Chapter Two

Odette

One year later

I tried to balance listening and taking detailed notes as Professor Niko Moreno lectured. I’d been in his classes for about two years now, and his teaching style just worked for me. Hence, I always came back to his math classes.

Starting college classes in high school helped me excel and accelerate quickly. Of course, the constant pressure from my father was always with me. Metaphorically, I carried the weight around my ankle and dragged it around everywhere I went.

My mom had never been in the picture, and my dad remarried several times. He was disgustingly wealthy, and it showed. Unfortunately for me, all that money never bought him an ounce of kindness.

The ball and chain with his unrealistic goals and expectations of me lessened once I moved out. He calls me maybe once a month, and it was always the same: ‘How are your grades?’ ‘You’re not making a fool out of our family name by partying, are you?’ ‘Try harder.’

Charles Whitlock was a very prideful man, and I did my best to make him proud of me, no matter how insufferable he was. After all, it was his money that paid for my tuition and dorm.

I swear, once I got my degree, I was getting a job as an engineer and cutting myself off. No amount of money was worth the way he made me feel.

Because of him, I’d spent my entire adolescence trying to be the perfect poster child for him to brag about. As a twenty-year-old graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering in a few months, I still have yet to develop any kind of social life.

It hurt to admit it, but I just wanted to hear him say he was proud of me. Just once. Proud of the straight A’s I’d maintained since middle school. Proud of all the awards I’d won in volleyball that I’d been playing since middle school. I just wanted to hear him say those words and acknowledge my achievements.

I looked up from my notebook at Professor Moreno, watching him write on a whiteboard. His hair was dark brown, several shades lighter than my black hair. It suited him perfectly, falling above his hazel eyes. I did my best not to stare at him, but sometimes it was impossible. He was handsome in the way that he spoke and presented himself.

“Any questions,” he turned to the class.

A few students raised their hands. Even after two years, I had never once spoken to him—I’d never had any reason to.

I typically lie low in the back of the class and take notes. That was the best way I learned: keeping to myself so there were no distractions.

The bell rang, and I packed my bag. I beat the foot traffic, leaving in a hurry. It was a cold winter day, and I wanted to return to my cozy little dorm. My leggings and t-shirt didn’t help shelter me from the chill. My hair is long and sometimes can act like a blanket, but this wasn’t one of those times. I typically didn’t dress so lazily, but it was laundry day.

I made it to my dorm but struggled with opening the door. It felt like there was something heavy placed on the other side. I pushed my eyebrows together, pushing hard, opening the door enough for me to step in.

My eyebrows knitted together as I looked down at all my belongings in boxes. “Hey, Jade?” I called out to my roommate. We weren’t very close, but we were nice to each other. Her classes and mine are complete opposites, so we weren’t home at the same time.

Jade stepped into the area, her clothes wrinkled and messy. “Oh, about that...” she nervously pushed her hair behind her ear. Her obnoxious boyfriend came around the corner and wrapped his arms around her stomach.

“Hey, why is my stuff packed?” I asked. Maybe she was just reorganizing or choosing a different decoration style? Hopefully, my belongings were just in the way.

She folded her hands in front of her. “Well, Caiden and I decided to share a dorm. We’ve been together for a few months now, and it’s getting pretty serious. You understand, don’t you?” She gave me a small smile.

I widened my eyes, looking between the two of them. No. No, I didn’t understand. “I’m confused. You can’t just kick me out. I pay to live here?” I tried to keep my voice calm.

She pressed her lips together. “I called my mom, and she worked her magic. So, as of about two hours ago, no, you don’t.”

What? Stupid rich people and their connections. How was this legal? “Where am I going to live?” I asked, more to myself than her.

She shrugged. “I don’t know. But hey, if you need help carrying your stuff, I’m sure Caiden can help you,” she gave him a pointed look.

I parted my lips and looked at the two in disbelief. One phone call was all it took for me to be kicked out of my dorm. I wished Jade would have at least given me a warning. Now, it was almost evening, and I didn’t know where I would stay tonight. Usually, people were given weeks or months to plan for something like this.

Grabbing a box, I began walking to my car. “No, thank you,” I whispered. The last thing I wanted was to be around them—I definitely won’t accept their help. They were the ones who were throwing me out for no good reason.

I tried not to cry out of frustration as I carried all my boxes to my car. I didn’t deserve this, but clearly, I could do nothing to stop it.

Once at the admissions office across campus, I hoped they’d have a dorm available. It was halfway through the quarter, and every single class was full; my hopes weren’t high. Maybe I could just get an apartment?

I walked in, standing a foot from the admissions desk, not wanting to rudely interrupt the woman typing on her computer. I bit my lip, watching the seconds turn into minutes. “Excuse me...” I said gently. Nothing. “Ma’am?” I tried again.

“Name?” She said in a monotone voice, not looking up from her computer.

My eyes got teary, and I blinked them away. What was happening today? First, I got kicked out by my roommate (probably not legally). Now, I was getting treated like dirt for no reason. I took a breath, trying to calm myself down before I had a mental breakdown. “Odette Whitlock,” I answered.

She typed something and looked at her screen for a few minutes. “What’s the problem?” She asked.

I’d always had help dealing with situations like this in the past, and I felt incredibly overwhelmed. “I got kicked out of my dorm. Are there any available rooms?” I asked.

She looked up at me. “What’d you do? It says here that your roommate requested to change roommates. We typically don’t take such drastic measures unless necessary,” she gave me an accusing scowl.

I widened my eyes. “Nothing,” I answered. “She wanted to live with her boyfriend, so—” I started.

She put her hand up, stopping me, before looking back down at her screen.

I wrapped my arm around my torso, feeling incredibly small under her rude gaze.

“All dorms are full,” she informed.

My chest felt like a cannonball was dropped on it. What do I do?

Just as my thoughts started spiraling, my phone started ringing. I looked at the caller ID, seeing my father’s name at the top of the screen.

I left the room, standing on the sidewalk, shivering from the cold. I took a second to prepare myself before I answered.

“Odette,” my father’s assertive voice came through the speaker. “I got a call earlier that you were evicted from your dorm. What do you have to say for yourself? Is this how I raised you?” He accused.

I started walking to my car. “My roommate wanted to live with her boyfriend. She called her mom, who has connections, and somehow got me kicked out,” I explained quickly so he wouldn’t get the chance to interrupt. “I’ll figure it out—”

“Connections?” He snapped. “Jesus, Odette, what would you do without me?” He said. “I’m calling a friend who’s on the board of directors. If they can’t find you a place to stay, I’ll threaten to stop donating to the school,” he informed.

I sucked in a breath. “That’s okay, I’ll figure something out. You don’t have to call anyone,” I pleaded.

He hung up the phone, and I sighed. Today could not be any worse. He always had to one-up everyone, even a stranger who had her own connections.

Sitting in my car, I tried to keep it together as I looked at apartments online. I had summer jobs at a local library, where I made some money. But it was all my personal savings that I planned to use once I finished college. Every apartment in the area was expensive, and I’d have to use my father’s money to afford it.

My phone went off with a text from my father.

I found you a place to stay until graduation. You’re welcome.

I clicked on the attached address, seeing that wherever it was, it was fifteen minutes away. Since I had no other option, I started my drive.

As I drove, I let the weight of the situation and my emotions crash. How did a typical day turn into one of the worst in a matter of minutes? I got unexpectedly kicked out and talked to like garbage by a woman who was totally un-empathetic; then my father found out, and not only did I have to speak to him, but he assumed the worst of me.

After my quick five-minute cry, I wiped my tears away. Get it together, Odette.

I chewed on my lip, noticing how everything around me suddenly turned to trees and fog. I wished my father would have given me more information. This clearly wasn’t a dorm or apartment building.

My eyes widened when a huge mansion came into view. It was at the end of a long gravel driveway with trees on each side. The mansion was dated but Victorian and lovely in its own way. I didn’t know a place like this existed around here.

This couldn’t be it.

Exiting my car, I slowly walked up to the front door. I was cautious as I gently knocked.

A few seconds passed before the massive door was opened with a creak.

My whole body froze, and my face went cherry red at the familiar face of Professor Wyatt Wright. I’d taken one of his literature classes last semester. His hair was sand blonde and slightly chaotic. He had kind eyes, green and welcoming. All the other times I’d seen him, he was dressed in a suit. Now, he was in gray sweatpants and a black shirt.

“Yes?” He questioned after a few seconds of me not saying anything.

I slowly leaned back, looking at the rusted numbers on the side of the house. The address was correct, but there was no way this was where I was supposed to live. Obviously, it was his house, and it was completely illegal for a student to live with a teacher working at their place of education.

Looking back up at him, embarrassment and nerves filled me. “I-I’m sorry, I have the wrong address,” I quickly apologized. I turned to go back to my car, feeling his eyes on me.

“Wait,” he called after me in a confident voice.

I stopped and turned to him, wrapping my arm around my stomach again. Oh God, I was in so much trouble. Why would my father think this was remotely appropriate? What card could he have possibly played to make a board member approve this? Charles would never knowingly send me to live with a man . That was improper.

Professor Wright watched me with calculating eyes. “What’s your name?” He asked.

“Odette Whitlock.”

A realization flashed across his face as he pulled out his phone, reading something on it. He took a breath, glancing at me before reading off his phone. “Good evening. Due to unforeseen circumstances, male honors student O. Whitlock will reside at the manor until spring graduation. These terms are final. If you have any questions, please reach out to board member Viola Kennedy,” he finished.

At a loss for words, I could only blush. I couldn’t possibly stay here. It was entirely inappropriate for a student to live with her professor. There was no way my dad knew the board chose this; he’d never allow it. They must have panicked and stuck me here when he called the board. Why else would the email specifically state that I was a male. It was to protect themselves.

I nervously hugged my stomach tighter. “I’m so sorry for interrupting your evening,” I apologized while shuffling backward to my car.

Wyatt looked deep in thought as he looked down at me. “Do you have anywhere else to stay?” He asked gently.

I stopped moving and averted my eyes to the side of the manor as I thought about his question. I couldn’t stay in the dorms. If I wanted any freedom after I graduated, I couldn’t use my father’s money to afford an apartment. A hotel would be temporary, and if I stayed in one long term, I’d have to end up using my father’s money anyway.

That wasn’t anyone’s problem but mine. I refuse to be a burden to a college professor. I nodded. “I’ll find—”

Opening the door wider, he stepped aside. “Odette, why don’t you come inside? We can discuss this while you’re not shivering from the cold,” he invited.

Trying to calm my nerves, I tried to breathe normally. Being out of the cold was tempting. In any other circumstance, I would. But I didn’t want to get in trouble. I didn’t wish Professor Wright to get in trouble, either.

Noticing my hesitation, he gave me a small smile. “Are you going to make me ask again?” He cocked an eyebrow.

The tone of his voice sent shivers down my spine. I gently shook my head, taking steps towards him. “Thank you,” I said quietly as I passed him.

The manor was massive inside, with high ceilings, round archways, and gorgeous woodwork trimming. It was also slightly warmer than outside but still cold.

A voice caught my attention, and my gaze fell on Professor Niko Moreno as he descended the stairs. “Have you seen this email? Some student will be staying with us? When did we sign up to be babysitters...” his voice faded as he looked up from his phone. His eyes widened as he stared at me.

I was sure I wore the same confused expression as him. Two professors? I was going to be expelled, and they could get fired.

Wyatt gently touched my elbow, gesturing for me to follow him as he walked.

My feet moved on their own, my mind feeling panicked and frozen. This was too much for one single day. Niko wasn’t far behind us as we walked.

Standing next to them, I noticed how tall they were. I’d only ever seen them teaching in front of a large class. They towered over me, which was impressive because I was just under six feet.

We walked into a giant kitchen with gold accents everywhere. Wyatt stood on the other side of the counter, looking at me. Niko stood closer to me by the edge of the island. “From the looks of it, you’re as confused as we are,” Wyatt started. “Tell us what happened,” he insisted.

Niko narrowed his eyes on me. “You were in my last class today, weren’t you?” he recalled.

Looking between the two of them, I slowly nodded in response. “After class, when I went back to my dorm, all my belongings were packed by the door,” I started, faintly hearing the kitchen door open. I didn’t bother turning around, too busy recalling and reliving the past hour. “Long story short, my roommate wanted to live with her boyfriend. She must have had a connection because she somehow got me evicted.”

“When I went to the admissions office, the woman working told me all the dorms were completely full. Not to mention she was super mean, for no apparent reason,” I paused, catching myself starting to stress ramble.

Taking a shaky breath, I continued: “Then my father called me and told me he was calling the board. I tried to stop him, but he doesn’t listen to anyone—” I stopped myself from oversharing. “He spoke to someone, and the next thing I knew, I was here,” I finished.

Don’t cry , I told myself. Saying it all out loud makes everything seem real. I was a nice person; I minded my own business, had never had a cavity, and helped people when I could. I didn’t deserve this. And neither did they. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this,” I said genuinely. “You can delete that email—”

Wyatt gave me a comforting look. “It sounds like you’ve had a very rough day,” he said gently. “I want you to stop apologizing. None of this is your fault, do you understand?” He smiled.

“Okay,” I responded, on the verge of tears.

Niko set a glass of water on the counter in front of me. “Take a deep breath and try to relax. Everything will be just fine,” he assured.

“Your father is Charles Whitlock, isn’t he?” A deep voice asked behind me.

I flinched at the suddenness, not expecting anyone behind me. I turned around, and my face paled. Aiden Anderson and Dominic Owens, two more professors. I’d never been in their classes, but I’d seen them around campus a few times.

Aiden’s attire—or lack thereof—made my mind go blank. He was shirtless, with dark jeans hanging low on his hips. His chest and arms were riddled with tattoos. Was this allowed? I definitely should not be seeing this! I averted my eyes quickly, forcing my attention away from his chiseled body.

Dominic stood tall, with his ever-present glare on his face. There were rumors that he physically couldn’t smile, but I didn’t believe that. He had a reputation as one of the meanest professors, and his class was supposed to be extremely difficult.

Now that I was standing in his intimidating presence, I was so glad I’d never taken one of his classes.

Four professors. I didn’t know whether to cry, run away, or call my father screaming.

Not to mention, they were all stupidly attractive, and I was wearing a baggy t-shirt with tangles in my hair. I couldn’t imagine all the horrible impressions I was making. If the floor below me could open and swallow me whole, that would make my life a whole lot easier.

I took a second to remember his question. I nodded at Aiden, keeping my eyes locked on his. “You know him?” I asked, hoping to God his answer was no. My father was a horrible person and an even crueler businessman. I didn’t want to be guilty by association.

Aiden cocked an eyebrow at me. “I know of him.” He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the wall. “So, are you one of his many stepchildren or his one biological daughter?” He asked, his eyes holding a certain smugness to them as if he already knew the answer.

I narrowed my eyes on him. How did he know that? I had about fifteen step-siblings that I didn’t keep in contact with. Some of my father’s marriages lasted no more than two months, and I never met his wife’s children. Still, Aiden must have done his research.

Not knowing why it was relevant, I took a breath. “The one and only,” I answered sarcastically.

Aiden was supposed to be an expert in human psychology. Just from the way he looked at me, I felt like he knew every thought I’d ever had.

He raised his eyebrows. “In that case, there’s nothing to discuss,” he looked around at the other three professors. “Charles Whitlock has the university in his back pocket, along with the board,” he chuckled humorlessly. “As uncomfortable and inconvenient as this is, we cannot go against the decision,” he concluded.

I wanted to make a statement that would debunk that but came up empty-handed. He was absolutely correct about everything he said. This was incredibly uncomfortable, not only because they were my professors but because I was now being forced to live with men . Men who I didn’t really know and who were several years older than I was. Guilt filled me when he mentioned that my being here also inconvenienced them.

We stood in thick silence. If they were anything like me, their heads were all imploding, and dreading the next few months. Wyatt asked me not to apologize, but I truly was so sorry.

Aiden kicked off the wall. “Welcome home,” he gave me a look before he walked out of the kitchen.