Page 46 of Twisted Ties

“That, Winnie Wence, is because I am not eager to spend any more time with ProfessorAssholethan I have to.”

“Isn’t he best friends with your mate?” she whispers. “Doesn’t that mean you’ll be spending an awful lot of your time with his hot ass?”

I groan. I haven’t seen him since he was sent to babysit me at Azlan’s house and that encounter left me more confused than ever.

Despite the fact he is an asshole – maybebecausehe is an asshole – I’ve always had a bit of a crush on the professor. Winnie isn’t lying. He is easily the hottest teacher in this school. Handsome, with a body straight out of an action movie. Plus the way he teases me presses all my buttons in an entirely inappropriate way.

Urgh. It drives me crazy. He is the last man I want to have a crush on.

But maybe things will be different now. Maybe I won’t feel the same way about him now I’m bonded to Azlan. Maybe I’ll be immune to his good looks and assholey hotness.

Then again, it didn’t feel that way at Azlan’s house. I felt just as drawn to him as I always have. Almost like …

I screw up my face as we arrive at the classroom door.

I rub at my forehead.

That can’t be right though, can it? I have my fated mate. We’re bonded for life.

Winnie pushes on the door, then peers at me. “He’s locked the door,” she says.

“What?” I say with irritation, shoving my shoulder against the door. It remains in place. I take the handle in my hand and rattle it. Definitely locked. “What the hell?”

“I doubt this is a good sign,” Winnie says, straightening her blazer and then rapping on the door.

We hear heavy footsteps march towards us and then the door swings back. Stone waits on the other side, a disgruntled expression on his face.

“Ahh Miss Blackwaters, Miss Wence. So youwereplanning to join us today.”

“Sorry we’re late,” Winnie mumbles, even though it’s only a few minutes after the lesson officially started, nothing compared to the professor’s usual tardiness.

“Ahhh Miss Blackwaters, the privileges of being a teacher.” He emphasizes the word ‘teacher’, giving me a hard stare.

I stare back at him in response, not saying a word. I couldn’t even if I wanted to.

It’s that feeling. That feeling in my stomach. Tugging me his way. It’s still there. I can’t be imagining it.

Stone looks away and concentrates his attention on Winnie. “I’d expect this of someone like Rhianna, Miss Wence. But not you. I hope she’s not proving a bad influence on you.”

Winnie shakes her head and mumbles another apology.

I search the professor’s face for any hint, any sign, he’s feeling the same thing I am.

He looks tired, dark circles under his eyes, his face drawn. Other than that, there’s nothing.

“In you go then, Miss Wence. We’re reading the passage on page 969.”

He steps to one side and Winnie hurries inside.

“Well, Miss Blackwaters?”

His gaze meets my eyes again and the sensation in my stomach pulls so strongly I nearly stumble.

“What?” I gasp.

“I’m waiting for my apology.”

“You’rewaiting foryourapology,” I hiss, snapping out of my trance. I glare at him. “Don’t you think you owe me one,Professor?”