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The first time I step into the library since I started at Black Mountain Academy I’m in awe. The room is massive, with windows that allow natural sunlight to stream into the space. There are rows and rows of books. Compared to my old school, this place is a sanctuary if ever I saw one.
Since I have a free hour, I grab a few history books for my paper and settle into a chair. Even though it’s written, there are a few facts I want to recheck to make sure they’re correct. I want to impress Elian, and even though he is an asshole, I want him to see that I’m competent and I deserve a good grade for the effort I put into my schoolwork.
If only he wasn’t my history teacher. Having someone I loathe teach me my favorite subject is annoying as all hell. But what I decided yesterday was to put all my focus into getting straight As in his class. Then he’d have no reason to treat me like an immature little girl.
Losing myself in the books, I work on my paper, tweaking and changing dates that need to be amended. I don’t notice anyone else in my space until a shadow crosses over me and I’m snapping my head up to find teal eyes locked on me.
“What are you doing here?”
The corner of his mouth ticks up into a wolfish grin. “I work here. I’m allowed to be in any room I please,” he tells me with an air of confidence and superiority. Asshole. “Catching up on your homework?” His gaze snakes over my work.
“No. As a matter of fact, I finished my paper yesterday. I’m just making sure I have all the dates correct.” My voice is a rushed whisper of frustration, and with the expression I get in response from Elian, I have a feeling he’s enjoying my squirming.
“Then you have nothing to worry about,” he tells me coolly. “I’ll see you in a few minutes in my class, Ms. Davenport.” He turns and walks away, leaving me glaring at his back. I don’t know how this man can infuriate me so much. It’s as if he’s always looking at me like I’m about to fuck something up.
Granted, my past is dotted with a few bad choices, but that’s where I’ve left them—in the past. I’m not that girl anymore. My aunt has given me a new lease on life, and I don’t plan on repeating my mistakes.
I pack up the moment the bell rings and head out into the hallway into a crowd of students all rushing to their next class. As my footsteps click along the floor, I think about where I’m headed. Even though my paper is ready and I’m confident it’s worthy of an A, maybe a B-plus, I have a feeling Elian is going to be harsher on grading mine than any of the other students.
When I reach his class, Melody is leaning over his desk, giggling at something she’s just said, but those eyes, those iridescent pools of ocean blue, pierce me from over her shoulder, and I don’t even think she noticed.
I can’t say I’m jealous. I can’t admit that at all. As I move through the classroom to my desk, I can feel his stare on me. It’s as if we’re magnets and he’s attached himself to my soul. I have never been so flayed by someone by a mere glance.
I settle in my chair, catching his gaze the moment I look up, blue against steel. Once Melody leaves his desk, realizing she’s no longer the object of his attention, I find myself trembling. Heat trails through me when Elian rises and moves to stand before us. Everything about this man has been perfected. From his broad shoulders to his tapered waist, and his chiseled features that would make any Greek god weep. Right down to the minute details, like even his shirt matches those endless pools of blue, and there’s not a crease to be seen.
“Thank you all for joining me today,” he says, his deep voice rumbling through each of us, affecting me more than I’d like. “I’ve gone through your papers on how you think history is relevant to modern society. I have to say I’m impressed at the level of interest and the way you all approached the subject.”
A smile tilts his lips. It’s slight, but it’s there. I can’t look away. As much as I know I should perhaps give Ahren a chance, I can’t stop the attraction to his brother. Both Donati men seem to have a power over me, and I can’t fight it.
But I don’t want to be another giggly schoolgirl wanting her teacher, and I don’t want to be another notch in Ahren’s bedpost. It’s not who I am. Elian turns to the blackboard, and I know it’s time to focus on classwork rather than my raging teenage hormones. Sighing, I sit back and pick up my pencil. Time to take notes.
