Page 20 of Silk Sheets

The material of my pants around my hips tightened when I trailed my eyes down her body. I wanted her in that position. Forme.

“Didn’t peg you as a party goer, Professor Hale,” Solace grinned, approaching me with a drink in her hand. Her presence forced my eyes away from Dakota, and although it wasn’t enough to extinguish the fire inside of me, it yanked me back to reality. “Although, I think to be considered a party goer, you’d need a personality. And people skills.”

“Miss Allard,” I acknowledged, crossing my arms over my chest. For once, I was fighting a smile.

“So… are you here to make sure no one secretly spikes the drinks, or to simply stare down every guy who looks at your favorite student?” she questioned, lifting her drink to her lips—only to hide a knowing grin.

I cocked an eyebrow at her, giving my shoulder a slight shrug. “It’s my club, Miss Allard, and someone has to keep things from spiraling out of control.”

“You mean someone has to keepyoufrom spiraling out of control overher,” she mused.

“Who are you referring to?”

Blatantly ignoring my question, she spoke. “You might want to be a little less obvious, Romeo.” Her tone, facial expression and body language was all taunt. “So, what were you like at parties back in your day? Let me guess: brooding in a corner with a book?”

I decided to entertain this conversation. “Something like that.”

“Bet you broke hearts even back then.”

I couldn’t help the chuckle that fell from my lips and I watched her mirror my smile. “I think you’re imagining someone way more interesting.”

“You know, if you weren’t completely obsessed with someone you’re technically not allowed to touch, I’d set you up with my cousin.”

My eyes flickered to Dakota for a split second, then back to Solace. “I’d have to decline.”

“Didn’t think you’d accept,” she shrugged. “Well…” she trailed off, stepping closer. Her demeanour had shifted. It was earnest now. “Be careful with her. If anything happens, and you drag her down with you—I swear to fucking God, Professor Hale, I won’t hesitate to ruin your life as the Professor who slept with his student.”

I hesitated with my response for a brief moment, unsure whether or not Dakota said anything to her, but before I could speak, she beat me to it.

“Enjoy the rest of the party,” she beamed and practically floated away with her drink.

My eyes immediately found Dakota’s, and I watched her put some distance between her and the random college kid that had been hanging on her skin. With a malicious gleam in her eyes, I could tell she whispered something devious in his ear before turning her back on him and heading inside.

Naturally, he followed suit.And so did I.

With the deafening music blasting all around me, I could barely hear anything else.

Dakota strutted upstairs, the dark haired man following right behind her.What are you up to, Dakota?

I couldn’t tear my eyes off her as my legs betrayed me by walking in her direction. I made it upstairs and there were couples sucking on each other’s faces everywhere, in every corner.

I could see Dakota’s little halo in the crowd, and I followed it, feeling my fists clench at my side. She wasn’t going alone into a room with him. I’d make damn sure of that.

I eventually reached the end of the hallway but she had disappeared. My eyes scanned the area, but I couldn’t see her.

My mind immediately raced to the worst case scenario. Her… alone in a room with him.Fuck no.

The muscle in my jaw ticked with frustration. The kids here were either high, drunk, or too horny to even know what was going on around them.

It was dangerous. And I didn’t like the idea of Dakota being here. Especially dressed like that.

A soft hand with black, long manicured nails rested on my chest, a smaller presence appearing behind me. I looked down at the hand, suppressing a smile. I’d recognise those nails anywhere.

She propped herself higher and brought her lips to my ear. “Looking for someone?” she asked, her voice dripping with arrogance.

She stood back down on her feet before slowly dragging her hand down my chest and to my tight abs. She stopped when she reached my belt, and I fought the urge to let her hand stay there.

With every ounce of strength in me, I removed her hand.