The Secret of Us

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

PEARL

"Careful," the voice I had dreamt about all night murmured from behind me, sending chills down my spine.

I ended up dreaming about my professor last night. Probably because I had been trying to come up with the itinerary for my plans.

My goals: Make Lucian fall

Make Jake break

Make my father rage.

Then I decide if I walk away... or not.

I jotted down all my plans on my notes app and only went to bed when Vera walked into the room. Guess I had spent too much time on it, and that led to the dream.

A dirty dream involving my professor.

And I wasn't sure how to feel about it.

But I felt all manner of things when his arms wrapped around my body with my back against his chest.

I had decided to go with stiletto heels that morning just to accentuate my toned legs since I was dressed in a short skirt and basic top.

But I guess I haven't gotten used to it yet, because why the hell did the heel get caught in the floor vent? And I had to struggle to free it myself just right in the hallway of the seminar room, only for me to nearly tumble.

And of course, Professor Holt had to be the one to catch me from behind.

I turned my head slightly, and our eyes locked. Those ravishing set of gray eyes literally consumed me, and my breath caught.

"Are you going to keep leaning on me?" His deep voice broke into my trance, and I jerked away from him instantly.

That caused the heel to pull out. Finally.

I cleared my throat and turned to him.

"Thank you, sir," I said, flashing him a cool smile, but he only walked into the class without acknowledging me.

Rude.

I pulled down my skirt and looked at the heels to be sure it hadn't broken or something before entering the seminar room.

All eyes fell on me just as always. I was enjoying the attention though.

Nadine waved at me, urging me to come sit with her, but I had my plan.

Always sit at the front.

And I settled in the front seat. But Nadine just had to ruin my plans by joining me. When did she get so interested in me?

"Don't you think Professor Holt is just so good-looking? Even better than his son," she started, her eyes not leaving Lucian.

I looked at Lucian, who was setting up the projector. He was definitely a fine wine.

He knew what suited him well. Being dressed in all black made him devilishly handsome. I never really paid attention to him before, but looking at him again, I realized why my father was jealous of him. No wonder my father hated him. Lucian didn’t try to command respect. He just wore it like a second skin.

"Do you think I have a shot with him?" Nadine's voice broke into my thoughts, and I almost glared at her.

"I heard he doesn't relate with students. Do you think I can change that? He's definitely single, and I've always wanted to get involved with a professor. It's just a pity that all of them are so ugly and serious," she continued, her eyes sparkling in excitement.

My face screwed up. I wanted to ask her why she was telling me that, but I decided against it.

Professor Holt had been a guest lecturer at our university for years, but he was only known as someone focused on his goal, which was teaching senior students without getting involved with them.

But I was going to break that.

Lucian's voice boomed, taking over the classroom, and I shifted my focus back to him.

"We are looking at scent psychology today," he started, and I pulled out my tablet.

The class went on well, and I must admit, he was indeed a good lecturer. Yet I found myself getting distracted by his long strides and gorgeous body.

He must’ve caught me staring at the tattoo peeking under his sleeves because the next thing I knew, he stopped right in front of me.

"Miss Sanders, since you're the top student, I'm sure you wouldn't mind explaining the psychological impact of scent memory on luxury fragrance branding in relation to the theory I just stated."

Silence fell.

Nadine tapped me, and I got up slowly.

"Not at all, Professor Holt."

I wasn't sure I remembered the theory he was talking about, and the slides had been moved. But I knew that theory was something he came up with.

"Please, go ahead."

My brain scrambled. I couldn’t remember the damn theory. But panic wasn’t part of the new Pearl, so I lifted my chin.

"Though your theory is outdated. New research suggests otherwise."

That was the best counter I could come up with.

Mumbles filled the air while Lucian stared at me as his jaw clenched.

Did I say something bad?

But I wanted that reaction from him anyway.

"Please, enlighten me."

"Scent memory can evoke strong emotional responses. It is the ultimate seducer that taps into emotions and sensory experiences, creating unforgettable connections."

He quirked an eyebrow.

"What makes a scent unforgettable?"

I met his eyes.

"When it lingers on your skin longer than it should," I replied slowly, earning snickers from the class.

Lucian furrowed his brows before walking away. But I wasn't done with him.

The lecture ended up being a banter between us, and I got under his skin.

"Miss Sanders. My office. Now," he ordered firmly, leaving no room for argument as he walked out of the class.

A slow smile curved out of my lips.

"Why are you trying to frustrate him?" Nadine asked as I picked up my tablet.

"Am I?"

She nodded. "Looks like you're trying to get his attention."

I flashed her a smile before making my way out of the seminar room.

I arrived at his office a few minutes later.

He turned to face me with crossed arms as I closed the door firmly.

"Is there any reason you need to see me privately in your office?" I asked, a hint at the edge of my tone.

"Tell me, Pearl. Are you trying to provoke me?"

I tucked one curl behind my ear and pressed my lips into a thin line.

"I thought answering questions in class wasn’t a crime. You wanted the class to be interactive, and I decided to help," I replied, fluttering my lashes.

His eyebrows almost reached his hairline.

"Challenging my theory, quoting research I published, and..." his eyes traveled down my body. "And smelling like my cologne... that’s not participation. That’s intentional."

The corner of my lips lifted. He finally noticed it. I had worn that cologne—the one Jake had gifted me before our breakup.

Back then, he had mentioned that it wasn't released yet, and I was the first person to use it. I had felt so special back then. I mean, beta testing an unreleased cologne made me feel like I mattered. But it was only a parting gift.

"It's not," I replied.

He stepped closer.

"So, what is it? A game? Or are you trying to prove something?"

I shrugged.

"I just figured you’d appreciate boldness. You seem like the kind of man that loves challenges and rewards it. Or don't you?" I asked, leaning close to him as I ran my fingers along the edge of his desk.

Lucian sidestepped me and walked to his chair.

"You think because you’re clever and pretty, you’re untouchable in my class?"

I chuckled softly.

"Tell me, Professor. Am I untouchable?"

I leaned on his table, and his brows drew together.

"I’m concerned you don’t understand what this program requires."

I leaned forward slightly, challenging. "I’m here to learn, Professor."

His eyes narrowed, unreadable. "This isn’t a stage. Or a family feud. If you're here to prove something to your father, to Jake, or to yourself, then you’re wasting my time."

I blinked. For a moment, the teasing remark on my tongue curled and died. Wow. Looks like he could see through me. He was smarter than I thought.

"You need to remember I'm here because I earned it," I said, steadier now.

He gave the faintest nod. "Then act like it," he snapped.

Our eyes locked. All we did was stare at each other. Or maybe he was glaring at me.

He broke it first and sank into his chair.

"You’re in my class on merit. Don’t ruin that."

I smirked.

"Sure."

"But if you keep testing me like this, then you'll ruin it. I'll fail you, Miss Sanders," he replied in a low and dangerous tone.

I smiled.

"I don't think I'll ever fail," I concluded before turning towards the door.

Then I glanced over my shoulder.

"Oh, and Professor?"

He raised his brows.

"Your cologne smells better on me. Feels like it was made exclusively for me. Don't launch it," I said with a wink. "I already found the perfect owner."