Chapter 2
Chloe
“Sexy as fuck,” Brandy huffed, her heavy breathing far too dramatic.
“You mean fuckable,” Elizabeth added, sticking her knuckle in her mouth as she swayed back and forth. “What I wouldn’t give to take one peek at his gorgeous cock.”
Sighing, I grabbed my books, jerking to a standing position. While I acted incensed, I’d thought the same thing more than once. “And he’s our professor.”
“So?” Brandy demanded.
“Remember Miss Straight ‘A’ over here is the teacher’s pet. I have no idea why you’re acting extremely interested in Russian history. I certainly don’t plan on going to the wretched country any time soon.” Elizabeth snorted after issuing the statement.
There were days I felt like I was still in high school.
While our blond, buff professor was the epitome of the perfect rugged man, he was also an excellent teacher, his passion for the subject undeniable.
I’d enjoyed every minute in his class, even though my Russian education would be of little use in the real world.
“So,” I said, ignoring Elizabeth’s ugly insinuations, “that means he’s off limits.” I darted a look in Professor Lenkov’s direction, trying to keep any emotion from my face.
Or the burning desire I’d felt since the first day I’d set foot in his class.
Russian Studies.
I’d actually signed up at the last minute, needing the credits and with little else available, I’d taken a chance.
He was more like a god than a man, his intense sapphire blue eyes forever watching me, as if I was a little bird he’d wanted to protect. He had the dark intensity of a predator, although he’d never been anything but professional.
Still, I’d had the distinct feeling that he longed to devour every inch of my body.
“Why?” Elizabeth teased, elbowing me before grabbing her things. “You’re staying here over the summer. The professor lives here.”
“What are you suggesting?” I gave her a hard look.
She shrugged and headed away from us, looking over her shoulder.
“A wicked little tryst, darling. You should try it sometime. That might make you less uptight.” As she laughed, I made a face.
Elizabeth knew that my summer was going to be filled with double shifts, leaving me little time for anything else.
I had no other choice if I wanted to obtain my bachelor’s degree.
I also took my studies very seriously. I didn’t have the luxury of having doting parents willing to pay for everything, including a lovely apartment in one of the wealthiest locations in town. I had student loans out the yin-yang and was forced to work long hours in order to support myself.
I stole a quick glance at the sexy Russian as he turned off the presentation.
He’d already loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, which was rare.
Maybe he’d been mandated by the school’s officials to hide his colorful tattoos.
Ink covered almost every inch of his muscular arm, the colorful designs drawing my attention.
They only added to his extreme sex appeal.
And the professional clothes he wore every day couldn’t hide his roughhewn body.
Sighing, I realized I was licking my lips like some lovestruck high-school girl. I’d worked far too hard to act immature over some guy who was entirely off limits.
Except he was sexy as hell.
And he drove one wicked Camaro.
“Don’t let her bother you. She doesn’t understand what you have to go through,” Brandy said quietly. “I wish you could take the summer off and come home with me. We’d have such a great time.”
“I know and I love your offer, but I can’t.”
She nodded. “I know but I’m going to miss you. I better get going. I actually have a date later this afternoon.”
“Good for you.” After she squeezed my arm, she headed out of the auditorium-style room.
I hated the fact I’d been forced to work my way through college, but there was nothing else I could do since I’d been disowned by my family.
To hell with them. I’d made a promise to myself the day I turned eighteen, realizing that if I wanted to make anything of myself, I would do it entirely on my own.
Never give up.
I’d worked for two solid years at three different jobs in order to save enough money to finally leave the two-bit town in North Carolina.
So what if I was older than the others? That gave me certain advantages.
I laughed to myself, realizing I’d been daydreaming long enough there wasn’t a single soul left in the room.
With the exception of the gorgeous professor.
A sudden flush of heat rushed into my system, my body tingling. I lifted my head, realizing Professor Lenkov was staring at me, his deep blue eyes managing to pierce the distance between us. I’d seen him looking at me before just like I’d admired his physique and prowess from day one.
Given it was the last class of the day, he left first. I lingered. A huge part of me wanted to know more about him. After a few seconds, I exited the classroom, catching a glimpse of him as he walked toward the exit of the building.
I followed.
My heart racing, I remained far enough in the distance that I hoped he didn’t realize I was following him like some lovesick girl.
When he approached his vehicle, he took at least a full two minutes scanning the perimeter of the University’s parking lot before sliding into the Camaro.
The moment he revved the engine, the vibrations seemed to resonate in every muscle in my body.
I was like a live wire, desire surging to the point I was forced to take shallow breaths.
I dared to inch closer, unable to take my eyes off him as he revved the engine, finally heading toward the main road. When he drove off, I moved closer to the street, my nipples aching from the lurid thoughts racing through my mind.
Wanton sex.
Forbidden.
Even taboo.
He was like a predator in the night, every single inch of his personality screaming of a dangerous adventure. He was almost never seen in town, a quiet man who kept to himself.
I had to wonder what secrets he was hiding.
Everyone had them.
Including me.
* * *
Milly’s Diner.
There was nothing glorious about the location, but the food was excellent and the drinks flowing. Almost always packed, tonight it was quieter than normal. The owner liked me well enough, ensuring I could have as many shifts as I wanted when school was over. One more day then freedom.
Yeah, right.
At least the night seemed to go by quickly.
I pressed my hands against the ugly apron I was forced to wear, staring out the window for the tenth time.
It was already after ten-thirty. Thank God we usually closed at eleven, although it depended on how many customers were inside.
After that, I’d have at least thirty minutes of prep time for the next day.
I was exhausted, the long hours starting to take a toll.
I’d allowed myself two days off after the end of the term to rest and enjoy.
Then back to the grind.
One more night of hard work.
A loud noise drew my attention, the sound forcing me to bristle. The unruly group of guys had pissed me off more than once. They were getting dangerously close to crossing several lines. I had no issue putting them in their place. Even my boss admired what he called my chutzpa.
“Better go see what they want before they tear up the place. Handle them, tiger.”
I gave the other remaining waitress a playful rebellious look until she laughed.
Becky was a pleasure to work with. She’d been around the block a few times, her fresh take on drunk assholes always providing a laugh.
Exhaling in an exaggerated fashion, I walked toward the table, taking my sweet time.
“There she is, the most beautiful girl in the world. Come here, darlin’. Me and the boys need some refreshments.”
The dude was huge, ugly, and didn’t like to hear the word no. I moved as close at their stench would allow, smiling sweetly like my mama had taught me to do. “Another round?”
“You betcha, sugar britches. Say, you wanna come have fun with us after work? We’ll wait for ya.” The second guy leered at me as if I was already standing naked in front of him, ready to ride him like a wild stallion.
“I’m sorry, boys. My big, burly boyfriend wouldn’t like it if I stepped out on him.” I turned away abruptly before I said something I was going to regret.
Then I saw him.
The professor.
Gone was his usual crisp white shirt, gray trousers, and the colorful tie that almost always highlighted his gorgeous eyes.
Tonight, he wore a tight tee shirt and an even tighter pair of faded blue jeans, the kind that hugged every bulge to the point I couldn’t think clearly.
As I approached, I was able to see even more of his tats, the colorful ink crawling up both arms. With the way the neck of the tee shirt hit, I also noticed a slight curl of a vine or something similar peeking out.
With his blond hair and chiseled body, he was the epitome of a god.
And he just seated himself in my section.
Shit.
What was I supposed to do?
Think and act like a mature woman, for God’s sake.
My little voice was right. He had to eat somewhere. Why not in my diner? His back was to me, thank God. That allowed me time to collect my shit before making a fool of myself.
I took a deep breath then grabbed a menu before walking to his table.
When I eased it down in front of him, he slowly lifted his head, locking eyes with mine.
There was a split second where nothing else existed but the two of us.
I was floored by my body’s reaction, my pussy quivering and my nipples rock hard.
Even with the apron covering a portion of my shirt, I had no doubt he could tell how aroused I was.
Swallowing hard, I offered a timid smile, which wasn’t like me in the least. What was he doing here? “Hi. Welcome to Milly’s.”
Of course I’d heard his voice before. I knew every gruff inflection, the husky tone always wrapping around me like a bearskin rug on a cold winter’s morning.