Chapter 15
Sara’s thigh is warm under my hand as we sit together studying in the library. I caress it gently, unable to keep myself from touching her even as she tries to focus on her textbook. My fingers trail lightly over her smooth skin. She shifts in her seat but doesn’t pull away, allowing my subtle exploration as we review for our upcoming exams.
Sara seems genuinely worried, her brows furrowed and her posture tense as she flips through her notes.
“I’m never going to pass these exams,” she sighs, dropping her pencil on the table. “Being off campus for so long has completely ruined my chances.”
I give her thigh a little squeeze. “Come on, don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve still got time to prepare.”
She shakes her head, unconvinced. “It’s impossible. There’s no way I can get caught up now, especially with the term ending early.”
I tilt my head to meet her downcast eyes.
“Hey, listen to me. You are smart enough to pass these exams, I know you can do it.”
“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
“No, I mean it,” I insist. “I’ve seen how quick and clever you are. One month away won’t change that.”
Martha gives Sara an encouraging smile.
“Dimitri’s right, don’t underestimate yourself,” Martha says. “We will study together every day until the exams. I know you can do this.”
Sara doesn’t seem convinced but manages a small smile. “Thanks, I appreciate the vote of confidence. I just can’t shake this feeling of being completely unprepared.”
Sara places her hand over mine, holding it against her thigh. Her touch sends a thrill through me. I want to pull her into my arms and kiss her doubts away. To feel her body pressed close against me, warm and yielding. But I restrain myself for now.
I glance at her smooth skin once more before forcing myself to focus. There will be time later for the things I want to do to her. For now, I need to help her prepare for these exams and prove how capable and intelligent I know she is.
I smirk as an idea comes to me and I suggest it.
I can’t help but chuckle at Sara’s skepticism over my little wager. She’s far too humble about her abilities. And too stubborn to accept my help, even when I’m offering it so freely.
“Come on, don’t you have any faith in yourself?” I ask. “This is a win-win for you either way. Just think about it.”
Sara frowns, clearly hesitant. “I don’t know. It doesn’t seem right to make a bet over my exam results.”
“Why not? It’s all in good fun, and you could study with me and my tutor” I say lightly. Though my reasons are far more calculated than simply fun. I need to find ways to spend more time with her.
Sara shakes her head again. “I appreciate the offer, really. But a tutor would be too much.”
“The tutor is working with me anyway. You won’t even have to talk to your father about it.”
At the mention of her father, I see Sara’s expression darken slightly.
“Think of it as an investment in your future career,” I add persuasively. “Don’t let this be what holds you back from success.”
Sara bites her lip, mulling it over. She seems to be wavering. Time to sweeten the deal.
“And of course, we could study together for the exams,” I say casually. “I could really use your help prepping too.” I give her a charming grin. “Consider it a bonus condition. Come on, you know you’re the smartest one in our class. I could use your brilliance rubbing off on me.”
At my flattering words, a hint of pink touches Sara’s cheeks. She glances down, unable to hold my gaze. But still hesitating.
“I don’t know...”
“What’s the harm?” I press gently. “Either you ace the exams, in which case I get to take my favorite study buddy on a nice date. Or you get free tutoring lessons until you’re caught up. It’s a guaranteed win for you, Sara.”
I lean in, lowering my voice persuasively.
“And we both get to spend more time together prepping. Don’t you want to hang out?”
Sara meets my eyes then. And for a moment, I see a flicker of longing in her expression. My pulse quickens. Does she want more time with me as badly as I want it with her? This bet will ensure we get it, no matter the exam results. She has to say yes.
Slowly, Sara nods. “Alright... it’s a bet then.”
Martha laughs and cheers.
Triumph surges through me. Success. Step one complete in getting her right where I want her. Now to seal the deal.
I pick up Sara’s hand, bringing it to my lips in a formal gesture as I grin. “May the best student win.”
Sara rolls her eyes but can’t help a small smile. One step closer to being mine.
Sara yawns, rubbing her eyes. It’s getting late. I take the opportunity to wrap my arm around her shoulders.
“Come on, I think that’s enough studying for tonight. Let me take you back to your room so you can get some rest,” I say.
I slide my arm around Sara’s waist as we exit the library, savoring the feel of her body pressed against my side. Martha trails behind us.
We say goodnight, and Martha heads to her car. I open the passenger door of my sleek black sedan for Sara. She slides in, fatigue evident in the drop of her shoulders. I circle around and enter the driver’s side, igniting the engine with a throaty purr.
We drive to Sara’s dorm. I keep one hand resting on her thigh, relishing the simple intimacy of the contact. She leans her head against the window, eyes half-closed.
When we arrive at the dormitory, I park and turn to her. “Will you be okay tonight? I can stay with you if you’re worried.”
Sara gives me a tired smile. “I’ll be fine. Get some rest too. I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”
I brush a strand of hair from her face, caressing her cheek. Our eyes meet, and an electric current seems to flow between us. Unable to resist any longer, I lean in and capture her lips with mine.
The kiss is gentle at first, a chaste meeting of mouths. But as Sara responds, parting her lips, I deepen it hungrily. My hand slides up to cup her head, tangling in her silky hair. She sighs into my mouth, her breath warm and sweet.
After a blissful moment, I reluctantly pull back, breathless. Sara’s eyes are half-lidded, her cheeks flushed. I want nothing more than to continue kissing her and feel her soft body under mine. But not here, not now.
“Goodnight, Sara,” I murmur. She smiles and steps out of the car on shaky legs. I watch until she disappears inside safely before driving away, already longing for tomorrow.