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“You know, students talk, and some of the steamy stories I’ve heard about the men in your life…” Squires waves her hand like she’s dissipating the steam. “Well, I’d hate for the wrong person to hear them, wouldn’t you?”

Her tone strives for concern, but it’s a bit flat. There’s a gleam in her eyes that reminds me of a spider waiting for their prey tofly into their trap. It’s a poorly laid one, like she has no choice but to escalate the rumors if I don’t explain my personal life to her.

“I’m sorry, you’re trying to accuse me of what… sleeping my way to success? That’s a bold claim, especially without proof. Without so much as a name…” I let out a soft, indignant laugh, because let’s face it, I’m growing offended. “Wouldn’t want to see your reputation suffer if people think you’re spreading false claims.”

Dr. Squires barely blinks back at me, and I wish I could say I didn’t see this coming. The old professor from three years ago stands before me, sure that we’re competing over something I can’t see.

However, if this is some kind of game, I don’t plan on losing.

Her gaze drifts to Cedric’s door for a second before her brows furrow. “See, I thought you might respond with more serious concern. You’ve worked hard to build your reputation in this program, and I fear your work won’t be taken seriously when everyone knows how you got certain… opportunities.”

“Oh, no, you caught me. I guess I’ll have to quit school and live in shame forever. Tragic.”

What fucking opportunities does she think I’ve gotten? I’m Film Club’s president. I’m working on a project with an eleven-year-old artist. I’m filming my senior thesis project. I go to class and have fun with my friend and stay home with my son.

I can’t imagine why Squires feels like she needs to insert herself in my business.

Unless she’s had her eye on one of the men and I’ve gotten in her way?

If that’s true, it’s certainly not my fault.

The fact that I’m getting absolutely no special treatment, the fact that only Cedric is in charge of my grade in a pass-fail capacity, means little. Yet, each one of them could get in trouble for simply being a teacher at the university since I’m a student.

And that really sucks.

I should really brace each of them for the possibilities. And for the fact that there’s three of them.

My back teeth grind together, and I try to look bored.Not freaking out over here.

Squires leans in, a smug smile curling at the edge of her lips.

"You might think you're untouchable, Sofia, but secrets have a funny way of getting out. And when they do… Well, I just hope you're ready for the fallout."

Dr. Squires straightens, smoothing her blouse like she hasn't just threatened me.

What exactly does she want from me? What is her purpose here?

Crossing my arms, I do not understand her. Or other women who act like her. I shrug, lacking any other response to her threat. She’ll either do it or she won’t. I have no control over her actions.

I do have this recorded, though. It doesn’t look good for her.

Not that it looks great for me.

"Enjoy the rest of your semester." Then she walks away—calm, confident, and far too pleased with herself.

I can only prepare for what she might say.

23

ORION

Ipause at the end of the hall when I see Constance Squires leaning in toward Sofia in a leering manner. Anger and dread flare in the pit of my stomach as her features transform into an acrid smile. I’m stuck in place, knowing I can’t step in between whatever is going on in case it’s about me.

I struggle to not follow her around the lab or stick around too long after Film Club. To not watch her all the time.

Perhaps I’m failing miserably at being subtle. I’m sure to flirt with others in the office, making it a type of my personality so that no one has any idea who I’m actually interested in, but that might be backfiring, too.

Dr. Squires stomps away, and I approach slowly, catching Sofia by the arm as the other professor disappears in the stairwell. Soph starts and spins toward me, her eyes wide. My hand trails down to hers, grasping her fingers for a few seconds before she pulls away.