Chapter 22 – The Professor's Interest
The lecture hall buzzed with chatter, papers rustling and pens clicking as students settled in. Aria slipped into her usual seat near the middle, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She hadn't told Damien she had a morning class — partly because he'd insist on driving her, partly because she wanted one corner of her life untouched by his shadow.
But the illusion didn't last.
"Miss Aria," Professor Callahan's voice rang out, smooth and commanding, drawing the room to silence. He was younger than most of the staff, barely in his thirties, with sharp features and the kind of easy confidence that made students lean forward when he spoke. Today, though, his gaze lingered on her longer than usual.
"I've been reviewing last week's submissions," he continued, holding a stack of papers. "And one essay stood out for its clarity and originality."
He lifted one sheet — her sheet.
"Aria Daniels. Excellent work."
Her cheeks flushed as heads turned toward her, whispers sparking instantly.
"Of course she did well—she's with Damien Black."
"Bet he paid him off."
"No, maybe she's just smarter than she looks…"
Aria stiffened. The whispers stung, but what caught her more off guard was the way Professor Callahan smiled at her — not just proud, but interested.
"Perhaps," he added, eyes still on her, "you'd consider assisting me with research after hours? I think you've got potential that shouldn't be wasted."
The invitation sent another ripple of whispers across the room. Aria forced a polite smile and nodded quickly, wishing the ground would swallow her.
When class ended, she hurried out, hugging her books to her chest. But the moment she stepped outside, a familiar presence stopped her in her tracks.
Damien.
Leaning against his sleek black car, tailored suit catching the morning light, he was impossible to miss. His gaze zeroed in on her — sharp, unreadable.
"Skipped breakfast," he said casually, but the edge in his tone told her he hadn't come for food.
Aria's heart stuttered. "Damien—what are you doing here?"
"Should I not be?" He pushed off the car, closing the space between them in a few strides. His hand slid possessively around her waist, pulling her close enough that several students gawked openly. "You seemed… distracted in class."
"You were watching me?" she whispered.
"I watch everything that concerns me," he said darkly, his gaze flicking toward the building where Professor Callahan still lingered in the doorway. The professor gave a polite nod in Damien's direction before disappearing back inside.
Damien's grip tightened. "Him?"
Aria swallowed. "He's just my professor. He complimented my essay, that's all."
"That's all?" His voice dropped to a low, dangerous growl. "The way he looked at you…"
"Damien." She stepped back, defiance sparking in her chest. "You can't do this. You can't storm into my school and act like I belong to you."
His eyes narrowed. "You do belong to me."
Her breath caught — from the intensity, from the truth in his words that both thrilled and terrified her. But she forced herself to hold his gaze. "I belong to myself, Damien. If you can't accept that…"
The silence between them was thick, electric, dangerous.
Finally, he released her waist, though his jaw was clenched tight. "We'll talk later."
He slid into his car and drove off, leaving her trembling on the pavement, torn between anger and desire.
But as she turned back toward campus, she caught a glimpse of Professor Callahan watching from the top of the stairs, expression unreadable.
And in that moment, she knew — this wasn't over.