42. Alexis
CHAPTER 42
Alexis
E xiting the building, I suck in deep breaths of oxygen, berating myself for being so careless .
Anxiety courses through me as I look at the screen. Shit. He hasn’t read it yet. Come on, Evan.
My breathing is too rapid, and my vision dims, making me lightheaded.
My gaze wanders around, stopping on a nearby maple tree. The leaves are beginning to change color, signaling that fall is around the corner. I study the different colors while focusing on my breathing.
My phone beeps, and I look down at it, relieved to see Evan’s name on the screen. I changed his contact name to “Asshole Stepbro” during class after I saw the grade on my paper.
ASSHOLE STEPbrO: Thanks for the heads up. It’ll be fine. I’ll take care of it.
ME: She heard noises. What if she figures it out?
ASSHOLE STEPbrO: Stop worrying. I’ve got this.
ME: She seemed suspicious.
ASSHOLE STEPbrO: Don’t worry. I’ll protect both of us.
I stare at his response, still feeling anxious. Bubbles appear as he types. I bite my lip while waiting for his response.
ASSHOLE STEPbrO: There’s a knock on my door. I’ll call you as soon as she leaves, okay?
His words make me feel marginally better.
ME: Okay.
ASSHOLE STEPbrO: Deep breaths. Take a walk. Relax and have a coffee.
ME: That’s where I’m heading. I’m meeting Sophia.
ASSHOLE STEPbrO: Good girl. It’ll be fine. I’ll call you soon.
Squaring my shoulders, I put my phone away and head to the coffee shop to meet Sophia.
Sophia and I are strolling outside with our coffees, enjoying the cool mid-September air. “Thank you for meeting me.”
“Anytime, Lexi.” She gestures her cup toward an empty bench nestled against some trees that offer privacy. She waits until we get closer before speaking. “Trust me, I get it. Staying at Trent’s… while it’s hot, the guilt is not. Sneaking around is sexy, but it also tears you up inside.” She bites her lips, her eyes on her brown boots as we sit.
“True. Why do I feel there’s more to the story?”
Her blush deepens, and she squirms, instantly confirming I’m right. She heaves out a sigh before turning to me. “When I returned to my dorm room, it had been ransacked.”
I nearly choked on my coffee at her words. Once I got myself under control, I stared at her in horror.“Oh my gosh. Did you report it?”
“Trent did. He was with me when I opened my door.” She gestures with her cup before taking a sip.
I cross my legs, studying her face. “What’s the university gonna do about it?”
She heaves out a sigh. “Not much, unfortunately. They checked the cameras but didn’t see anyone. They reminded me to ensure I always lock my door. It felt like they were blaming me.”
“Assholes.” I shake my head, disgusted by their response. “I’m so sorry, Sophia.”
She nods, not saying anything.
I grab her hand, squeezing it. “I’m worried about you.”
“Don’t be. I… uh… I’m safe.”
My brows raise as I take in her guilty expression. “You’re staying with Trent.”
She bites her lip. “Yup. I moved in temporarily. But I’m keeping it quiet so Owen doesn’t find out.”
“I promise I won’t say a word.” I give her a warm smile. “I like having you close, even if it’s on a different floor and the opposite end of the building.”
“We should get together and have a girl’s night sometime.” She bumps her shoulder into mine, wiggling her brows. “Or maybe the four of us could have dinner together at one of our apartments.”
It’s my turn to blush. “Sure. That sounds fun.” I keep my eyes averted.
“Something happened. Spill it.”
I squirm on the bench, twisting my coffee cup in my hands.
“You fucked him in his office?”
My head snaps to hers. “How’d you know?”
“Girl, seriously?” Sophia snorts. “That’s the forbidden fantasy. A hot professor bending you over his desk and railing you.”
“A forbidden fantasy is the key. Most people don’t…” My voice trails off as she smirks. “Wait. Did you screw Trent in his office?”
“Shhh…” Sophia’s eyes dart around, even though no one is close to us. “Yes. It’s different since he’s a TA, not a professor.”
“Still inappropriate but sexy. What happened?”
She gives me a weak smile. “I’d just gotten out of class and received one of those damn creepy texts from my stalker.”
I try to hide my smirk behind my cup. “So you decided to go to Trent’s office and have him stuff you full of his cock to take the fear away?”
She smacks my leg, making me giggle. “It worked. I forgot about the texts.” She winks before her gaze drops to my bare legs. “I can’t believe Evan hasn’t freaked out about your outfit. Girl, you look hotter than hell.”
I shiver as the breeze washes over us. “Oh, he was pissed. He punished me appropriately.”
Sophia laughs. “Is that what freaked you out?”
I shook my head before giving her the details about my run-in with Jessica. “She said she heard noises. I’m worried she knows…” My phone rings, and I turn, retrieving it from my backpack.“I need to take this.”
Sophia blows a kiss at me. “Get it, girl.”
I roll my eyes as I stand, moving away from her to get some privacy. “Hello.” My voice sounds breathless.
“Hey, bellissima. How’re you doing?” Evan’s low, raspy tone is as seductive as mine.
“Better. I’m with Sophia but walked away so we could talk privately.”
“Good girl.”
Damn it. Why do my nipples harden every time he says that?
“Everything is fine with Jessica. You don’t have to worry. She doesn’t suspect a thing.”
I raise my brows, disbelief coursing through me as I hold my phone to my ear. “Are you sure? The things she said and the way she looked?—"
He raises his voice, cutting me off. “It’s fine, Lexi. I took care of it.”
His tone grates my nerves, but I know I’m on thin ice with him. After the grade I received on my paper, I don’t need to piss him off even more. “You mentioned extra credit. What do I need?—”
He cuts me off. “Just resubmit the paper with the missing information, and I’ll review it and change your grade.”
My eyes narrow as I comprehend his words. “That sounds like breaking the rules.”
“I make the rules for my class.” His voice lowers. “And I’m changing them.”
“That’s not right.”
“So you’d rather I give you the C and risk lowering your GPA?”
“No, but?—"
“No buts, Lexi. Either resubmit and earn a better grade, or don’t and keep your existing grade. It’s not open for discussion.”
Anger rolls through me, causing me to clench the phone so tightly I’m surprised I don’t break it. “Fine. I’ve gotta go. I’ll see you later.” I end the call, stomping back to Sophia.
“Rough conversation?” She takes a sip of her coffee, a knowing look on her face.
“I’m pissed off. He irritates the hell outta me.” I grab my coffee from where I set it on the bench and lift it to my lips, draining it in one gulp.
“I think I have a solution.” Sophia’s dark eyes sparkle with mischief, and the shit-eating grin on her face dulls my anger.
“I’m all ears.”
“Wanna go to a party tonight? Dance, drink, and have some fun.”
“Where?”
“Whispering Springs Athletic House. Home of the football team.”
“Ohh, sounds fun. I’m in.”