Page 44 of Never Let Go (Forbidden #1)

Chapter Forty-Four

CALEB

I hate suits. The itchy collars. The uncomfortable jackets. Pure torture. The only reason why I didn’t make my excuses for tonight and stay at home balls deep in Lauren is because she’s here. And anywhere that Lauren is, you bet your ass I’m gonna be.

I’ve been here for about an hour, watching the door, hoping that every person that walks through is her. I had a glass of whiskey when I arrived but I’ve stuck to water since, wanting to keep a level head. Sober me can barely keep my hands off Lauren… drunk me? Houston we have a problem .

I get roped into conversation with a couple of faculty members, trying not to glaze over at how boring and stuck up these people are.

Most of these professors have grown up with a silver spoon in their mouths, having everything handed to them.

They’ll never know the struggles of having to work your ass off to get everything you dreamed of.

To not worry about the roof over your head or where your next meal is coming from.

Needless to say, I have nothing in common with these people.

I notice a figure out of the corner of my eye, turning my head slightly, I see Brad walk through with Lauren next to him. If it wasn’t for the fact I’m too busy drooling at how stunning my woman is, I’d be punching Brad for touching my woman.

Goddammit, I’m one lucky son of a bitch.

Lauren’s got her hair up tonight showcasing her beautiful slender neck that fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. She’s got my necklace on, and I can’t help but puff out my chest at the pride swelling within.

Her dress fits to her curves like a second glove and all I can think about is that I know what she looks like underneath. The way her skin feels under my hands. How her body flushes after she comes. Turning toward the bar, I discreetly adjust myself, my gaze never leaving Lauren.

This woman.

My woman.

Dean Williams and his wife glide over and I see Lauren’s body tense.

Every bone in my body tells me to go over there, to protect her but I can’t, so I grit my teeth and watch the encounter unfold.

They don’t talk for long, Lauren looking more uncomfortable and awkward the longer the dean is with her.

Finally, she makes her excuses and heads toward the doors leading to the balcony. I quickly make my own excuses and follow her.

Lauren looks ethereal standing under the lights, her blonde hair looking like a halo compared to the dark night. I move slowly towards her, basking in the glow that is Lauren Taylor.

“Good evening, Miss Taylor,” I say quietly, not wanting to scare her .

She twirls around at the sound of my voice. A smile gracing her beautiful features and my heart stops in my chest at the way she’s looking at me—lust mixed with something else.

“Good evening, Professor Anderson,” she purrs. I swear to god I could listen to her recite a grocery list and still get hard at the sound of her voice.

I lower my voice knowing there are people around. “You look absolutely breathtaking, baby girl.”

Her eyes light up at my praise as she replies, “You don’t look too bad yourself, handsome.”

Handsome . Never in my life have I used a pet name before Lauren, and never have I had one used for me, but it all just feels right. The way she calls me ‘handsome’ causes my lungs to constrict with the emotion it brings me.

I clench my fists, the need and want to reach out and claim her in front of everyone nearly overtaking all common sense. Lauren starts to lean in towards me, like she doesn’t know she’s doing it. Like it’s instinct.

A glass shatters and she shakes her head, taking a step back.

I gaze at her—the situation making me frustrated beyond belief—when someone calls her name and she leaves. I swear I’m destined to keep watching her walk away until we either stop this , or she finishes school.

But one day… one day she’ll never walk away from me again. Why? Because I’m never letting Lauren Taylor go.