Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 96933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
A squeak of protest escapes from my lips as he drags me down the hallway. My feet trip over each other to keep pace with him. By the time I consider fighting the tight hold, he’s yanking me inside an empty classroom and slamming the door shut behind us. The click of the lock is like a gunshot ringing out in the stillness of the room. My heart leaps into my throat as I watch him with wide eyes.
We’re so close that I’m able to see the various shades of brown and green flecks that dance within his irises.
Only now does it occur to me that I’ve pushed him too far.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Carson
Once we’re locked inside the empty space and she can’t escape, I release my grip on her before retreating a few steps. If I’m going to keep my cool, I need to put some distance between us. Having her this close—smelling the floral scent of her shampoo, staring into her dark eyes, feeling her pulse thunder beneath my fingers—screws with my head, and that’s the last thing I need. Even though my hold wasn’t punishing, she rubs her wrist with delicate circles, all the while watching me warily.
“I told you before I didn’t want you hanging around with that guy.” The idea of them alone together has me seeing red. It makes me want to rip him apart limb by limb.
“You’re being ridiculous. He’s my professor. We were walking out of the room together.”
Unmoved by the explanation, I lift a brow. “Ten minutes after the end of class? What were you doing?” Actually, I can just imagine what he was trying to do.
Finagle more time alone with her.
Asshole.
“He wanted to discuss an assignment.”
Right.
I cock my head. “So you’re telling me that you two didn’t talk about anything other than a stats assignment?”
Her teeth sink into her lower lip as her gaze flickers toward the window.
Yeah, I didn’t think so.
When she gulps, the muscles in her throat convulse. “He mentioned some extra credit that’s available to lift my grade.”
“And what exactly would that entail?” When she lapses into another silence, I prompt, “Elle?”
She shifts. “There are some files in his office that need to be organized.”
Is this girl being serious?
For a long moment, I can only stare. It takes effort to keep from raising my voice. “Did you tell him no?”
When she glances away and gives her head a slight shake, I drag a hand through my hair. How doesn’t she see through this caring professor bullshit act he’s putting on? It’s so obvious.
“Don’t you understand what he’s doing here?”
Her wide gaze slices to mine as she takes a quick step in retreat. “Yeah, he’s trying to make sure I pass his course. And you know what? I’m appreciative of that. There are a lot of professors on campus who wouldn’t give a damn how many times I have to retake their class. Dr. Holloway actually cares about his students. I don’t see what the issue is.”
I’m not buying his altruistic bullshit act. It’s beyond frustrating that Elle doesn’t see through it. She’s smarter than this.
Tight-lipped, I spell it out for her. “The guy is trying to get into your pants. That’s the problem.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh my god, when did you become so delusional? You know what? You’re becoming more like Brayden every day, and it needs to stop. He’s never done anything remotely inappropriate. So chill out.”
I fold my arms against my chest. If I don’t, I’ll reach out, grab her by the shoulders and shake her senseless. Or maybe try to shake some sense into her. “Really? Because I can think of a few things he’s done that have been suspect. Like picking you up from a party and driving you home or taking you out to dinner and plying you with wine.” There’s a beat of silence before I add, “And now he's trying to entice you into being alone with him by offering some bullshit extra credit? Yeah, it’s all inappropriate.”
“For one, I didn’t ask you. And two, we’ve been over this. He never plied me with anything.” She grits her teeth as a dull red color stains her cheeks. “He’s my teacher. That’s it. You keep trying to find bad intentions where there are none and I’m tired of it. I’m not even sure why you care. We’re nothing to one another.”
Her words are like a punch to the gut, and if I’m being honest, they knock the wind from my lungs. I’m not a dumbass. I’m aware that I’ve been the one forcing her away, but, in this moment, that doesn’t matter one damn bit.
Barely can I push out the word. “What?”
Her glare turns icy. “You heard me. How many times have you said that I’m nothing more than a little sister to you? Too many to count,” she answers for me. “You know what? I don’t need you watching out for me. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” She purses her lips before spitting out the rest like a spray of gunfire. “So why don’t you just fuck right off.”