“No” Her words where panicked and full of longing.

“I tried to stay away from you Emma, but I can’t. You consume my every thought. After graduation we should get away from here for a while.” She looked hesitant. I pressed my forehead against hers, inhaling her flowery scent.

“Where?” Her voice was quiet.

“Anywhere. It doesn’t matter. Just… far away from this place. I want to wake up to your smile.” I looked in her eye, wanting to see her happy. She smiled back at me. I was aching for her to agree. “Say yes”

“Yes, Sir” She grinned and I pushed my lips against hers, wanting to taste her, to feel her happiness. “Be a good girl” I knew how those words affected her. I could see it in her eyes. It was also a warning. I knew that I was in too deep with her now. I couldn’t resist her pull; couldn’t be responsible for what I would do if she ever left me.

I forced myself to leave so her aunt wouldn’t catch us. I couldn’t risk it when we were so close to being able to be together. I kept busy the rest of the evening, planning for our upcoming getaway and the end of the school year. I felt like I had control again. A feeling I very much missed.

I searched endless sites but always came back to one. Emma’s profile. I loved flipping through her pictures. She looked so sad, so broken. I wanted to change that. I wanted to always make her smile, feel happiness, feel pleasure.

That night I fell asleep to her face as I drifted off on the couch. I didn’t want to sleep in my bed alone. A feeling that bothered as much as it comforted. I dreamt of her all night. We went away together where no one knew us. She was at my side everywhere I went.

“You are beautiful.” Her cheeks turned pink under the praise. “I have something for you.” She sat quietly, patiently waiting. I pulled a velvet box out that I had hidden in a drawer and held it out to her, sinking down on my knee. “Open it” She took it in her delicate fingers and slowly opened the hinged top. Her eyes glowed with excitement. “May I?” I asked, taking the box from her hand. She watched me as I pulled the leather strap from the box and fixed it around her neck. “Mine” She sat taller on her heels.

The next morning all I could think about was seeing her. I couldn’t keep myself away any more. I drove to work earlier than usual, anxious to catch a glimpse of Emma. My heart was racing like a stampede of wild horses.

I spotted her car immediately. She sat inside, her eyes searching around her. I texted her to let her know I was there.

Eager to learn Ms. Townsend?

A smile spread across her face.

You are a great teacher.

There are so many more things I would like to teach you, Emma.

I watched her get out of her car and make her way into the building. It took every ounce of self-control not to run after her. Instead, I watched her. Watched her fingers glide through her hair. Watched her hips sway gently as she walked. Watched as she disappeared out of sight. My phone beeped and my heart leapt in my throat, but it was not from Emma. It was my father. He was out on location filming a movie and wanted me to check on his property. I swallowed hard and clenched my jaw. That was all my father ever cared about, his things. He never asked how I was. We had an understanding that we would stay out of each other’s lives. That was, after he made sure I had lost the only thing I had loved a few years ago. I didn’t respond. I grabbed my belongings and made my way inside.

My classroom was empty as usual in the morning. I pulled out my laptop and began searching flights to California. Perhaps I could kill two birds with one stone and take Emma out there. It was on the complete opposite side of the country.

A knock came at the door and I quickly closed my computer.

“Come in” I shouted. The door slowly opened and Tracy stepped inside. She was in the same class as Emma. Her hair was golden blonde and long. Her skin had a deep tan. “What can I do for you Tracy?” She chewed on her lip as she pulled the door closed behind her. An action that got my attention immediately. She stepped closer, closing the distance between us.

“I was wondering if there was something I can do to help improve my grade. Maybe..some extra credit?” Her fingers traced the collar of her shirt. I splayed my hand out on the desk and rubbed the surface. She smiled seductively as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. I stood and rounded my desk, walking towards her. Her eyes never leaving mine as her smile grew wider. I didn’t stop, walking past her to the door and pulling it open.

“I suggest you study and do your assignments.” I said, smiling back politely. She pouted but reluctantly left the room. I slammed the door behind her and leaned back against it, running my hands through my hair roughly. I was used to being hit on. That was nothing new. I just wasn’t used to turning someone down.

The rest of the morning went by quickly and I was soon anxiously awaiting Emma. The students filed in, chatting for a few minutes before taking their seats. Emma was not among them. I closed the door and began the lecture. I glanced towards the door and caught sight of her. She smiled and I knew what she wanted.

“Ms. Townsend, see me after class.” Her cheeks burned red. I was glad I had planned something that would not force me to take my mind off her. “Everyone clear your desks for the chapter quiz.” This close to the end of the year the work no longer meant much of anything but it was important to keep them on their toes. I circled my desk and took a seat, waiting for the papers to make their way to the back row. I sent Emma a quick text.

I know just how to punish you.

I watched as she read over her phone, then her eyes shot up to meet mine. She bit her lip and I felt my body go rigid as other parts of me reacted.

Slide the phone between your legs and leave it there.

Now.

She hesitated but did as I told her, slipping the phone down between her thighs. I texted again and watched as her eyes grew wide. Her hands gripping the edge of her desk as it vibrated pleasure through her. I could not help but grin, slipping my hand under the desk to rub against myself. I hit send again and watched her mouth fall open, her eyes begging me for sweet release. I licked my lips, wanting to taste hers. I sent another and another, pushing harder against myself as I grew uncomfortably stiff.

A knock came at the door and her eyes shot to it wildly. I cleared my throat, doing my best not to sound turned on.

“Come in” I adjusted myself to hide my growing arousal and sat up, waiting for the door to open. Nothing could prepare me for the gut wrenching pain that sunk in the pit of my stomach. “Abby” I was in disbelief. The woman who had caused all of my pain had just sauntered in as if she owned the world.

“Will” She said coldly. The sound of her voice made me sick. I jumped to my feet and quickly ushered her outside, wanting to get her as far away from Emma as possible. I glanced back over my shoulder. Emma looked pained, as if she knew exactly who this was, but that was not possible. I closed the door behind us and ran my hands through my hair.

“What do you want?” I made sure she understood I was not happy to see her. She smiled slightly.

“How are you?” She asked.

“What the f**k do you care? When have you ever cared?” I shot back, anger coursing through my veins. I wanted to hurt her. I wanted to make her beg me to stop. I wouldn’t stop. She swallowed hard and stepped closer. Her fingertips ran over my jaw. I closed my eyes, letting myself enjoy her touch for a brief moment before grabbing her wrist and pulling her away.

“Have you missed me? Missed us at all?” She looked confused. She had no idea how much pain she had caused me. She was possibly more twisted and f**ked up than I ever was.

“Why are you really here?” I was crushed by my own words. She and I both knew why she was really here. The door flew open and students began to snake their way around us. We stood there, silently as they went on with their lives. I was locked in my past, tortured.

Past and future collided at once as Emma stepped through the door. Her eyes searching mine.

“Emma, we can discuss you being late some other time.” I knew I would have to explain everything to her. Abby glanced at her and then her eyes stayed locked onto mine.

“No. She can stay. I’d like to get to know the woman who is f**king my husband.” Abby was harsh and cruel. Not very different from the man I had become. Emma grabbed her stomach as if she had been punched in the gut. I wanted to wrap my arms around her. She stared at me helplessly, silently pleading me to tell her it was all a lie. “Oh, she didn’t know?” Abby said with a laugh. I focused on her throat. I wanted to strangle the laugh out of her.

“Go” I snapped, gesturing for them to get back into the classroom. I glanced down the hall to make sure no one had seen the exchange. There couldn’t be any witness, just in case we all didn’t leave the room. Emma’s eyes shot to mine, pained. I hated myself in that moment. They both made their way back inside and waited for me.

“I’m not here to ruin your fun, Will. I just came to get what is mine.” She explained, leaning back against my desk. I grabbed my belt, wanting to bend her over it and plead with me to forgive her.

“I don’t owe you anything.” I struggled to keep my voice low so no one would become alarmed.

“I’m sorry. Did you say you are his wife?” Emma’s voice shook.

“Ex-wife” I replied before Abby could open her mouth. She nodded slowly but I could tell she was having trouble processing the new information. Only moments ago she was on the verge of ecstasy, now her heart was being crushed. Abby’s eyes burned into me. I had to clench my fists to keep from reacting. Abby, once one of the most beautiful women in the world in my eyes, now looked like a snarling animal. She was made ugly by greed.

“You really want your little secret getting out?” Her eyes danced between us. “Imagine what the other professors would say. Imagine…what your father would say.” She was as sick and twisted as she had been back then. She didn’t care about me or my happiness. I didn’t care about myself, but I would not let her hurt Emma.

“What is it that you want?” Emma struggled to sound more confident. Abby grinned at her but turned back to me.

“You know what I want but since that isn’t going to happen, a couple million oughta cover it. Don’t you think, Will?” Her smile grew wide but her eyes where dead.

“Where the hell is he going to get money like that?” Emma shot back, not letting Abby ignore her preseance.

“Fine” I replied, narrowing my eyes. Abby straightened, feeling as though she had won. “Then you get the f**k out of my life. I don’t ever want to see you again.”

“You have my number.” She winked at me, but it was for Emma to see. She shoved between us and left.

I glanced at Emma. Her eyes wide in shock. I stepped closer to her but she held up her hand in front of me.

“Don’t” She said. The word was like nails on a chalkboard. I struggled not to bend her over.

“It was a long time ago.”

“How long? You’re just out of college and she.. how old is she?” A million more questions lurked behind her eyes.

“She was my math teacher in high school.”

“And you…you married her?” Even her sadness…beautiful. I stepped closer to her.

“I loved her.” I confessed. I knew back then how to feel. That is why Abby was able to hurt me so badly. Emma looked like she was ready to collapse under the weight of my secrets. She leaned back on the desk behind her for support, then pushed her self passed me. I grabbed her arm, stopping her.

“I need to get out of here.” Her eyes watery and I knew she was using all of her strength not to let me see how hurt she was.

“I’ll go with you.” I searched her eyes for a moment before releasing her arm. I had to make sure she understood. I couldn’t lose her. I won’t lose her. I grabbed my things and went out to the parking lot to wait for her. No one could see us leave together.

As she came through the door I watched her every move. She was sad, her head hung, only glancing up to me for a second to meet my gaze. She got in her car and pulled out. I took a deep breath and followed behind her. Watching her in her mirror. I had to make her understand. I had to make her believe me no matter what the cost. No one was going to come between us. Not the school, not Jeff and certainly not f**king Abby. Emma was mine. Now that I had her nothing was going to keep us apart. Nothing.

Chapter Twenty-Five

As we pulled up to my place my heart began to race. What if she changed her mind? What if she told me to f**k off and never come around her again? I hit the button on my visor and the bay door opened. She slowly pulled her car inside. I glanced around at the empty road and pulled in after her, closing the door behind us.

I got out of my car and watched her slowly exit hers. I made my way over to the stairs, pausing for her to come closer. As she did, I walked up with her trailing behind me. Every step felt like I was getting closer to losing her. I opened the door and let her walk past me. She looked around as if she had never been there before. As if everything was different. I swallowed hard.

“I’ll tell you everything you want to know.” I searched her eyes, trying desperately to figure out what she was thinking.

“Do you still love her?” Her voice shook under the weight of her words.

“I don’t know” I lied. I knew I hated her more than anything on this planet. What I didn’t know was how I felt about Emma. I was drawn to her. I desperately wanted to consume every part of her like fire. What I didn’t know is if that was love. It had been so long since I felt anything for anyone besides hatred.

I stepped closer to her. Her back straightened as I reached over to place my palm on her cheek. I could feel the heat rising off of her delicate skin. She leaned into my hand, closing her eyes. Mine. I knew exactly what I needed to say to keep her. It was written all over her sad little face.