Chapter 18: Part 18

My feet thundered down the stairs, and I almost slipped on the carpet but somehow managed to dart for the door. The cold air slapped my face, and it pulled me back to the floor, but I still kept up the pace, like I couldn't get away fast enough.

In contrast to the icy feel of my skin, my lips were still hot when I touched my fingertips to them, sore and swollen. Heat crept up to my neck as I thought back to Abel's lips against mine, firm and soft, still lingering as if he were present right in front of me.

Rushing to the nearest empty class, my knees buckled, and I crumbled to the tiled floor like a wet bag of sand. My body sagged against the cool wall, head thrown back as I found myself staring at the ceiling.

I kissed my Professor.

The Alpha felt so utterly real against me that it almost hurt, every single nerve in my body standing on edge as I desperately tried to hold on to him.

It was as if my whole body was on fire, flames licking my skin and penetrating it, setting my veins alight until they sizzle. My toes went numb and started twitching, and I couldn't control it, unable to move even though I wanted to, especially when the door opened with a gust of cold, damp wind.

It took another few minutes of sitting down on the floor before I regained control over my body.

This is absurd. I thought to myself, slowly getting on my feet, mouth twisting in a grimace. He was the one who kissed me anyway.

And you didn't stop him. A voice reminded me, almost mocking and causing me to shrink. I rubbed my hands over my face, letting out a groan slip through the gaps of my fingers and wishing the ground to swallow me.

***

Allie got the job. She couldn't stop talking about it, mostly explaining her duties and timings. For the most part, I tuned out, my eyes narrowing at the wall behind her.

I couldn't stop thinking about Abel, mainly since he lived next to me. The elevator also reeked of his scent, reminding me every second of that wretched moment between us. As if that's not enough, we shared a wall, the noises from his apartment sometimes echoing into ours.

"Emma!" I felt a sharp jab in my side, startling me. "Are you alright?"

I blinked, vision swimming and found that I was fisting the pillow in my hand, nails digging into the silky cloth, almost tearing it. At her stare, I let it go and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Yeah, sorry, I – I zoned out for a second," My voice sounded breathy, getting to my feet unsteadily.

"Kind of noticed that from your thousand-mile stare, Em," My friend huffed. "Everything okay?"

"Sure! I am tired from my classes. I think I'm going to hit the shower, feeling a bit out of it."

I didn't wait for her reaction; I just turned on my heels and exited the living room, fully aware of the intense stare boring into my back.

Slamming the door of my bedroom, I ended up taking a shower, letting hot water run over my neck and down my back as I leaned my forehead against the cool floral tiles, convincing myself it's washing away the images and memories when I was very certain that's not what's happening at all.

***

"Your shoes," Avon clarified, his brow quirking patiently as he stood against the brick wall. The Alpha was going to walk along with me to the cafe, wanting to spend some time with his cousin.

"Oh," I breathed, following his line of vision only to see the laces were untied. "I'm alright," I croaked, my cheeks turning bright pink at the silly mistake.

Avon only looked at me for a moment before he shrugged and began to make his way towards the tiny alley, claiming it to be a shortcut. He remained quiet until we reached the very edge of the road, crushed rocks and dried leaves along the way digging into my soles.

"This is one of my favourite places," Avon breathed, pointing at the artfully twined trees, a lone olive bench underneath, against some graffiti on the wall, overlooking the clear sky.

The wind played uninterruptedly with his long hair, and seemingly unbothered, the Alpha pulled his sunshades from his pocket and placed them back over his nose. "Believe me, it's something from a book, especially in the mornings. I sometimes walk from my home to sit here and enjoy silence."

He waited patiently for a response, but when I didn't reply even after a full minute, the Alpha gently tapped my arm, just once, before locking his hands behind his back again. Shocked at the briefest moment of physical contact, my eyes widened painfully, flickering over the man in alarm, "Sorry, I was just...."

"It's alright."

"So, what is this place?" I breathed.

"An abandoned alley. Initially, some plans were to make this a park for the elderly, but they ditched it. So no one comes here anymore." He said with a tilt of his lips, hands pocketed in his jeans. "It's sort of my safe place as this alley is closer to the packhouse."

My heart began thumping heavily against his ribcage as I joined his side, nerves sparking at the sudden realisation that he had bought me to his safe place.

"Can we sit for a few minutes? I'll walk you right after."

At the hopeful look on his face, I couldn't say no, my head bobbing.

"Sure." I hummed, plopping on the bench, exhaustion from the day slowly seeping in. My arms crossed together as I reminded myself it was not even over yet. I had a shift at the cafe till six in the evening before going back and getting ready for my dinner with Allie.

***

A barely held whimper slipped out of my lips as I shifted on the toes, neck arching to see the clock. It's five-forty. Twenty more minutes to go. I thought under my breath, my lips pulling in a grin.

Avon's cousin dragged him away from the cafe with an excuse of some urgent work. He did assure me that he'd try to be back by six, but I was not so sure. Besides, I knew the way and could walk back home.

The training lasted for about two hours before they asked me to start taking orders. An apron was handed to me, a red one with white checks at the edges. I was standing in front of a monitor, along with Stacy. That's one of the omegas who joined three months ago.

We were the only two behind the monitors while others handled the packing and bringing out coffees and other items from the kitchen.

"Welcome to Jenny's. What can I get you?" My mouth slowly parted as I took in the familiar face in front of me, body stilling in spot.

No! This was not happening.

"Emma?"

Abel's voice pulled me away from my thoughts. There's still time to turn around and run. I was quick, always has been. But what's the point? I thought under my breath, eyes roaming around.

Running away from the semi-crowded cafe while on duty won't make me stop thinking about Abel and about what happened.

The Alpha walked towards me, slowly like he's afraid he's going to spook me with sudden movements, a tailored jacket underneath his coat. Leather gloves, shiny boots, a soft-looking scarf thrown over his broad shoulders. It made my knees weak at how attractive he looked.

What are you thinking? I shook my head at the ridiculous train of thoughts. 

"What can I get for you, sir?" I cleared my throat, knuckles turning white from the grip on the monitor.

He looked around, his shoulders sagging as he realised all eyes were trained on us. "I would like a black coffee."

"Is it to go?"

"Uh...no. I'll be having it here."

"Okay. That will be five dollars."

He handed me a twenty bill, and I typed furiously at the keys, teeth sinking on the bottom lip. As soon as I generated the bill, I handed him the change, but he shook his head.

"Keep the change."

"Umm...that's...." Stacy nudged my foot and airily giggled, flashing her pearly whites at him.

"Thank you! Please be seated, and we will bring you the order."

Abel nodded and turned on his feet.

"Moons! Who's that hottie?" Stacy almost squealed in my ears, her hand wrapping around my wrist. "Please tell me he's single."

Something coiled in my belly at her question, mouth twisting as I gave the bill to Josh.

"He's my Professor, and frankly, I don't know his relationship status."

"Ooh! The way he was staring at you...it did not look very teacherly."

I exhaled through my parted lips, eyes widening at those words. What did she mean by that? Before I could question Stacy, Josh placed the tray on the counter.

"Black coffee." He murmured.

"Thanks!" With my breath held in my throat, I carried the tray to Abel, who was sitting at the end of the cafe, eyes trained on his phone.

Almost hesitating for a few seconds, I placed his tray in front of him and took a few steps back, ready to bolt.

"Have a nice day, sir!"

"Emma?" I froze at the intensity in his voice, eyes fluttering shut and my fingers bunching the apron. "We need to talk."

***