“So, you’re saying just because they killed without remorse and took any woman or man they wanted to bed, they are more interesting?” I challenge, hoping she’ll take the bait.
“No. Not at all. I’m saying their lack of consideration at what society would say about them makes them more human than God. Who says something is wrong when it feels right? Granted, there are many acts that are illegal and should stay that way, but many times societal taboos are unfounded or even one-sided.”
For someone so young, I can’t help but be impressed. She’s nineteen, but she speaks with such confidence it’s impressive. Her eyes are wide, locked on mine.
“In that case, you’ll each write a paper on the Roman War and what you would do put in their situation,” I tell the class, breaking my stare from the beautiful Arabella and taking each of the other students’ expressions in. “Choose one of their stories you find interesting and tell me why you think they did what they did. Or better yet, argue how you think it would be seen in our modern-day society.”
Groans from around the class make me smile.
“And when you leave today, I’d like your assignments from yesterday,” I remind them as I settle behind my desk to continue the rest of the lesson. But each time I do face the class, it’s her gaze I capture with mine, and for a split second, I allow myself to think about the possibility of her and me.
And by the time the end of class comes, I’m filled with rage such a beautiful girl could walk in here and tempt me. I’ve always been in control of every situation I’ve encountered, but something about her makes all those scales tip in the wrong direction. It shouldn’t. It’s wrong. And I need to focus on the end game here because getting my dick wet should’ve been a bonus, not the motivation.
The moment my classroom is empty, I sit in my chair and stare out at nothing. For a long while, I enjoy the silence. Even though there are students milling around outside, laughing and joking, I revel in the silence after a long day, but also in the fact that her perfume seems to have embedded itself in my nostrils.
Ahren is right. I may be her teacher, but I can’t deny she’s beautiful, perfect even. Her skin looks as smooth as the finest silk, and my fingertips ache to touch her. Her lips are plump, a perfect bow, and her flowing, honey-colored hair that hangs to the middle of her back has me wanting to wrap it around my fists.
And then there are her curves. Those soft, luscious curves I’d love to learn every inch of with my tongue. I know I must restrain my thoughts, but in this moment, I allow myself the freedom to enjoy the desire that’s risen inside me.
Tomorrow, I’ll be back to normal.
Tonight, I’ll find my release to images of her racing through my mind.
6
Arabella
“So, like I told you before, there’s Alistor, who owns the house. Well, his folks do, but that’s beside the point. They’re never there. And Ahren, his best friend who is…” Marleigh is talking, but I haven’t been all too focused on her explanation of where we’re going tonight. She’s focused on the boys, but I can’t stop thinking about a certain teacher I shouldn’t be thinking of. I wanted to impress him with my love of mythology, and when I handed in my assignment from yesterday, I was sure he noticed me trembling.
I can’t explain why, but he makes me nervous. To the point where the hummingbirds in my stomach wake up and fight a battle with my heart. Both thrumming and tumbling with an endless reminder that I most certainly have a crush.
“Are you listening to me?” Marleigh asks, breaking through the fog that has been caused by Mr. Donati and those endless pools I feel myself getting lost in, making it feel as if he’s attempting to bore a hole right through me with one single stare.
“No. Yes. I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be,” Marleigh tells me earnestly. “This is going to be fun, and by fun, I mean we’ll be able to just forget about school and focus on dancing the night away.” Her enthusiasm is catching, and I have to smile. She’s the complete opposite of me. Her wavy, brown hair with those dark eyes are so far from my gray eyes and honey-hued locks.
“I know. I’ll be fine once we’re actually there and I’m in the throng of people,” I inform her with a wink. I slip on the shiny heels that give me a couple inches of height and take in my appearance in the mirror.
My long hair hangs in a sleek style down to the base of my spine. The shimmery black mini dress would most probably give any parent a heart attack, but my aunt isn’t home, and thankfully, I’ll be able to sneak in before she gets back from her meetings.
At first, I was worried about going back to that life. But this is different. At least, that’s what I tell myself in the hopes of not allowing guilt to wash over me. Emotions are pointless. That’s what I’ve learned from an early age.
Don’t feel them.
Don’t show them.
So even as my heart shatters thinking about what I’ve lost, I haven’t cried. I don’t allow the tears to fall because it’s a sign of weakness. And Dad always taught me weakness is for fools.
“This is so short,” I tell Marleigh, looking at the curve of my ass as the hemline hangs at the top of my thighs. “I mean … I can’t bend over.”
A laugh tumbles from her lips. “Or you could and any guy in his right mind would do anything you ask of him.” Her dark brow arches, and the smirk on her lips tells me she’s already planned how to get attention tonight.
“You’re
