Chapter Five

Odette

“C at, stop,” I mumbled, feeling his whiskers brush against my face again. I peeked my eyes open, giving him a glare. I sat up, knowing he probably had to go to the bathroom or was hungry. I was awake now and couldn’t fall back asleep, no matter how early it was. “You’re high maintenance, you know?” I gave him a quick pet before getting out of bed.

My body quickly pricked with goosebumps at the chill in the house. I showered last night, only slipping once from my disoriented, drunken state. Instead of torturing myself in the cold water again, I just brushed my teeth and washed my face, deciding showering twice a day was overrated anyways.

My plan for the day was to get all my homework done for the upcoming week. I liked to be ahead of schedule; luckily, most of my professors had assignments outlined in the syllabus. I dressed in leggings and a crop top that ended a few inches above my belly button. I threw a fluffy cardigan over it, not wanting to freeze.

I quickly made my bed, then grabbed Cat to go downstairs. It was just past six in the morning, and I doubt anyone would be up yet. Niko was wrong; I didn’t have a hangover, although I was parched.

Once I got to the bottom of the stairs, I put Cat down and he ran off to do his business. Entering the kitchen, I was surprised to see Aiden standing behind the counter. He was cracking a few eggs into a bowl, making breakfast, I assumed.

Eyeing his shirtless torso and chest, I came to a halt. What was it with him and not wearing a shirt? Wasn’t he cold? I shouldn’t complain, especially because I didn’t mind one bit.

I couldn’t help but think ‘eye candy’ wasn’t suitable enough for how scrumptious he looked. Maybe eye cake or eye flaming hot Cheetos? I smirked, letting my polluted thoughts cloud my mind. Definitely flaming hot.

“Good morning,” his raspy voice broke me out of my trance. He was staring at me, his hooded eyes calm and calculating.

Knowing he caught me staring, I felt heat kiss my face. “Hey,” I responded quickly, averting my eyes away from him and stepping further into the room. “What are you making?” I asked casually, wanting to play off my obvious ogling.

Aiden watched me as I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Chocolate cupcakes,” he answered.

I raised my eyebrows and looked back at him, just now realizing the sugar and flour on the counter. “For what?” I asked.

He turned, resting his hands behind him on the edge of the counter, making his biceps look amazing. “A few weeks ago, we invited some friends of ours over. I forgot about it until this morning.”

I couldn’t tell if that was a ‘hint hint’ to stay away while their friends were over. I didn’t blame them if they wanted me to stay out of sight. It would be hard to explain my living here, and I didn’t expect them to introduce me to their (probably much older and mature) friends.

“It sounds like you have a busy morning full of baking.” I gestured to the ingredients with a smile. “I have a lot of homework, so I won’t bother you when your friends are here,” I added.

I took my water and started to walk out of the kitchen.

“Odette,” Aiden said sternly.

Stopping, I turned on my heel and raised my eyebrows at him in question.

His eyes pinned me to my spot, and my heart skipped a beat for a second. “This is just as much your house as it is ours. We don’t expect or want you to avoid our guests,” he said sternly, leaving no room for argument. “Now, come back here and help me make these damn things... please.”

My eyes were wide as saucers, disbelief filling my whole being. That didn’t make sense to me. When my father would have his friends over, I would say a quick hello and then go to my bedroom, where I was expected to stay for the remainder of the evening.

It was strange that he wanted me to be present or, at the very least, introduce myself to their guests. Once again, I felt very welcome when I shouldn’t. First, it was Wyatt, with his helpfulness and kindness. Then Niko, offering to give me a ride home and making sure I was okay last night. Now, Aiden unexpectedly requested that I socialize with their friends and help him bake.

Suddenly, I got very emotional, as if I was just screamed at. I couldn’t explain it, but my brain was at war with itself. This wasn’t normal for me, and I didn’t know how to respond to it. I wasn’t used to kindness, caring, or being wanted.

Aiden stared at me from the other side of the counter, his eyes like lasers that blasted right through me. I’d known since I first met him, but now I could feel it more than ever; Aiden could read me like a book.

Trying to push that sudden outburst of emotion away, I blinked my eyes a few times and hugged my cardigan around my body. “Okay,” I muttered, still unsure of myself. I shuffled towards him, keeping my eyes pointed at the floor.

Part of me was pleased that he wanted me around, but I couldn’t get over how strange it was. Blending into the background was something I’d gotten exceptionally good at. Now, these men—my professors wanted to spend time with me.

Standing beside him, I slowly looked up, meeting his concerned, confused expression. His features were much softer now than I’d ever seen before. He turned his body to me. “What did I say?” He asked, gesturing to my slightly red eyes.

I was glad I could stop myself before the tears came, but unfortunately, my eyes and cheeks turned red when I was about to cry. I shrugged. “Nothing,” I quickly defended, not wanting him to feel guilty. “I just wasn’t expecting you to say that,” I explained.

“Did you expect us to ask you to stay in your room the entire day?” He cocked an eyebrow.

“Yes, actually,” I said honestly.

He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t allow that.”

He turned away, grabbing measuring cups and baking tools. My stomach filled with butterflies as I watched him. Something about the way he said allow had my stomach in knots.

Not wanting to get the sleeves dirty or accidentally dip them in batter, I took off my cardigan. “I should warn you, I have no idea how to make cupcakes,” I warned, just in case he actually expected me to bring anything to the table besides blindly following his instructions.

Aiden turned, words catching in his throat for a second as his gaze quickly fell. It was swift, yet not at all subtle. His eyes did a once over of my body, lingering on my torso before he tensed and made an effort to meet my eyes.

“I just need you to taste them; I don’t like chocolate,” he explained, his thoughts elsewhere.

He checked me out. Aiden totally checked me out. I wasn’t expecting him to have any reaction at all, but I was strangely happy that he did. I wasn’t working with much; I was built like a noodle—a limp noodle. I blushed, looking away from him, then back again. “It’s your lucky day because I love chocolate,” I smiled.

Aiden pulled something from a reusable grocery bag on the counter and handed it to me. “I thought you would,” he said absentmindedly as he started adding flour and sugar to the egg mixture.

I smiled down at the dairy-free frosting mixture he bought. “You didn’t have to go out of your way to get this. Thank you.”

Dominic walked into the kitchen, looking tired, his hair messy from sleep, sweatpants hanging low on his hips, and a black t-shirt that he must have messily thrown on before coming down here. One side clung to his waist, a few inches above where his waistband sat.

My gaze instantly fell on the V-shaped outline on his torso, and my breathing hitched.

God bless.

He glanced at Aiden before his tired eyes landed on me as he walked. He quickly looked away, rubbing his big hand through his hair, further messing it up.

He didn’t say anything as he stopped right in front of me, his intense eyes looking down on me with something I was unfamiliar with, but it made my skin prick with goosebumps.

I shifted uncomfortably, not knowing why he stood so close. I kept looking away, then back to him, not having the courage to ask him what he wanted. His cedar scent and drool-worthy body were a dangerous combination.

When his rough hand touched the bare skin of my hip, I about melted through the floor. His eyes never left mine as he gently moved me out of the way. I took a few steps to the side, as he wanted me to.

He smirked very briefly before removing his hand. “Don’t get excited, Darling; you were standing in front of the coffee machine,” he said casually.

I felt a blush creep up my neck, staining my cheeks and ears. My heart was hammering in my chest, way past ‘excited’ as he embarrassingly put it.

What was wrong with me? I swear, one of them looked in my direction, and I got flustered; what was with that? I knew nothing could happen between us, so why were my polluted thoughts clouding the air around me? Dominic noticed my behavior, for goodness sake!

I was no better than the girls at school who lusted over them.

Was that what this was? Lust. I internally cringed at my inner monologue. It couldn’t be—I hadn’t felt anything sexually in years. Now that I was living with four of the most attractive men I’d ever laid my eyes on, my switch was suddenly turned back on.

Even if I was attracted to them... in that non-eco-friendly way, I couldn’t have them. They would lose their jobs, I wouldn’t graduate, and I’d be publicly slut shamed again, this time because I was making eyes at college professors.

Why was I even thinking of this? None of them found me attractive; I was sure of it. Earlier, Aiden was probably just surprised at my change of attire; that was all. As much as I’d like him to check me out, it wasn’t ethical.

Needing a quick subject change, I blurted the first thing that came to mind. “You teach anatomy. Don’t you know how addicting caffeine can be?” I pointed to the brown liquid he generously poured.

Aiden let out a small chuckle, but I didn’t turn to look at him as he started whipping the frosting.

Dominic held his cup of coffee in one of his hands, making the regular cup look tiny. He turned to face me, only standing a few inches away. The corner of his mouth tilted up in a dark, mischievous grin. “I’m addicted to other things,” he deadpanned, eyes looking me over, just as Aiden had moments earlier.

As if he said nothing, like his words didn’t make my brain combust, he left.

The gears in my head started turning, trying to decipher his meaning. Addicted to other things? My eyes widened in shock and concern as a thought came to mind.

Steroids.

Without thinking, I grabbed into Aiden’s arm, getting his attention. “Is he on drugs? Tell me he’s not on drugs,” I stressed. “You should do something about that; he’s your friend,” I whispered quickly, talking as the thoughts came to mind.

Dominic was way too handsome and intelligent to get involved with anything of that category.

Aiden glanced at my hands clinging to his arm, then gave me an amused grin. “No, Odette. He’s talking about sex.”

My eyes widened, and my blush from earlier spread throughout my whole being. “W-what,” I mumbled, shocked at his nonchalant tone.

Aiden’s eyes had a glimmer of mischief as he shifted his arm, using my hands on it to somehow trap me between his body and the counter. I tensed, looking up at him, our chests centimeters apart. His hands were on each side of me, caging me loosely between them as he held the counter with his hands.

“Sex,” he repeated in a low tone. “Having someone’s body pressed against yours, feeling the heat from their body on your skin,” he started. His eyes narrowed at me as I stood frozen, unable to move. “Using each other to get off, desperately fucking, licking, kissing, and biting until you’re nothing but a mess, covered in sweat and cum.”

He spoke slowly and clearly, his minty, cool breath fanning my face. With each word he spoke, a wave of intense arousal flooded through me. After not feeling turned on for years, each dirty word of his was like a punch in the gut.

My lips parted as I stared at him, utterly entranced by his description, feeling jealous of any woman who’d experienced Aiden’s version of sex.

Without looking away from me, he grabbed something behind me. He glanced down at my lips. “Open your mouth,” he ordered.

Without questioning the chokehold his words had me in, I absentmindedly obliged, further parting my lips for him.

He tilted his head to the side, watching me closely. I still couldn’t look away from his intense eyes, but I saw his hand move from behind us to my face out of my peripheral vision. Chocolate frosting covered the tip of his middle finger.

He placed his finger inside my mouth, pressing down on my tongue.

Wetness pooled inside my panties, my lower stomach a mess of butterflies.

Despite my shock, I wrapped my lips around his finger, licking the sweet chocolate frosting off it.

My heart was hammering, but the pulse in my chest didn’t overpower the one greedily begging for more between my thighs.

Aiden’s eyes darkened, his eyes watching my mouth in a trance as I subtly licked and sucked the frosting off his finger. He slowly lifted his gaze back to meet my eyes. “Is that creamy enough for you?” He asked, his voice hoarse and deep as he pulled his finger out of my mouth.

My body turned liquid. If I didn’t still have a hand on his forearm to stabilize me, I think my legs would have given out. My skin was pink, as it would remain for the next several hours. Wetness continued to pool in my underwear as my polluted thoughts turned into acid rain.

All I could do was nod, my mind feeling fuzzy, only being able to focus on the sudden awakening of my pussy.

He smirked at my reaction. “I thought so,” he said as if he knew what he did. He wouldn’t have done this on purpose, right? If that were true, why did he look so... cocky? Or was I confusing satisfied with cockiness?

He stepped away from me, my arms limply falling to my sides. I stumbled forward, not realizing how heavy I was leaning into him. I caught myself quickly, holding the counter for support.

If I didn’t leave this kitchen, I was going to do something incredibly dumb. Something that involved my lips on his and begging him to touch me.

I pointed my thumb over my shoulder. “I have to... homework,” I tried to get my thoughts away from the tempting man but struggled.

I quickly turned, my legs still feeling unstable, and an annoying wetness between my legs as I walked away, my eyes wide and my mind consumed with filthy thoughts.

He’s your professor. You asked ‘what’ when he said sex, so he explained. He said you’d taste the cupcakes, and you did. That interaction was completely normal. Especially the part where he described sex in a sexy voice and stuck his finger in your mouth. Totally normal.

I walked to my bedroom in a trance. Wyatt was walking down the hall, about to pass me. “Good morning—are you okay?” He pushed his eyebrows together, eyeing me up and down quickly.

I nodded, unable to make eye contact, as he was also stupidly handsome. “I’m doing homework,” I deadpanned, closing my door behind me.

“Okay?” I heard him say from the hall.

Falling onto my bed, I stared at the ceiling, replaying Aiden and Dominic’s words and actions. Each time I did, the area between my hips pulsed with an unfamiliar need.

Why did Dominic call me Darling, then smirk while saying something dirty? His hand on my hip wasn’t a friendly touch either; it definitely had hidden meaning behind it. And despite my conscience trying to convince myself otherwise, there was no way Aiden didn’t know what he was doing.

I’m not the only one with polluted thoughts in this house.

After roughly an hour of staring at my ceiling, trying to make sense of Aiden, Dominic, and my body’s reaction to them, I finally got started on my homework.

It was hard to focus on anything with my loud thoughts replaying the morning repeatedly. The more I thought, the more my panties soaked, which was saying a lot. I’d gone into the bathroom to ‘clean up’ several times in the past few hours.

I tried listening to music, taking a break, reading a chapter of my favorite book, watching cute hamster videos, and vigorously studying. Nothing had gotten my rotten mind away from my polluted—downright horny—thoughts.

This was so not me. I wasn’t like this. I’d never been so consumed by such small touches and simple words that could be found in every English dictionary.

Darling. Allow. Sex. Desperate. Sex. Creamy. Sex. Biting. Sex. Licking. Sex. Sex. Sex.

I closed my workbook, rolling my eyes. I looked down at my legging-covered crotch. “Stop it,” I scolded.

Feeling eyes on me, I slowly looked over at my three teddy bears. I rolled my eyes, turning their heads away from me. They didn’t need to see this. “I’m disgusting, I know,” I whispered, agreeing with their scrutiny.

Maybe my thoughts were so unhinged because I’d trapped myself in this room all day with nothing else to think about besides schoolwork. I need to socialize, take a walk, and count how many rooms are in this mansion. Anything that would occupy my mind long enough to get it away from the four drool-worthy men I was living with.

Now, that would be much easier if they weren’t the only ones available to talk to.

Running my fingers through my hair, I got up, remembering they had guests over. I always got nervous around new people, but luckily, I was really good at hiding it—hopefully. When all else fails, the good ol’ smile and nod got me pretty far.

The floor creaked like usual as I walked down the stairs. I heard a few voices chuckling and having casual conversation.

I entered the dining room quietly, my eyes quickly taking everyone in. All my professors sat at the table, happily conversing with the other four people I didn’t recognize.

There was a scary-looking woman, her hair dyed dark red with several face piercings. She was muscular and intimidating, yet oddly attractive. Her attire, a white t-shirt with leather pants and a leather vest, threw me off. She must ride a motorcycle? If I had to guess, she was probably in her mid-thirties.

There were two large men, both just as intimidating as the woman.

The first was talking to Dominic; although their conversation looked pleasant, his face seemed to be in a permanent scowl. He was dressed in a suit, way too formal for a small get-together with his friends. Maybe he was working earlier and didn’t have time to change?

The second man looked much less threatening, and his jeans and t-shirt combination was much more fitting. He was talking to the woman and Niko, a hint of a smile on his face. He was probably the size of Dominic, and something about him told me he wasn’t as easygoing as he seemed.

Lastly, there was another woman, the complete opposite of everyone else in the room. She wore a pink skirt and a white long-sleeved shirt, her hair pinned back with two bows. She looked young in attire, but I guessed she was in her late twenties. She seemed bored, resting her cheek in her palm, staring at the man in the t-shirt, a dreamy look in her eye.

What a strange group of people.

When Aiden told me they had friends coming over, I half expected a group of professors to walk through the door.

“Odette,” Niko noticed me, a grin on his lips. I slightly straightened my posture now that everyone’s eyes were on me. “Come meet our friends,” he curled his finger at me.

I smiled but was ultimately uncomfortable as I walked over to him.

The man in a suit narrowed his eyes at me, then gave Dominic a strange, prying look that I couldn’t read. The scary woman smirked, and I saw her check me out before giving my professors a knowing look. I tried not to blush. The man in the t-shirt looked surprised for a split second before looking at the woman beside him.

The woman in pink gasped, “You didn’t tell me there was someone else here?” She gave my professors a pointed look. “I’ve been so bored-”

“Reesia,” the man gave her a look, and she shut her mouth, still giving me an intrigued smile.

“You’re really pretty,” Reesia blurted, watching me closely.

Oh my God. I can usually take a compliment just fine, but with everyone staring at me, I want to sink into the floor. I smiled, “So are you.”

I finally stopped next to Niko, happier that I wasn’t just standing alone in the middle of the room anymore. Not that everyone’s attention was off me by any means; it was just less intense this way.

“When did this happen? Why haven’t you told us?” The scary woman grinned at Aiden, her tone playful, as if teasing him.

Wyatt sucked in a breath, looking panicked for a moment. “Jamie, this is Odette. She’s living with us until graduation. She’s in one of Niko’s classes,” he said quickly like he was trying to talk over Jamie.

Huh. Why would my professors tell their friends about someone living with them? And why did they all look so intrigued? Our situation was weird, but it wasn’t that interesting. I was having trouble reading between the lines here; I was missing something.

The man in a suit looked away from Dominic, eyeing me again. The other three had similar reactions, almost disappointed, but their interest heightened by ten.

Niko seemed smug as he looked at me. “Odette, this is Reesia, Jamie, Collin, and Vincent,” he introduced, gesturing to each of them as he said their names.

I assume Collin and Reesia were together; they both wore wedding bands and kept having silent conversations with their eyes. Vincent and Dominic were doing the same thing, only there was zero romance and one hundred percent curiosity.

Jamie grinned. “So... she’s not—”

“Are you hungry? There’s spaghetti on the stove,” Wyatt interrupted the same look of urgency on his face as before.

“I’ll grab some in a second, thanks,” I smiled.

Reesia perked up. “Are you with anyone?” She asked, once again surprising me with her bluntness. She was forthright for someone I’d known for less than five minutes.

I tried not to look taken back by her intrusiveness. “Um, no,” I shook my head. I wasn’t sure why she’d want to know that.

Her eyes lit up, her expression becoming excited. She turned to Collin, gently grabbing his arm. “Can we have her?” She asked.

Um …

I looked to Wyatt for help, unsure of what she was talking about or what was happening right now. I should have stayed in my room. They were married, and she definitely said we. And by have, I can only guess she meant something sexual.

Wyatt and everyone else at the table gave Reesia a pointed look.

Collin glanced at me for a second before he looked at my professors. He tilted his head at her. “Read the room, Baby,” he said quietly.

Reesia glanced around, her eyes lingering on Wyatt and Dominic for a second before her eyes lit up once again, this time in a naughty way. “Oh...” she whispered.

Jamie cocked her eyebrow at Collin. “You better control your wife,” she chuckled.

Collin didn’t respond; he just looked sternly at Reesia, but she was too busy looking at me.

What was going on?

“That’s too bad,” Reesia stood up, quickly walking around the table to my side. Her height was drastically shorter than mine, her head reaching the bottom of my chin. It wasn’t anything new for me; I was used to being taller than most people.

She grabbed my hand, and I widened my eyes, slightly shifting my body away from her. Was she medically insane? “You really are so pretty,” she smiled at me, her grin somewhat evil.

I was holding my breath, embarrassment crimson red on my cheeks. Wyatt has his head in his hands, slightly shaking it. I definitely felt the same way. This was uncomfortable.

Reesia leaned forward, narrowing her eyes on Dominic, who glared at her. “Isn’t she pretty?” She pushed.

I pressed my lips together, slowly turning to Reesia. Girl. I looked at her eyes, trying to see any sign of redness, hoping that she was either on hard drugs or drunk. Shockingly, there was no redness, just her massive brown mischievous eyes.

Dominic’s glare faltered for a split second, and his eyes shifted to me. I doubt anyone else saw, but I couldn’t have missed the look from a mile away. His glance was so swift that it took me a second to process what his expression meant. Desire.

Dominic did think I was pretty.

“Reesia,” Collin scolded, amusement in his tone.

She shrugged. “What?” She asked innocently. “It’s just a question,” she cocked her eyebrow at Dominic as if challenging him to answer.

Dominic looked back at me. “Yes, Reesia, she’s very pretty,” he agreed softly.

I was surprised my jaw didn’t drop to the floor. Thank goodness I was already blushing from Reesia’s earlier comments because I was floored . I wasn’t expecting him to say it out loud, let alone so openly.

Reesia was a genius. She wasn’t on drugs, drunk, or insane. She got Dominic to admit something he probably didn’t want to.

Jamie tilted her head. “So, you’re a student?” She asked, her voice strong and confident. I nodded. “How’d you end up living here?” She asked.

I blinked at her, unsure of how to answer that. It was a long story, and I didn’t think what the board did was legal. “I kind of got kicked out of my dorm, and the school sent me here,” I explained vaguely.

Aiden leaned back in his seat. “Her dad is Charles Whitlock,” he added as if that was a crucial part of the situation. I guess it was, but having Charles as my father wasn’t something I wanted blurted out like that.

Vincent looked at me again, this time his eyes calculating. “In that case, it’s nice to see you again,” he said casually.

“I don’t think we’ve ever met?” I said apologetically. I think I would remember if I’d seen him; he was a scary-looking guy.

Vincent nodded. “A few times, actually. I’m in business with Charles,” he explained. Ah, that explained it. I always ignored any business partners my father brought to our house.

“My condolences,” I said quickly, regretting the words as soon as they came out.

He chuckled. “He’s not that bad,” he dismissed.

I raised my eyebrows. Boy, did I have some stories for him about how not that bad my father was. Few people had seen his true colors, and each one left him divorced.

Jamie tilted her head. “So, what? You’re some spoiled little rich girl?” She laughed.

This time, I think my jaw did hit the floor. What did I do to her? I didn’t think I said or done anything that would be offensive. I couldn’t think of a reason for her to say such a demeaning remark.

Before I could excuse myself to get food, Reesia squeezed my hand she was still holding. “Don’t be mean, Trix,” she snapped.

Jamie glared at Reesia. “I told you not to call me that,” she warned.

Reesia smirked. “Bitch, I don’t listen to you... Trix,” she shrugged.

Jamie’s jaw clenched as she looked at Collin, expecting him to say something. He shrugged. “She doesn’t listen to you,” he defended.

Aiden stood up. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” He asked Jamie.

She hesitated, sending Reesia one last glare before she got up and followed him out the back door.

Reesia stuck her tongue out behind her. “Not so tough now,” she sang quietly, clearly happy with herself.

Niko stood up, and Reesia let go of my hand as she looked between the two of us. “Come on, I can hear your stomach growling,” he touched my shoulder, gently ushering me to the kitchen.

Once we were away from everyone else, I sighed, feeling emotionally exhausted. “That was weird, right?” I questioned. “I mean, I don’t know what to think of any of that. Did I give Jamie a weird look or something? Why did she get so mad when Reesia called her Trix? Why did Reesia ask if she could have me? What does that mean? Am I being punked? Did you hire those people?” I ranted, letting all my confusion come to the surface.

Niko chuckled. “I’m sorry,” he scooped some spaghetti onto a plate for me, setting it in front of me where I sat at the kitchen counter. He leaned on the other side across from me. “No, they’re not actors. Reesia can be... weird and forward, but she means well; she just doesn’t have a filter. Collin is always quiet, but he’s a nice guy. Vincent is more Dominic’s friend than mine; I don’t know him too well. And Jamie is... well, she’s intense,” he shrugged. “She doesn’t get along with Reesia, but they’re usually more civil than that.”

That answered none of my questions. I bit my lip, “Where did you meet?” I asked, taking a bite.

Niko crossed his arms over his chest. “We have similar interests,” he avoided the question again.

I had a hard time believing Reesia had anything in common with any of the people in that room. She just seemed so... bubbly and frilly. The rest of them, totally . They all had that intensity about them that was unquestionable.

If he didn’t want to answer, I wasn’t going to push it. “You can go back; you don’t have to stay here while I eat.” I’d eaten alone most of my life, and sometimes eating in front of people—especially when they’re not eating—made me self-conscious of how I chew.

Niko pushed his head back, seeming offended. “I haven’t seen you all day.” He turned, grabbing another plate. “And spaghetti is my favorite,” he joked, dishing himself up.

I smiled, that same feeling of being wanted consuming me. “I got a lot of homework done,” I grinned.

“I know,” he responded quickly, giving me an amused look. “I get a notification every time an assignment is turned in.”

“Do all teachers?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t being annoying, making their phone go crazy on their weekends.

“Most do. Wait until 11:59 tonight and watch this thing go crazy,” he wiggled his phone before putting it in his pocket.

I cringed. “The thought of so many people turning in their assignments at the last minute makes me anxious,” I groaned.

“For most students, the thought of completing their work a week in advance seems arduous,” he shot back with an amused smirk.

“It is. Learning doesn’t come easily for me, just like it doesn’t for other students. I have a legitimate phobia of failure; the word alone makes me break out in hives,” I cringed, showing him small veins that started to pop out on my hands, “See?”

Niko’s eyes softened as he looked at my hand, then back at me. It was quiet for a moment as we ate.

“You know,” he started. “I’ve been racking my mind, trying to figure out how I’ve never noticed you before. You’ve been in my class for years. I’ve graded your papers and read your name on them, but I’ve never seen you until you walked through that door,” he admitted quietly.

The tenderness in his voice made my cheeks flush again, and I couldn’t help but wonder. “And now that you have?” I asked, hoping he’d say something along the lines of ‘I’m glad to have met you.’

He smiled, making small wrinkles appear on the corners of his bright eyes. “I think very pretty is the understatement of the century,” he flirted.

Letting out a small laugh, I felt a blush reach my ears. Happiness filled my stomach, recalling the events of the past few days. Wyatt was the kindest person I’d ever met, always going out of his way to ensure I felt welcome. Aiden had somehow turned my horny switch on, and I couldn’t turn it off. Dominic admitted that he thought I was pretty, and I got to hear that pleased tone I’d been wanting to. Niko was shamelessly flirting with me, and I didn’t mind one bit.

Shouldn’t I be weirded out or feel guilty because he was my professor? I searched my thoughts and couldn’t find any part of me that wasn’t okay with this. Actually, I wanted him to keep flirting with me.

I blinked over at him, a small smile on my lips. “Can I ask you something?” I started, letting my curiosity get the best of me.

He nodded.

Thinking over my following words, I decided to keep it casual but address my nagging thoughts. “Should you have said that?” I asked a playful tone in my voice.

Niko smirked, cocking his head to the side as he thought. He leaned against the counter, his strong arms holding him up. “I won’t tell if you don’t,” his voice was deep and charming.

My lips parted as he stared at me; his eyes held a playful sparkle, but there was no lie in his words.

Heaven help the lands because a new wave of pollution and acid rain was coming, and it would take everyone in this house down with it.

Niko’s’ shoulders relaxed, and his face became more serious. “You’ve consumed my every thought, Odette. I’m a selfish man, and I pursue what I want,” he eyed me. “I want you ,” he said boldly.

My breath caught in my throat, and I widened my eyes. My stomach fluttered again, and I was at a loss for words. If I didn’t care about him being my Professorbefore, I really didn’t care now that he didn’t.

Niko’s eyes settled on my lips, and a sudden tension in the room consumed me. The counter served as a boundary between us, and I was sure it was the only thing keeping him away from me.

My pussy throbbed under his gaze, making me squirm. I hope he knew what he had just started. The sexual tension was thick, and he only said a few words.

Niko smirked, dropping his gaze to my plate. “Eat up, Cari?o, you’ve only had frosting today,” he said firmly.

Yeah, but that frosting was mouth-watering.

Wait—Aiden told them about this morning?! Why would he do that?

Before I could ask any questions, Reesia came through the kitchen door. “Odette!” She called, a smile on her face like she’d known me for years.

Prying my loud mind away from what Niko said, I smiled. “Hi.”

She grabbed my hand again, looking up at me. “We’re going to be friends, okay?” She insisted.

“Okay,” I agreed, knowing she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She seemed like a nice yet strange person. I’d like to get to know her more.

She smiled, handing me a piece of paper. “Text me. I need to go shopping next weekend, and you’re coming with me.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Collin stood in the doorway, watching her adoringly. “Ready to go, Baby?” He asked.

She waved at Niko. “Bye! Thanks for the girl,” she giggled, winking at me. She ran over to Collin, holding his hand as they left.

Niko looked unsettled. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

I pushed my head back. “I want to go.” It was an opportunity to ask her about them and find out their similar interests.

Wyatt entered the kitchen, taking the seat next to me. “I’m so sorry, Reesia and Jamie’s behavior was inappropriate,” he apologized, embarrassment clear on his handsome face. His hand absentmindedly rested on my knee under the counter.

The innocent touch sent another wave of arousal pouring out of me, and I tried to keep my face neutral. “It’s really okay; you don’t have to apologize,” I dismissed. Reesia didn’t bother me; there was no need for him to apologize. Jamie’s actions weren’t his responsibility either; he didn’t need to apologize on her behalf.

He gave me a pointed look, and I noticed exhaustion in his eyes. “It’s not okay, Odette,” he sighed, clearly blaming himself.

I shrugged, not knowing how else to explain my feelings to him. I was okay with people not liking me, especially those who didn’t know me. I couldn’t make everyone happy. Just to bring him peace of mind, I added, “I’m not insulted; don’t lose sleep over it.”

His shoulders relaxed as he chuckled. “Don’t you ever get mad?” He questioned. “You should have been pissed at your dad, then the board, the boy in the store, and Jamie.”

“I get mad,” I assured with a chuckle. “I just don’t like arguing,” I explained. That was easier than admitting I wasn’t listened to whenever I had an opposing opinion. Over the years, I’d learned to stew in silence and let things go.

Wyatt’s eyebrows knitted together. “If you’re ever mad because of something we did, I want you to tell us, got it?” His voice suddenly held authority, and his grip on my leg tightened slightly.

I nodded. It won’t come easily for me, but Wyatt was easy to talk to. I didn’t see them making me anything but horny and happy in the foreseeable future.

Dominic and Aiden entered the kitchen, each placing a few empty beer bottles in the recycling bin. “They left,” Aiden informed.

Dominic looked relieved; they all did. I wasn’t sure how long their friends were here, but it was clear they were all exhausted. He looked at me momentarily, his gaze lingering before leaving the room. “I’m going to bed,” he said quietly, barely audible as he left.

“Want more?” Niko asked me, glancing down at my empty plate.

I shook my head. “No, thank you,” I grabbed my plate before he could, Wyatt’s hand falling to his side as I stood to put it in the dishwasher. I could see the disappointment in his face, and I found it strange.

He said he wanted me; I wonder if this was his way of flirting? He was always feeding me, offering me water, and insisted on doing things for me.

“Do you have class in the morning?” Wyatt asked.

I nodded. “I got stuck with the six o’clock physics class,” I gave him a half smile. Six was way too early to do anything but sleep, but a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do.

They all looked taken back, looking at the clock on the stove in unison. It was past eleven, and I probably should have gone to sleep hours ago, but I couldn’t sleep anyway, so what was the point?

Aiden narrowed his eyes on me, pointing to the door. “Bed, now,” he ordered.

His stern voice sent shivers through me straight between my thighs. I put my hands up in surrender. “I’m going,” I smiled. I looked back at the three of them. “Goodnight,” I waved as I left the kitchen.

I walked upstairs, ready to turn my heated blanket on and let my restless mind finally rest. Just as I was about to open my door, I heard a sound.

No, not just any sound. It was a deep, sexy, muffled moan.

My eyes snapped to Dominic’s room, where the sound came from. I could barely hear him but was suddenly grateful for the paper-thin walls. I bit my lip, greedily listening to his soft groans.

I didn’t dare move, knowing the floor would creak if I moved any closer; then he’d know I was listening.

I wanted to do much more than just listen. I wanted to see him; I could picture his face twisted in pleasure, his intense eyes locked on me.

My body was on fire, a deep blush painted on my skin. I wanted to be the reason he made those sounds. I desperately wanted to touch him and for him to feel me.

His moans turned to quiet, quick breaths, and I widened my eyes, entranced by his sounds.

I should feel like a creep because this was crossing a boundary—I shouldn’t be listening to him. But I physically couldn’t turn away. My whole body had an addictive heartbeat that consumed me.

My hand absentmindedly inched closer to the area between my thighs, my pussy begging for any friction. Trapped in a secret fantasy of his hands on my skin, my eyes slowly closed as I touched myself through my leggings.

I gently rubbed my fingers in small circles, leaning against my door; the only thought in my mind was Dominic’s moans and my desperate need for release.

I didn’t exactly know what I was doing, but it felt good. I’d never felt the need to do this like I did now. At this moment, nothing else in the world matters except this.

Putting more pressure, I heard his breaths turn to deep moans again. My free hand flew up to my mouth, catching any noises that threatened to escape. My head gently fell back against the door as I felt a small knot in my lower torso, threatening to come undone.

My heart slammed in my chest as the wood floor creaked a few feet away from me. My hand quickly moved away from where I desperately wanted it to continue its movements. Opening my eyes, I saw Wyatt staring at me. There was so much hunger in his expression, it almost scared me.

Oh shit.

I blushed profusely, embarrassment flooding through every nerve in my body. My words caught in my throat, unable to even attempt to lie. What I was doing was very obvious.

Wyatt didn’t look as surprised as I was. His eyes seemed darker, his eyebrows dropped lower than usual, hooding his eyes. My room was far down the hall, and he was standing next to me. My heart skipped a beat as I realized he was watching me the entire time.

He stepped closer to me, his body dwarfing mine as he looked down at me. “Why’d you stop?” He whispered, his voice much different than his usual kind and easygoing one. “Finish.”

My chest was raising and falling rapidly between us, his hot breath fanning across my skin, igniting flames in my stomach. I gently shook my head, unable to even move, paralyzed with embarrassment.

“Hm,” his eyes fell down my body, watching my hand twitch at my side. He slowly looked back at me. “Can I touch you?” He asked, his fingertips gently running along my stomach.

Yes. Please.

I desperately wanted to say yes, craving his hands to replace my own. Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I nodded, deciding to worry about the consequences later. For now, I wanted his hands on me.

His hand pushed my stomach, roughly pushing me against the door with a small thud. “Watching you fuck your hand was such a turn-on,” he admitted, keeping his voice low. His hand snaked lower, and he trailed a single finger down my slit, gently rubbing me from the outside of my leggings. I flinched at the shockwave that jolted through me. “So innocent, you don’t even know how to touch yourself properly,” he taunted with false sympathy.

I whimpered, returning my hand to my mouth to keep myself quiet. Aiden and Niko were still downstairs, and Dominic was only a room away. I wasn’t a fan of the paper-thin walls anymore. His fingers moved in a way that I didn’t know was possible. Compared to whatever I was doing, his touch was electric.

He leaned in closer to my face. “Look how wet your little pussy is. You’ve soaked right through your leggings,” he smirked, pressing down hard against my clit.

I made another sound, flinching so hard my leg kicked the door. Until now, I didn’t know it was possible to feel this way. My expectations of sex and men skyrocketed, all with Wyatt’s finger.

His eyes didn’t leave my face as he continued touching me. “Have you been neglecting your pussy, Odette?” He whispered. “I’ve barely even touched you, and you’re whimpering,” he teased.

The stairs creaked, and I widened my eyes even more at Aiden and Niko’s casual conversation as they started up the steps. No!

Wyatt smirked, glancing towards the stairs. An evil gleam washed through his eyes as he tilted his head at me. “You enjoyed listening to Dominic, didn’t you?” He questioned. “Let’s see how you like being on the other side of the door, shall we?” He threatened.

Before I could react, Wyatt opened my door, ushering me quickly by my waist. He closed the door quietly behind us before he pinned me against it. With one hand, he grabbed both my wrists, pinning them together above me. His feet spread my own, forcing my legs open. “You wouldn’t want them hearing your pathetic little moans, would you?”

I gasped, “Wyatt, please—” I began to beg him not to do this, but I had to admit, the thought of them hearing me was accelerating.

His hand started toying with my pussy again, right where we left off in the hall. This time, my hand wasn’t there to muffle any sound I made.

I gasped, a quiet whimper escaping my lips. My hips arched forward, my body like a puppet to his touch. The mixture of fear, embarrassment, arousal, and excitement took over my entire body, making my eyes gloss over.

His lips parted as he watched me. “That’s it, Baby, let go,” he coaxed.

My stomach muscles kept clenching repeatedly, reacting to his touch. My body felt unfamiliar; these sensations were new and all-consuming. Quiet whimpers kept escaping my throat, and I couldn’t stop them.

The creaking in the hall stopped right outside my door as Aiden and Niko stopped walking.

I looked up at Wyatt with pleading eyes, silently begging him to save me from embarrassment.

In response, he smirked, moving his fingers faster, pushing down harder on my nerves. I cried out, quickly biting my lip, but the whimper was too loud.

Wyatt didn’t say anything, and I suddenly understood his plan. He didn’t want them to know he was in here. He wanted them to think that I was touching myself.

As he continued his attack on my pussy, I was a whimpering, wet, squirmy mess. My orgasm was building deep in my core, making my mind fuzzy, only allowing me to care about getting off.

My hips moved on their own, grinding on his hand as I watched his jaw tick. There had never been anything I wanted so much in my life. I wanted to cum so badly that I didn’t care that Wyatt was my professor. I didn’t care that Aiden and Niko were listening. I didn’t even care that I got here because I was listening to Dominic fuck himself.

All my control was gone, and I was nothing but a greedy heartbeat, using Wyatt’s hand to get off.

Wyatt looked completely engrossed in me, watching my every move, moving his fingers in different ways to see how my body reacted. “You’re such a good girl,” he whispered, his quiet voice barely reaching my ears.

Before he even finished the sentence, I came undone. My pussy clenched as cum leaked out of me, my entire body feeling weightless as if gravity had stopped working. Whimpers and moans fell from my lips as I rested my head against Wyatt’s shoulder. My knees buckled from under me, the orgasm so intense, I would’ve fallen if Wyatt wasn’t holding me.

Wyatt let go of my arms and moved his legs. He wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against him. “Awe, I know, Baby,” he whispered. He moved me over to my bed, sitting me down on the edge of it as he stood over me.

The floor outside my door creaked again, followed by two doors closing.

I peeked up at Wyatt, my breathing still ridged. “What did we do?” I whispered, running my hands through my hair. It was obvious how much we both wanted this and how Niko and Aiden wanted to listen to me.

I knew I wasn’t the only one with polluted thoughts…

Wyatt grinned. “Something long overdue.” The tone in his voice told me he wasn’t just talking about my neglect, as he put it earlier. No, there was something about them he was talking about.

I bit my lip. “I’m going to go take a shower,” I pointed to the bathroom, hinting that he should probably leave. I need to freak out and apologize to my bears. They shouldn’t have seen that, but I could tell they were happy for me.

Wyatt raised his eyebrows at me. “Are you okay?” He asked.

I chuckled, unable to stop myself. I just had my first orgasm, and it was better than I could have imagined. And he wanted to know if I was okay? I nodded, “Yes?” I questioned. Why wouldn’t I be?

He looked comforted as he smiled. “Goodnight, Odette,” he said quietly before he left my room.

I waited until I heard his own door close before I fell back on my bed with a sigh. I need answers. Reesia said we earlier, meaning more than two people could be in a relationship. And Wyatt made me moan so his friends could hear.

I need to know the similar interests Niko mentioned earlier.

I grabbed my phone and texted Reesia:

Odette: How did you meet?

A few minutes went by before my phone went off.

Reesia: Google BDSM.