Sienna's POV
I sprung up from my seat, my heart drumming hard. His eyes showed surprise, and then all of a sudden, his gaze darkened.“I'm sorry, professor. I don't know what you're talking about, and I can't stay here any longer.”
He scoffed. “Nonsense,” his tone was sarcastic. “What do you mean you don't know what I'm talking about? Aren't you big enough to take me?”
My nose wrinkled in disgust, but a wave of fear caused my blood to run cold.
“I’m sorry, sir. I do not know what you're talking about, and I have to leave.”
He scoffed. “You know exactly what I'm talking about, but since you claim not to, I'll explain it to you.”
He took a sip of his champagne, placing the glass back on the table then he exhaled.
“You can be my campus girlfriend. We could meet here on the weekends, and you get to take care of me. That's all. We could end up being good together, and you can pass my course even if you perhaps do not take my exams.”
My jaw hung open, and I blinked a couple of times to remind myself this wasn't a dream.
“I can't do what you're asking me. I can't.”
He scoffed. “Why? I'm a professor. I have enough money to take care of you. You should be happy that I decided to pick you for this kind of offer.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, sir, I'll have to decline the offer. I can't; I'm not that kind of girl.”
He glared at me. This time, just calm, convincing expressions had changed into something hard and scary. His jaw clenched, and his chest rose and fell faster than usual.
“You should know I'm not someone to be messed with. I have given you all the time in the world to think about this, but I won't give you a chance to beg if you don't take the offer now.”
I gritted my teeth, breathing hard, but I knew what I had to do.
“Again, like I said earlier. I wouldn't be able to do what you're asking of me. I'm sorry to disappoint you.” I paused for a few seconds, ignoring the way he glared at me. “I'll be taking my leave.”
He didn't say a word until my hands were on the doorknob, ready to leave.
“You just made a huge mistake; you're going to pay for it. Dearly.”
I felt my fingers tremble on the knob; my fingers went stiff for a bit. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and walked out of the place without looking back.
I planned to return home without thinking about what he had said.
My grades were the only thing keeping me safe from my father's constant yapping. I mean, he could talk about my attitude but never my grade.
I said in the Uber, my chest heavy. For some reason, I knew that I was doomed because he was a professor and the meanest in the department. Besides, no one would—I ran my palm along my face and bit my lip in panic. I didn't even take proof of anything that happened. That meant my words were completely useless against him.
“Stop here.” I muttered, still in shock of what had happened. I pulled out a dollar bill from my pocket and hopped on the car.
I had stopped a bit further from my home to prevent Dad from knowing I snuck out of the house.
As the taxi drove off, I was forced to walk alone on the quiet streets, my mind pondering what happened back at the hotel.
“Maybe I should have ghosted him or failed the test.”
I kicked a small pebble on the walkway before taking the next turn that led to my father's mansion.
It wasn't long before I got there, and I snuck in through the gate, making sure to follow the backyard to avoid being seen. I had just climbed in the window when a knock came on my door.
My heart skipped a beat, and I pressed my lips together, hoping it wasn't who I thought it was.
“Sienna? I know you're in there; open the door, we need to talk.”
My dad's voice rang out, causing me to go into a panic.
“Sienna!” He became impatient. Meanwhile, I was trying to change it over the clothes I had worn.
I threw my top towards the wardrobe and kicked my trousers under the bed, throwing on my nightgown almost immediately.
“Coming!” I alerted him, taking quick steps, but as soon as I opened the door, I met his disappointed stare.
“You took too long to open the door; you should be more efficient.”
“It's late, Dad; you should be asleep, but you're knocking at my door. Besides, I have classes tomorrow,” I lied.
I didn't want him bothering me over something that didn't make sense.
“Hmm, I see. Then I'll have to reschedule the meeting with your fiancé.”Creased lines appeared on my face, my brows knitted, and I crossed my arms over my chest. “What meeting?”
He shook his head. “Never mind. I wanted to ask him about the plans for the wedding date. I want you to be married to him as fast as possible. I don't want you disgracing my family's name.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, that hurts. You didn't even bother to ask me how I feel about the marriage, and you're already booking a plan for me to be gone so quickly. Nice.”
“What you feel about this doesn't matter. For now, you have to just focus on what concerns you, which is making this marriage work, and don't think about doing anything stupid. I don't intend to go easy on you if you ruin your chances on this one.”
His words were like knives, but I watched him leave. I knew better than to defend my interest. To him, I was nothing but a disgrace.
In that instant, my phone screen lit up.
It was Elias.
Why was he calling so—
“No, no, not again…”