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She pauses for just a moment, her eyes never wavering from mine.
I wait intently for her answer, knowing even if she says no, I can’t let her go, not really.
“I want you. I want us.”
I can tell the exact moment my heart stops beating for myself and starts beating for her. Only her. There’s a shift in the air, a tingle of excitement and a trickle of fear. As soon as her words reach my brain and my body starts working again, I lean into her face and press her lips to mine.
She moans into my mouth, and I have half the mind to pick her up and fuck her right here on the table. When her arms snake around my neck, pulling me closer, I almost do just that. I pull away just an inch to prevent me from doing anything I know I’ll most likely regret later. “Let’s go home,” I say, getting up from my chair and tugging her with me.
“I-I can’t go. I-I need this job, remember? I have other students and things to pay for and…” The proverbial reasons spill from her mouth so fast, my head spins.
“Don’t worry about money. You don’t need this job. All you need to know is I’ll take care of you. No matter what, I’ll be there for you.”
I see the worry creep into her features. She doesn’t believe me, and I understand why, but that doesn’t make it any harder of a pill for me to swallow.
“I can’t let you do that, Hero. I need to give Tasha half the rent every month. I need to pay for books and food. I appreciate you want to take care of me, but I left my home so I could prove I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can take care of yourself. You don’t have to prove that. Not to me or anyone else.” I just want her with me so fucking much. I want to spend every minute of the day with her. “Move in with me,” I blurt out.
“I don’t know.” She’s visibly flustered.
I decide I better not push her any farther right now. Reeling in my need for her, I slump back into the chair, trying not to show my utter disappointment. I know I’m being a little unreasonable, but I need her to understand she belongs to me and I will do anything for her.
“How about this? You keep living with your friend in the dorm, but you will quit this job and start working as my personal tutor. Which, of course, will earn you a pay raise. I’ll pay you top dollar,” I snicker. “And know, if you ever change your mind on wanting to move in with me, say the word and I’ll help you pack myself.”
A wide smile spreads across her face, and I know she’s going to say yes before she even opens her mouth. “Okay.”
Chapter Six
Elyse
After our tutoring session, Hero insists on walking me back to the dorm. I would be lying if I said I didn’t like the idea of him taking care of me since it would take a lot of the stress off me so I’ll be able to concentrate more on my own studies.
Ironically, my parents believe men should take care of the women in their life anyway, but I highly doubt they had Hero picked out as a future husband. In fact, I know he’s the exact opposite of what they would find acceptable.
I let the thoughts go, and together, we walk up the stairs leading to my dorm room. A part of me wonders if I should invite him into my room. All we’ve ever done is kiss and some light petting, maybe he’s expecting more from me?
I told him I want this, whatever it is, to be his, does that mean—
Three steps before we reach the top of the stairs, my knees lock up, propelling me forward. My heart races inside my chest, and I feel like I’m on the verge of a panic attack. My arms fly up instinctively to brace myself from falling, but Hero’s quick reflexes protect me. With one strong arm wrapped around me, he pulls me straight up on my feet and into his side.
“Are you okay?” Hero asks, searching my face for a response.
“I…” One single vowel is all I can get past the golf ball sized lump in my throat. My eyes never waver from the two figures standing in front on my dorm room door, their judgmental eyes staring me down like they’re about to drag me away by my hair and lock me up in the church basement.
I can’t breathe. My hands feel clammy, and my body is reacting in a way it never has before. There’s fear, but there’s something else beneath that.
