The realization hits me hard. Cain is right; I probably couldn't have saved myself in the forest. But what bothers me more is the sense of ownership he seems to exert over me, as if I am nothing more than a mere object under his control. It leaves me feeling irritated and frustrated.
I push myself up from the chair, my eyes locked on him with a burning intensity. My lips curl with frustration and anger. I stand there, ready to speak my mind. “I know you're trying to keep me safe. However, I'm not your property, Cain.”
He leans back, crossing his arms with a smug expression. His eyes scan me from head to toe before he utters, “You are whatever I say you are. You’re the one who said you didn't want to escape me, remember,” he says, smugly.
I feel the anger building up inside me and I can hardly bear to look at him. Without a word, I turn to walk past him, but he suddenly reaches out and grabs my upper arm, holding it in an iron grip that sends a jolt of pain through my body. I feel his strong hands pushing me backward, causing my body to stumble and fall onto the table. The sudden impact of the hard surface against my skin sends shivers down my spine. He looms over me with his emotionless eyes. Despite the anger simmering between us our lips meet in a passionate kiss.
“I fucking own you,” he growls, taunting me.
I gaze at him with a burning rage and my hand instinctively rises to slap him across his smug face. But before my hand can make contact, he swiftly blocks my attempt with a chuckle as if he knew it was coming all along.
“Nice try.” He laughs.
Our lips meet again and a strange, conflicting feeling rises within me. On the one hand, I am seething with anger towards him, yet on the other, an inexplicable force draws me closer to him. Despite my resentment, I find myself unable to resist him.
In the tense moment, he firmly grips my upper arms and sternly commands, “You need to say that you will behave like a good girl.”
The fucker turns me on so much, but I don't want him to know at this moment. He will only get pleasure out of it.
“I’ll behave like a good girl...” I mutter.
“Good, because tomorrow I’m taking you out. Now go get ready for college,” he explains as he loosens his grip on my arms.
I don’t reply; I’m still annoyed with him. I quickly disentangle myself and hop off the table as I make my way towards the bedroom. I take a deep breath as I open the door quietly, trying not to wake Nate. The sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow on the walls and his face. I am ready to begin my day.
The drive to college was uneventful as Mike trailed behind me in his car. When we enter the college's parking lot, I park my car and go to step out. Before I can react, Mike walks up to me, reaches for my car door, and opens it. As he leans in, I can feel his breath on my face and my heart skips a beat. In a sudden move, he kisses me and his actions take me aback. The moment is unexpected.
“We’re gonna get caught,” I hiss.
A faint smile plays on his lips. “I'll see you in class, Miss Billings,” he says with a casual shrug. I watch him as he walks away, his figure gradually fading into the bustling crowd of college students. I hold off momentarily before finally stepping forward and following in his footsteps.
I enter the classroom and my eyes land on Mike, who’s leaning casually against the wooden desk. Seeing him in class sends a rush of excitement through me, causing my stomach to flutter with anticipation. He's dressed in a crisp, white shirt and black trousers that fit him perfectly, accentuating his toned physique. His wavy hair falls effortlessly around his face. I can't help but feel captivated by him, especially in this setting, where he exudes confidence and intelligence.
He slyly winks at me as I walk by. I can't help but feel my stomach flutter, knowing that our little moment went unnoticed by others. He clearly enjoys living on the edge and taking risks, which only adds to the exhilaration of our unspoken connection.
I prepare myself for the day's work ahead. The classroom is quiet, with only Mike speaking and starting his lesson. Suddenly, the door creaks open and Rae walks in. Sitting at his desk, Mike looks up and says, “You're five minutes late. I'll let you off this time.” Rae apologizes and quickly takes her seat, ready to begin the lesson.
Mike begins his lecture and the room fills with the sound of general chit-chat as his students discuss various subjects. At the back of the classroom, our class sits in front of our computers, working diligently in near silence. Suddenly, Rae turns to me and says, “I can't believe he let me off. Someone's feeling pretty happy today.” Her tone drips with sarcasm.
Out of nowhere, my phone emits a sudden and loud ping, and I rush to put it on silent. My phone is indicating the arrival of a group text message. As I reach for my phone to see what it is, I experience a brief moment of confusion. I had momentarily forgotten I was in a group chat with Mike, Nate, and Cain.
Nate
Have a nice day at college, baby. Xx
Me
I will try. Hopefully, I won't get in trouble and get told off by the professor. ;) xx
Cain
Well, I’m the only one who gives out the punishment.
Me
Of course, you would say that. I do hate you sometimes, Cain.
Cain
I don’t hear you say that when you scream my name.
Nate
LOL xx
What's for dinner, by the way? xx
Me
Oh, I’m cooking tonight, then? Uhh! Pasta? Xx
Nate
Niceeeee xx
Rae curiously peers over my shoulder. “Why are you grinning at your phone? Who are you texting?” she inquires. “Oh, no one,” I respond as I hastily tuck my phone into my bag, hoping to avoid further questioning.
