He took another sip of his vodka and got ready to grade the dullards. 

Just then there was a knock on his door. 

“Come in,” he said and Shawn stepped in timidly. He had a gift bag in his hand. 

“Good afternoon, Professor,” he said albeit shyly. 

“How're you doing, Shawn? What brings you here?” Lucian asked and the boy hesitantly walked to his desk. 

“I… we don't have much…” Shawn started slowly. “But my mother wanted me to give you some cupcakes as appreciation. Please accept it.” 

Lucian took in the boy's embarrassed expression before nodding.

“Thank you for the kind gesture, you didn't really have to.” 

“I do…” Shawn said quickly. “I… these past few months have been miserable for me. I… I thought of taking my life so many times…”

“Don't say that, Shawn,” Lucian stood up immediately. “Nothing should ever make you consider taking your life. You have such a bright future ahead of you. You can't waste it away simply because of an over privileged brat. He shouldn't have that kind of power over you!”

Shawn blinked, surprised at the professor's words. Most of the adults he came across advised him to forfeit his scholarship and withdraw. 

“Thank you, professor,” Shawn bowed. “If you need help with anything, please call me. I'll be more than glad to assist.”

“Of course,” Lucian smiled, even though he had no intention of doing so. Shawn left the office and Lucian picked up the bag. 

He peeked inside and smiled. They smelled very good too. He set it aside and finished his work for the day. 

His time in Kingston college was going really well, although he wasn't sure how long that would last. Tomorrow, the king bully would return and most likely, he hated Lucian more for the stunt he pulled at the hotel. 

Not that Lucian cared anyways. The boy needed to be put in his place. 

He packed up and picked the gift bag before heading to his car. With each step he took, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. 

His gut said Artemis. But no, if it were him, Lucian would’ve felt it in his spine. That boy didn’t hide. He devoured you whole, right out in the open.

On getting to his car, Lucian saw that it was covered in writings. 

Scrawled across the windshield in red lipstick: “Loser.”

On the passenger side door: “Mind your damn business.”

A crude drawing on the hood. Vulgar words carved into the paint.

Lucian stared, deadpan. “Buttlicker?” That was a new one.

Lucian frowned at the words. It was most likely the handiwork of Artemis' minions if he had one. 

“I guess I'll have to dump you then,” he muttered. “This was my favorite Camry.” 

He opened the door and took out all important documents before ordering an Uber. 

He wasn't going to play any games with the little rascals. Since they were so creative, they could have the car and explore their drawing skills. 

On getting to his apartment building, he took the elevator and headed up to his penthouse. Just as he dropped off his papers, his phone rang.

It was an unknown number. 

Lucian swiped the answer button, not knowing what to expect. “Hello?” 

“Hello, professor.” The silky tone sent chills down Lucian's spine. “Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” 

Then the line went dead. How the hell did Artemis get his number?