The rush from class still hummed under my skin as I left the lecture hall. For once, I felt bold and alive for once. The way Professor Damien Vale had stared at my chest, losing his usual icy control, played on repeat in my mind. I adjusted the strap of my bag and walked down the quieter side corridor that led toward the main quad a narrow hallway lined with old bulletin boards and dim lighting.
I didn’t see Julian coming. His hand shot out from a shadowed alcove, grabbing my wrist and yanking me into the narrow space between two pillars. My back hit the wall with a soft thud. He loomed over me, breathing hard, his usually handsome face twisted with raw jealousy.
“What the f**k was that, Ava?” he hissed, voice low and venomous. His grip on my wrist tightened. “You think parading your t**
