Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ARCHER
The rain lashed against the windows as I made my way down the narrow hall to my office.
I fucking hate storms.
Thunder rolled overhead, low and angry. I kicked the door open with the heel of my boot and stepped inside, flicking on the lamp by my desk.
I shrugged out of my coat and let it fall over the back of a chair.
I went straight to the cabinet behind my desk, pulled out a bottle of whisky, and poured a generous glass.
Another crack of thunder split the night. The windows trembled.
It was too late to make it back to my flat in Stonewall. The single road that wound down the cliff would be slick and dangerous, and I doubted the ferry was running in this weather anyway – not with waves like these.
So, it was me and my office couch tonight.
Great.
I sat at my desk and stared absentmindedly at the stack of papers in front of me that I had no intention of grading right now.
God, I was risking so much by doing this. More than simply being fired.
I cannot leave Ashcroft. I can’t leave Stonewall.
I put my head in my hands and scrunched my eyes closed. I have to be so careful not to fuck this up over some goddamn feelings for a student.
I took a long swig of my drink.
She’s not just a student, though, is she? the voice in my head asked, and I knew the answer. Of course not. I just couldn’t believe I’d let it get this far.
I can’t fall for her. I just can’t.
I’d shocked myself at how quickly my feelings for her grew. I didn’t even know her very well… only the things I’d read in her file.
The things about how hard her life had been.
She haunted my thoughts. I thought about her all day, every day, and then she had the audacity to enter my dreams too.
This fucking girl.
The feel of her skin, and the smooth incline of her breasts… I became instantly hard at the thought. The noises she’d made… the way she’d said my name.
I slammed my fist down on the table. Why did this have to happen right now?
I’d nearly screwed it all up tonight, too.
Agnar asked me why I was late, and I had to lie to him. Why would I even risk that? I needed to get myself together. I should be convincing myself never to see her again, but instead I found my mind replaying the whole night.
I asked her to go off the island with me. For a real date.
My hands raked through my hair, clutching at the messy strands.
I should be so angry with myself. So angry for threatening everything I’ve worked for. Fifteen years in the making and for what? For what, if I mess it all up…
Because of her.
But I’d be lying if I said I didn't want her.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss her the second I left the greenhouse.
She said she needed me. She even begged for me.
I know I’d likely regret it, but I didn’t care.
I wanted her.
And nothing was going to stop me from having her.