Chapter 9 Rent free
Charles POV
I tried to get her out of my head and focus on the class, but the more I saw her, the more I felt that connection with her. She lived rent-free inside my head.
She was an exact copy of Nikki but the softer version. The connection I felt with the way made me remember the night when I took Nikki's virginity. I can't tell if it was Nikki actually, the lady that I slept with that night was withdrawn and had the same soft features Linda has.
When I woke up the next morning, something was really off. I never felt so close to Nikki the way I did that night.
I was just so curious to know who exactly the girl was.
Harvey warned me not to enquire into the whole thing.
“Let it die Charles” Harvey had said
“I can't. You don't understand what I felt with that girl. Something magical, very extraordinary. Harvey, I was at peace for the first time in months and you tell me to let it go?” I asked
“There’s no way Nikki would be a virgin. I could testify to the fact that Nikki is a spoilt brat but you need that merger Charles! Canceling the marriage when you find out that it wasn't Nikki would do you more harm than good”
“And who says I'll cancel the merger? I just want to find that girl, just want to satisfy my curiosity” I said
“If you insist then” he said
The next day, I contacted the hotel authorities and demanded footage from that night.
When I learnt it was deleted, I was so frustrated.
“Do you know who you're dealing with right now?” I yelled
“We are so sorry Charles Kane but the footage was deleted”
“Why would an important security detail be deleted without apparent cause?” I blurted
“Sir, It was a mistake from our end and we apologize for any inconveniences this has caused you” the manager pleaded
“Okay, I think I have to contact the CEO of Empire hotels. One phone call and your job is gone” I threatened
“I'm so sorry sir, please don't do this. My whole family is dependent on this job” The manager pleaded
“I give you only twenty-four hours to get me the footage” I said sonorously
“Hold on sir, we have retrieved some of the footage but regrettably not a detailed one, it has some cracks” he said
“Send it in” I said and hung up
When the footage arrived, I found out that I never slept with Nikki.
The faces were not clear enough to identify them but It was obvious enough that Nikki came inside in the morning.
I tried finding out who the girl was but my instincts kept stopping me.
It would probably ruin everything. One thing is sure, I never slept with Nikki.
“Sir, we can't hear you” a student interrupted my thoughts
“The noise is much that's why you can't hear me” I said and continued with my pace but increasing my voice
I scanned around the room for Linda but she wasn't there.
When I looked closely, she bent her head on her desk
What was wrong with her? Was she crying because of the humiliation??
I felt so guilty and worried.
Maybe I had been so harsh on her when I knew how hard the Jenkins family was on her. Atleast, I saw it for myself.
“And this brings us to the end of today's lecture. Hope the assignment I gave during the last class is done?” I asked
“Yes” they replied but Linda’s head was still bent.
“Touch that girl over there” I told the blonde girl sitting beside her
Linda raised her face immediately.
“Have you been sleeping in my class?” I asked
She shook her head slowly.
“Submit your assignments to her and make sure you bring it to my office” I said and left the class.
As I walked to my office, her face clouded my head.
She looked stressed and sad. I wondered why she would be working for people like the Jenkins family.
“How's your class going?” Dean Morrison interrupted my thoughts
“My class is the best. I've never seen such enthusiastic students before” I commended
“I told you, it was going to be fun. That class is very intelligent and highly competitive” he said
“Yeah, it would surely produce successful businesses that would improve our economy” I said
“Sure. I'll be heading to my office now” Morrison said and we parted ways.
I walked inside my office and waited for Linda.
A few minutes later, a knock came.
“Come in” I said
The door opened and Linda stepped inside.
Her sweet fragrance stole my breath away. My eyes betrayed me as I watched her graceful steps, those straight long legs that made me tall and slender.
Her hair packed in a ponytail made her look so beautiful even with those dark circles.
My eyes rested firmly on her round breasts although well covered still couldn't deny the fact that they were firm and succulent.
“Sir” Her soft voice echoed through my head.
“Oh! Where are the assignments?” I asked jerking back to the harsh truth that I shouldn't be lusting after my student
“I already kept them on the table” she said
“Good,” I said, walking up to her.
“Do I know you from somewhere?” I asked
“I am from your class” she said
“No, not that. You seem very familiar” I said
“I work for your fiancee’s family” she said stepping back trying to avoid my presence
“I know that too. Why do you work for them?” I asked
“Respectfully Sir, I think that is a private question” she said
“I am your Professor and you are my student. I have every right to know why you came late with a downcasted face” I said
She lowered her head.
“Why do you still stay there?”
“My mum entered a contract of service with them, she's not capable of fulfilling her obligation now so I'm doing that for her”she said
“You want to waste your potentials working as a maid? For your mother?--”
"You don't have to worry about me Sir"
“Why?” I asked
"I'm going to get a degree, get a job, buy a house and take my mom out of this country. It's just a matter of time" she said in a confident manner that left me speechless
“Please don't ever mention to them that you are my teacher or about this conversation.” She continued pleading with her eyes.
“I know.” I said
I walked closer to her this time hearing the thuds of her heartbeat. She took a few steps backwards and I pinned her gently to the wall.
“Sir–” she protested
“Shh” I said, placing a finger on her lips. I gently shifted the collar of her shirt revealing her neck.
She closed her eyes and goosebumps filled her skin but I knew what I was looking for.
I examined her neck carefully and I saw the bite marks.
It was almost gone but I recognized them last night.
I gave the girl from last night a bite on the neck out of pleasure and now it was right here on her neck. The same pattern, everything.
“It was you from last night” I said as I released my grip on her.
She froze immediately.
“It was you right?” My mood changed into a stern one immediately
“Which… which night?” She stammered
“Don't lie to me” I said
“I don't know what you're talking about” she said turning away
I let out a small laugh. It was her, definitely her.
But I had to take it easy, and play along.
“You don't know what I'm talking about?” I asked again
She took a deep breath and cleared her throat.
“With all due respect, you have an upcoming wedding in three days' time and you're flirting with your student? That's a very shameful thing to do” she said in composed manner
“Mr Charles, I've submitted the assignments you demanded and I think my time is up. Excuse me” she said and left my office
I was so amused to utter a word.
Flirting with my student? Is that how she'd cover up her lies?
The way she turned to professional mode immediately shocked me.
“How brave” I muttered beneath my breath