Chapter 8: Eight

I stared at Declan, or I guess… Dr. Ashwell as he introduced himself and the paper. Every one was listening to him intently, and to an outsider, it would seem like I was doing the same. But no one knew that I was thinking about how this man, our teacher, had been inside of me two days ago. And in so many positions.

“Why don’t we have a round of introductions?” Declan said once he was done speaking. “And then we can disperse. I will assign a text that you must read before the next class.”

The guy sitting beside me decided to start with introductions. Of course. I didn’t catch what he said, because I was so in over my head about what I was going to say, and how any sound would leave my mouth.

When he stopped speaking, everyone looked at me expectedly. I cleared my throat. “Hi everyone, my name is Willow. I’m from Pennsylvania. And um…I’m really excited to be here with you all.”

As the others went on introducing themselves, I noticed how everyone was giving a lot of details about themselves, even gloating. I hadn’t said much at all. I chided myself mentally for that.

Once everyone was done, Declan dismissed the class. I breathed a sigh of relief. I wouldn’t have to see him again for a day. And meanwhile, I could see if I could switch this class. It would be a disaster to continue with this paper. Especially, given… how insanely attracted to him I still was. Knowing I was his student and this was in no way allowed.

As everyone shuffled out, I quietly followed Mara out of the classroom. Just as I was going to step out, Declan spoke curtly from behind me, “Miss Whitefield. A word, please.”

I froze in my spot, but then I turned, and took a few steps back. “In my office,” he said, “I’ll see you there in five minutes.”

I nodded.

I stepped out, and Mara inquired urgently, “What’s that about?”

“Oh,” My mind raced, trying to find the words, “I wrote to him about something. Its probably about that.” I lied.

She grinned, “Damn girl, you work fast! Well, I’ll see you later for the next class.”

I wasn’t sure where Declan’s office was. So I had to ask around, and I was guided to a narrow corridor where his office was located. It was a lonesome corridor, there was just one more room there. I saw the plate on his door. ‘Dr. Declan Greene Ashwell. Phd, Environmental Economics. Assistant Professor, School of Economics and Development Studies.’

I laughed a little at his name.

“Something funny?”

I whipped round, and came face to face with him. So close, our noses almost touched. I stumbled, hitting the door with my back and stepping into his office.

“Sorry,” I said softly, “Your middle name is Greene, and you teach Environmental Economics. It’s a little funny.”

He cracked a smile. “I agree.” He stepped in beside me, and shut the door behind him. I stood to the side, watching him move around the small space of his office. He had a water bottle in his hand that he put on his desk.

“Take a seat,” he said to me, looking in a drawer while he spoke. I did as he said. He found some papers and placed them on his desk, then placed a paper weight on top of it. I couldn’t help but stare at the languid way his body moved. How smoothly he moved. Was this a normal thought to have, or was I going insane?

Done with his work, he finally sat down on a chair beside me. He turned to look at me, his hands together in a confident stance.

“Well, you understand, Willow, that we have a problem.”

I nodded. “Um, yes. I’ll drop the class and take something else.”

He fished out his phone, and opened up a PDF. “What classes are you taking?”

I listed all the papers I had opted this semester, and he nodded, scrolling through the time table of the department. “That leaves you with Political Economy and Decolonialism, if you drop my paper. Are you interested in that?”

“I can take Decolonialism. And then Environment next semester.”

He smiled, “I teach it every semester, Willow.”

“Oh.” I sighed, “It’s alright, Dr. Ashwell, I can just drop it.”

“No, no.” He pressed his temple with his thumb and finger, his eyes clenched shut. “I can get someone else to take it this semester.”

“All the others are really excited to learn from you. Your reputation precedes you.”

Declan smiled. Even when he smiled just a little, his teeth gleamed. Shined, like diamonds. “You’re taking this very well. I assume you understand no one can know about this.”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, Miss Whitefield. I also hope you understand that our previous…relations will have no effect on your place or grades.”

I gaped at him. “Do you think I’m going to blackmail you? Or expect favors?”

He caught my eye, slightly smirking. “I’m just clarifying things.”

I licked my lips. “If it is alright with you, Dr. Ashwell, I would like to continue taking your paper. I think we are both professional enough to forget what happened and act in a manner befitting our positions in this university.”

His head tilted, as he stared at me. Suddenly, I felt him jerk my chair forward so I was closer to him. He leaned down to be eye to eye with me. “Are you capable of being professional with me, Willow, after I fucked you so sore you couldn’t walk?”

My breath caught in my throat. I breathed deeply, suddenly dazed. “I – yes.”

He pushed himself back. “Very well, then. I will see you in class on Wednesday, Miss Whitefield. You can lead the discussion on the first unit. I expect you to come prepared.”

I nodded. “Of course. I will. Thank you, Dr. Ashwell. Have a good day.”