Page 37 of Revere

“Interesting.” I grin.

Patience rolls her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Too late.” I tap my thumb on the arm of my chair. “So all those things are a problem for you?”

“Isn’t it a problem for you?”

It should be. I’ve crossed so many lines that the blood on my hands has seeped through to my soul at this point. But never this particular one. And never with the daughter of a man I intend to ruin.

“No.” What’s one more mark on my soul? What’s wrong with one taste of heaven before I burn in hell?

Patience pauses, watching me with her beautiful eyes, considering my answer. “You said you don’t cross this line with students.”

“Consider yourself my exception. Everyone has one.”

“Why me?”

“Honestly?”

She nods, biting the inside of her cheek.

“I like how hard you bite.” With her words. Her presence.

Patience is sharp and difficult. Complex. Challenging. I hang on her every word when I know I shouldn’t.

Her shoulders deflate. “It’s exhausting.”

“I can imagine.” It’s why we’re drawn to each other; she’s desperate to let her defenses down and let go, and I’m desperate to be the one to help her. “Do you want me to teach you how to let go? The same way I did on the plane? That’s why you really walked into my office tonight, isn’t it? Not because of some grade that doesn’t really matter when this program is pass or fail. You just wanted an excuse to be here—with me. You want me to help you.”

She opens her mouth?—

“Honesty,” I remind her.

She swallows hard. “Yes.”

“Good. Then come. Sit.” I wave a hand, but when she moves to sit in the chair on the opposite side of my desk, I shake my head. “Not there.”

My gaze drops to the spot on the desk in front of me, and I wait for her to make this decision. For her to accept that there’s no avoiding this collision, just like I’ve had to. I need to claim her—to have her. Then I can reevaluate what I’m doing.

She takes a deep breath, and I wait for her to walk away, but she circles the desk instead. Proof this isn’t one-sided.

When Declan promised to deliver the Lancaster daughter, I expected someone breakable. Someone sweet and innocent Icould hang over her father’s head until he broke. I didn’t expect this ball of fire that sears me from the inside out.

She’s perfect.

Dangerous.

If I’m not careful, she’ll drag me down with them.

Her back is stiff as she rests her ass on the desk in front of me, so close I can smell her perfume, and I know I’m fucked. My plans fly out the window. My need for her is too damn strong.

“Scoot back on the desk.”

She does as she’s told. So obedient when I’m used to her arguing with me.

“Do you trust me?” I ask. “Honestly.”

“No.”