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She sucks in a shocked breath. “That can’t be right. I never would have guessed that…”
“Yeah, I guess I’m not great at showing off my feelings…”
She rolls her eyes. “You can say that again. But how does that relate to the blackmail?”
“Well, I didn’t think you’d be interested in me if there wasn’t a link to Vaughn as well.”
Her expression shifts from annoyance to surprise, and I can see the wheels turning in her head as she processes my confession. “You... you blackmailed me into helping you with your homework because you were in love with me? That’s the short version of the story?”
I nod, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “Yes, I’m sorry for that. I didn’t want to exploit you, but I also couldn’t bear the thought of not having a reason to see you, to be near you. It was a selfish move, and I understand if you’re angry.”
“We worked together. You didn’t need to blackmail me.”
I hang my head low. “That didn’t feel like enough. Especially considering you clearly didn’t want to talk to me when we first started working together.”
“Because I couldn’t trust you!” she explodes. “Because I didn’t think you’d ever see things from my point of view. I thought you would always be on Vaughn’s side. And while that might not have been right, at the same time, you haven’t exactly proven to me that you’re trustworthy.”
“I know. I really have been an ass, and I’m so sorry about that. I certainly didn’t think I’d have to confront this with you in the middle of the forbidden forest.”
Mahalia’s features soften, and she sighs, running a hand through her hair. “Lars, I don’t know what to say. That’s... a lot to take in. But at least you’re being honest now. I guess we do have to spend the next year together, so we can just put that behind us.”
I nod, relieved that she’s not immediately pushing me away. “I am, Mahalia. And I’m truly sorry for everything. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me… because if it wasn’t the homework, then it might have been sexual favors instead.”
She looks at me for a moment, her gaze searching, and then she offers a small smile with a naughty twinkling in her eye. Thank God because sometimes I can’t stop myself from being cheeky and occasionally pushing it a bit too far “Maybe homework was for the best then… that I might be able to forgive you for.”
My heart soars at her words, and I can’t help but return her smile. “Thank you, Mahalia. I promise to make it up to you, and I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe and happy.”
“So, Lars,” Mahalia says with a playful smirk as she nods, accepting everything I’ve just said to her at last, “are you always this smooth with your explanations, or is this just a special occasion? Am I the lucky one here?”
I chuckle, meeting her gaze with a wink. “Oh, you have no idea, Mahalia. I save my smoothest lines for the most captivating company. So, I guess you are lucky.”
She raises an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly grin. “Is that so? Well, you better be careful. I might start thinking you’re trying to woo me.”
I lean in a little closer, my voice low and suggestive. “Maybe I am, Mahalia. Or maybe I just enjoy making you smile.”
Her laughter fills the air, and she playfully nudges my shoulder. “Smooth, Lars. Very smooth.”
I can’t help but grin, feeling a growing connection between us. “I aim to please.”
As we continue our conversation, the flirting intensifies. Our words are laced with innuendo and playful challenges, each comment sparking a fire of attraction between us. It’s as if we’ve both been waiting for this moment, this chance to explore a deeper connection. I can’t believe that Mahalia might be feeling the same way as I am. I never could have predicted that. This year might be a lot of fun!
Mahalia’s eyes twinkle with mischief as she leans closer, her voice dropping to a sultrier tone. “You know, Lars, spending a year under a hidden waterfall with someone as charming as you might not be so bad after all. The other guys as well… I’m kinda looking forward to it, especially now that I can paint.”
“Yeah, I’m very interested in seeing your painting…”
It makes sense because academia doesn’t seem to bring her any joy. I probably shouldn’t have made her do all my homework…
I meet her gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. “I was hoping you’d say that, Mahalia. Who knows what adventures await us in the forbidden forest?”
Her fingers brush against mine, sending a shiver down my spine. “I guess we’ll find out together, won’t we? As long as the Rift doesn’t cause us too much trouble.”
With that, the boundaries between us blur, and the promise of something new and exciting hangs in the air. I can see the desire dancing in her eyes as she turns to look at me. “Well, you might be able to make it up to me, you know? Give me a break from the college work for a change.”
“Oh yeah? What do you want me to do?”
“A year of my homework,” she declares, her eyes glinting mischievously. “With interest. I expect nothing less than a B plus.”
I can’t help but cringe at the thought of all the homework I’ll have to do, but I know it’s a fair deal. “Alright,” I agree, trying to put on a brave face. “A year of your homework, with interest, and a B plus it is. I’ll do my best. I’m not as clever as you, though…”
