Page 51 of His Pet

Jessica grabbed Mara’s arm, shoving a beer in her hand and taking her to stand with a larger group of students and staff, including Dr. Smith.

I supposed, if there was any time to join the group of students on the other side of the room, that time was now.

I excused myself from my colleague, then joined them. Jessica was discussing—more like lecturing—on her and Dr. Smith’s essay for the contest. Heads bobbed, polite questions were asked, and Mara, though her mouth was open in arousal, obviously enjoying the proximity next to me, stayed in the conversation.

“Have you and Dr. Evans finished a final draft?” Jessica asked.

I straightened my stance, purposefully grazing my hand against Mara’s, and she swallowed. “We’re close,” she said. “We’re discussing the use of sacrifice and power through submission in literature and art.”

“Who’s your main theorist?” Dr. Smith asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Florence Berkley,” Mara said.

“An excellent choice,” Dr. Smith said. “You read Berkley?”

“She’s my favorite.”

“That’s very ambitious,” Dr. Smith said. “And risky. Quite the undertaking you’ve got there.”

If it were possible, I would have put my arm around Mara right then, reminding her that I was there with her. That Berkley was her favorite was endearing to me. But all I could do was the occasional, subtle nudge. Or vocalize how proud I was to be working with her.

“Mara’s proven to be an excellent student,” I said. The group, including Dr. Smith, turned towards me. “She has brought up a few points that even I can’t argue.”

“That’s shocking,” Dr. Smith said. “And here I had thought you had declined her request for partnership.”

A hint of jealousy was laced in Dr. Smith’s voice, that I had such a young, brilliant student to work with, someone who could far exceed anyone’s expectations, including mine.

“We came to an agreement,” I said. It was the truth.

“Just remember, Mara,” Dr. Smith said, eyeing her, “You’re young. There are plenty of professorial fish in the sea.”

“Dr. Smith!” Jessica said, her jaw dropped. “You’re stuck with me for this round.”

“And we’ll ace it,” Dr. Smith said, patting Jessica’s shoulder. “But if you need a partner for next year, Mara…”

“She’s already got her sights on you,” Jessica said, rolling her eyes. “You have no loyalty, Dr. Smith.”

“I know a winner when I see one,” Dr. Smith said.

Only a few weeks ago, Dr. Smith had been convinced that Mara would drop out, and now she was practically begging Mara to pick her as a committee chair for her dissertation. “Thanks for the offer, but,” Mara started, but hesitated, unsure of what to say, “I’m working with Dr. Evans.”

“For now,” Dr. Smith said. “Are you joining us for the Annual Lakehouse Retreat, then, Mara?”

“I’m coming.” I turned towards her. This was the first I was hearing about it. “It’s a wine and cheese weekend with some intellectual discussions?”

“And swimming in the lake!” another student said.

“Right,” Mara said. “I need a swimsuit, then.”

“Ditch one!”

I headed towards the bar, more to get out of that discussion than to get a drink. I didn’t need to think about Mara in a bathing suit while we were in public. Texting her, being taunted by her, was enough as it is.

My phone buzzed. I checked it.Use me, please, sir,she sent.My body, my mind is yours to take. And I give it to you.

I let out a deep sigh. That woman knew exactly what to say to make me check the time, wishing that the clock would go faster.

Jessica patted me on the arm before joining me in line. We both ordered beers, then stood along the wall. “So you and Mara are a thing now, huh?”