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“Did you leave him a note? Text? Email? Some form of communication that’s not verbal?” An unhinged, nearly feral sensation washes over me that’s far more potent than desperation.

Something in my gut tells me he’s just as slippery as I am when it comes to words. He could very well be speaking the truth and never once actually opened his mouth to say anything to him.

“Is there a reason as to why you are interrogating me like this? Has something happened?”

“No!” I eventually cry out. “That’s just it. Nothing has happened. It’s been nearly radio silence since you and I spoke.”

“I see. I take it from the hysteria dripping off of you that this silence is unnerving.”

“Hey now!” I bite out. “I’m not hysterical!” Unfortunately, even to my own ears, I can hear it. Not that it’s without reason, though.

“Were this a bit over a century ago, you would have been strapped down to a table and had orgasms forced out of you. All in hopes of quelling the reactions you’re exhibiting now.”

For a moment, I can’t speak. Did he really just say that? More to the point, did he just threaten me with a vibrator and orgasms?

“This is highly inappropriate.”

“No. You lusting after the dean of Loftry University is inappropriate. You hounding me outside of a scheduled appointment time to cross-examine me over something I’ve given my word about is inappropriate. This is merely a history and science lecture all rolled into one. You’re quite welcome.”

It takes everything in me to roll my eyes at his comment. But again, as with everything else coming out of this man’s mouth, he has a fucking point.

For a moment, we both stand there looking at each other like we’re idiots until he breaks the silence once more. “You researched what I gave you, yes?”

Heat climbs up my neck and blazes in my cheeks. “Well, yeah.”

Why couldn’t we both have forgotten all about this? Now, I’m stuck in this weird nightmare that just keeps looping. Instead of being naked at school in front of an audience, I’m having to talk about my deepest fantasies with a practical stranger.

“And how did that make you feel?”

For a moment, I can’t answer him. All I can feel is heat continuing to rise into my cheeks, burning my face as it turns me from a frigid ice cube to a molten mess.

“I see. Have a good rest of your evening.”

“But I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to. Oh, and Miss Hartwell. If you ever want to quote me for your articles again, I suggest you tell me it’s on the record. I’d hate to have to tell the dean what a nuisance this paper is.”

My brain buzzes as I think back on the most recent things I’ve written. “I didn’t say anything inflammatory. It was an article about Greek Life, Rush, and hazing.”

“But your quote makes it seem as if I’m against all that in general. I have no such stance. I’m rather neutral on the subject. Also, I’m sure John has told you this before, but maybe hearing it from another professional might help. Stay away from Chi Sigma Delta. They are not to be bothered or trifled with. Now then, you’ve used your allotted time. I really must go.”

The small hairs on the back of my neck rise as I watch him pull out of the parking lot. That damned sorority again. What is going on there that they don’t want the students to know?

ChapterFifteen

Ashleigh

My gut clenches as I slide into my car and follow him out onto the main campus road. Something is not adding up, and I’m sick and tired of not having any answers. Tonight, one way or the other, I will have them.

Loud thumps ring my ears as my pulse pounds through my veins. I’ve never tailed someone before. Maybe I should have looked that up before coming here. But no, I wanted to do a bit more titillating research instead.

Now I’m paying for it, it seems.

Cars slide in and out from between us, turning into other buildings or side roads. For a bit, there is some protection between us. With a few cars acting as a buffer, he won’t know I’m following him. Now, I’m the one in the middle with others coming up behind me.

I release and tighten my grip on the steering wheel as it becomes obvious we’re heading toward Chi Sigma Delta. No other buildings are out this way. Only a bunch of woods and places for track, field, and other outdoor sports.

He could be wanting to play a round of tennis, but that seems unlikely. Fuck. Soon it will be obvious I’m following him. If I don’t turn off now, I’ll have to explain what I’m doing, and I don’t want to go another round with him.