Lily
'Take the money and leave. Or stay. With me.'
Adrian's words played in my head as the stack of cash on the table gleamed, a promise of freedom, but his eyes held something warmer, something I couldn’t walk away from.
“You’re quiet,” he said, stepping closer, his voice low.
“I’m thinking,” I replied.
“About what?”
“About how crazy this is,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Two days ago, I was just your student. Now you’re asking me to… what? Be yours?”
“Yes,” he said steadily. “That’s exactly what I’m asking.”
I swallowed, my throat tight. “Why me?”
“Why you?” He laughed bitterly. “Because you’ve ruined me, Lily. I wasn’t supposed to feel this.”
“Feel what?” I pressed, stepping toward him.
“This,” he said, grabbing my hand, pressing it to his chest. “You’re under my skin. I can’t
