Chapter 18 18
Jenna's POV:
Today was another day of attending lectures, and once again, Caesar was staring at me instead of listening to the professor. There was something unnerving, and magnetic about the way his gaze seemed to follow me wherever I turned, as if the whole world narrowed down to just the two of us.
The class was supposed to be interactive today, Professor Andrews calling out questions to the room and encouraging participation. “Can anyone tell me the primary difference between gross and net profit margins?” He asked, scanning the classroom.
I raised my hand automatically, and Caesar’s eyes flicked to mine. He wasn’t even pretending to pay attention anymore; his chin rested on his palm as he stared at me like I was the only thing worth seeing in the room.
“Jenna?” The professor prompted.
“Gross profit margin is revenue minus the cost of goods sold,.” I replied.
“Correct. Anyone want to add on?” Andrews asked. A few students murmured, but all I could hear was the steady thump of my heartbeat, and somewhere in the back of my mind, Caesar’s eyes burning into me. How did he not get tired staring?
The lecture continued, and I answered another question, all while noticing him leaning slightly forward, elbows on the desk. His lips twitched, like he was trying not to smile or maybe he was just amused by me. Either way, I fought the blush that threatened to rise.
I couldn’t help but glance at Caesar again and just as I expected, he still hadn’t taken his eyes off me, and part of me wanted to smile at the way he seemed impossibly protective. But another part of me felt nervous, because if anyone else noticed how close he was, and how tense he looked just because of me, it would only make things worse. I could already imagine the whispers forming around the classroom, with people speculating about why Caesar Greywood was so obsessed.
I hated being the center of attention, yet I secretly reveled in the idea that someone as formidable as Caesar cared enough to always want it to protect me. It wasn’t just about him staring at me during class anymore; it was about how he made me feel safe, and yet, dangerously exposed. The duality of it was unnerving.
When class finally ended, I stood. “I need to use the restroom before the next class.” I said aloud, heading for the door.
“I’ll go with you.” Caesar said, standing immediately.
I frowned. “You know I’ll be in the female restroom, Caesar. You can’t follow me there.”
“I’ll wait outside.” He suggested it casually.
I paused, glancing at my bag. Realizing that no one else was around to watch it I packed my books inside. “Fine. Follow me.” I said, stepping out into the hall.
We walked to the restroom area, and I tried to tell him to wait in a spot, but he refused, staying practically glued to my side. “You’re going to be called a weirdo.” I warned, rolling my eyes.
“I don’t care.” He said simply.
I handed him my bag and stepped inside. Once I was in a cubicle, I started to lower my shorts, but voices drifted in from the sink area.
“Have you seen the way Caesar Greywood has been hanging around that plain Jane, Jenna, recently?” One voice asked.
“I don’t care.” I heard Mira's voice. “He never meant anything to me, but I feel bad for Caesar, ending up with a slut.”
The words hit me like a slap to the stomach as a third girl chimed in. “She doesn’t seem like a slut.”
Mira continued, describing our high school, claiming I pretended to be quiet and indifferent to attract attention and jaw tightened, as my hands gripped the edge of the shorts.
I couldn’t take it anymore so I stepped out, and made my way to their side at the sink and Mira smirked. “Speak of the slut…”
I ignored her, washing my hands slowly, hoping she would shut up. But as I scrubbed my hands under the faucet, I could feel Mira’s gaze like a needle pricking at my back. I tried to ignore her, to focus on the cool splash of water and the mundane rhythm of cleaning my hands, but her voice rang out.
“You know, some people just have to act so… untouchable, don’t they?” She said, her words coated in honeyed venom.
I knew it was about me because of the way she glanced at her friends for silent validation which made me know immediately that she was testing me, and waiting for a reaction. But I kept my eyes fixed on the faucet, forcing myself to breathe slowly, to remain calm although my fingers tightened on the soap.
She continued, her voice rising slightly, but still indirect. “It’s amazing how someone can just glide through life and make everyone else feel small. It must be exhausting for the people around her, constantly pretending not to care.”
I felt a twinge of anger, not just at her words, but at the arrogance behind them. I wanted to turn around and tell her exactly what I thought but I stayed quiet after
reminding myself of Caesar who was waiting outside, his protective presence just beyond the door, and how much he despised seeing me provoked.
Even so, as her words sank in, it gnawed at me. Every time she spoke, a tiny spark ignited in my chest which made me realize that walking away calmly would only embolden her. However, I still decided to let her talk, and let her think that she had the upper hand, but the burning heat of indignation reminded me that some boundaries, once crossed, demanded action.
I took a deep breath, straightened, and glanced up at her reflection in the mirror. Then I dried my hands before turning around to leave but before I could walk past them, said. “Maybe you should watch your mouth before you end up looking as foolish as you sound.”
Mira’s eyes widened as she blocked my path. “What did you just say?”
“Excuse me?” I replied innocently.
“What did you just say about me?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t call any names, but… if the shoe fits.”
Before I could react further, Mira lunged and slapped me across the face and the sting radiated sharply. Calm and level-headed as I usually was, I felt heat rise in me.
Growling, I slapped Mira twice and she fell back, dazed. Then I shoved the other two girls behind her, one after the other, until they hit the floor.
Hissing, I moved toward the door, but Mira scrambled up, lunging for me again, grabbing my ponytail. I screamed as she yanked me back. Caesar was there in a heartbeat, yanking her hands away. “Are you okay?” He asked, and I nodded slowly.
He spun to Mira, twisting her hands. “Do that again, and I will do worse.” He warned as students in the hallway watched, with their mouths open.
I tried to pull him away. “Caesar, let go!”
“Don’t touch me!” He barked, nudging me and I fell onto my butt.
The real Caesar Greywood, the one I’d known for years, the uncontrollable, fiery side, was still in there, and he was all too present. I swallowed hard, trying to catch my breath, realizing just how dangerous it was when he let that side out.