Page 6 of Defended

The memory of his stern look and deep voice had worked their way into her dreams more than once since her day in court. Dreams that had woken her up feeling achy and needy. The same way she felt after reading the naughty books she loved so much. Dreams that made her feel more excited than apprehensive about going to Black Light tonight.

Because shewastired of dreaming. She wanted todo.

And after this week, she definitely wanted to just escape for a little bit.

Sighing internally, she cleaned up. She was just finishing wiping down her station when she felt a presence behind her.

“Miss Williams, there you are.” The deep voice interrupting her was nothing like Mr. Park’s had been. No, this voice was low, oily, and made her feel uncomfortable the moment she heard it.

Pasting a smile on her face, she turned to see Professor McCready behind her, and she nearly stumbled back because he was standing so close to her—invading her personal space, the way he always did. She thanked her lucky stars every night that he hadn’t been assigned to oversee her and that she had Katherine instead. McCready was the definition of skeazy, and she’d heard rumors about female students unfortunate enough to have him as a mentor.

The university seemed to have caught on because this year he didn’t have any women in his sphere of influence… but he still had his job. Katherine had told Melody to let her know if he did anything to her, but so far he just made her uncomfortable. Standing too close, speaking too familiarly, but nothing that Melody felt like she could actually report.

“Hello, Professor,” Melody said, holding her bag in front of her chest like a shield. She could feel her heart racing from being startled… and it didn’t slow when she saw who it was. Anxiety prickled through her.

“You’re here late. Hope to run into anyone in particular?” The question was completely innocent, but his tone made it clear he was fishing. He winked at her, like he thought she was there for him.

Again, nothing she could actually report, because it was just small talk, but she felt acutely uncomfortable and more than a little grossed out. Not that she let either emotion show on her face. Sometimes she thought he enjoyed making the women in the department uncomfortable.

“Nope, just lost track of time. I’m actually running late.” She gave him an insincere smile. “If you’ll excuse me.” Gingerly, she stepped around him. He didn’t move to stop her, but he didn’t move out of her way either, and she felt her skin crawl as she hurried away.

“Until next time, Miss Williams,” he called after her.

Melody pretended she didn’t hear him. Yup, she definitely needed to get out and away tonight. Hopefully she wouldn’t hate whatever outfit Peggy had finally picked out for her.