Page 6 of Unwritten Rules

As he rallies himself somewhat, I feel a grudging respect for the man when he finds my eyes with his own and extends his hand for a second time today.

“My most sincere apologies, Nathaniel. My assumptions…well, I think my immediate thought was that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, if you’ll forgive me.”

Instead of flinching at the reminder that my father did indeed fuck girls far too young for him, I grasp his hand to pump it slowly.

“I can see now I was very much mistaken.”

“You can trust me when I say this, Branson. I am nothing like that man.”

Allowing his hand to drop from my hold, I step back, silently acknowledging the end of our exchange. Chancellor Higgins nods minutely as he huffs. “I apologise for the slight, Nathaniel—and for Monica….”

He trails off, a deep flush climbing his neck to stain his portly cheeks. “Yes, well.” Turning to his right, Higgins grips the door handle, twisting sharply before turning his face to mine to nod brusquely. “Have a pleasant evening.”

I tip my chin once, then he’s out the door like a flash, pulling his mobile from his pocket as he goes. I don’t even try to stop the slow, knowing smile that slashes my face.

He’s going to tear her a new one.

I firmly push all thoughts of asinine students from my head, knowing full well that tomorrow will undoubtedly be more of the same. Finally, I grab my briefcase, pocket my phone, and switch off the lights as I leave my office at last.

The cool spring air is a welcome relief when I exit the building. I head directly for my car with my head fixed on the ground, lest I accidentally make eye contact with someone, warranting an entirely unnecessary chinwag.

I climb into my black Mercedes Benz G-class and toss my briefcase over my shoulder. Upon hearing it land with a thud on the messy backseat, I pull my phone out to quickly confirm my evening’s plans.

ME

Are you still good for tonight?

The dots immediately begin to dance on my screen before a reply pops up.

V

I need to be home by 10 p.m. Can you do earlier?

Glancing at my wristwatch, I note it’s already past 6 p.m. Scrunching up my face in thought, I rapidly debate the pros and cons, but land on the only real solution. I can bypass dinner and head straight there. Needs must, after all.

ME

Perfect. I’ll be there within the hour, so you should be golden.

I slide the phone into my hands-free and peel out of the staff car park.

Maybe I’ll stop for a burger en-route. Unfortunately for my growling stomach, all other needs are superseded by my desire to ensure that I arrive at my destination within the hour.

“Hey, Siri, play The Cure.”

“Just Like Heaven” drums blaze to life on the speakers as I allow my mind to drift perilously close to the forbidden vault – the lyrics in no way helping my state of mind.

I’m drained following the events of the day. Fending off amorous advances from co-eds without a brain cell between them is tiring work indeed. The entitled little shits only sign up for my Shakespearean workshops because their more-money-than-sense parents pay the exorbitant fees to allow their offspring to attend Walden-Forbes. And that ending to the day with Higgins in my office has just compounded my frustrations.

Perhaps just a peek.

My heart seizes in my chest, and my grip tightens on the steering wheel when a flash of golden eyes and silky dark hair crosses my vision. So close that I can almost smell her intoxicating vanilla fragrance tickling my nostrils, making them flare as my dick springs to life in my slacks.

A memory assaults me, and I’m altogether too tired of fighting it any longer as I allow it to whisper desires and bone-weary regret across my mind.

* * *

“Have a great time at your brother’s wedding this weekend, Mila, and I’ll see you next Thursday.”