Bride of the Cursed Alpha (Auren and Lucien) novel Chapter 180

An Idea

Tamara POV

With my breath lodged in my throat, I dropped my gaze to my sketchpad. I remembered every angle of his body, having known him for so long. But over the last ten years, Matt had grown into a beautiful, muscular beast with every muscle crafted perfectly.

As I sketched, heat built in my chest. There was an electric tension between us whenever I looked at him. My traitorous body wanted to touch him so badly, that I stifled a whimper, clenching my thighs. I think I wet my panties.

His nostrils flared and his expressions darkened. My eyes dropped to his pants where I saw a bulge forming. My lips parted in a rough exhale as I found myself craving to touch him. And then, just as u thought I was about to break, I heard a voice I hadn’t expected.

“Matt”

I froze, snapping my head. Tulip stood at the doorway with her eyes zeroed in on Matt.

Matt’s reaction was immediate. He stood straighter, his smile gone as he was taken aback by her presence.

Tulip’s presence shattered the moment between us. I took a deep breath in, wanting to remove the feeling of chest tightening.

“Professor Tulip,” Matt said in a guarded voice.

Tulip stared at his body for far too long, and I couldn’t help but get burned in this uncalled–for jealousy. Her gaze flickered to me and a faint smirk curled her lips. She walked past the students, walked past me like I wasn’t even there as she headed straight for Matt. She went to stand in front of him almost possessively. Matt clenched his jaw and wore his shirt.

“How may I help you, Professor?” he asked, his voice barely restraining his anger.

It hurt so much to see them together, that I looked down at my sketch of Matt. It was a mess. I couldn’t finish it. The energy was gone. The connection that had been there was now broken, replaced by something cold and bitter. Tulip had ruined it. But again, it wasn’t like I wanted to be with Matt. I reminded myself of the whole plan of my life. To be normal, and seek new love. Or maybe not.

Professor Rivers‘ voice broke through the air. “How can I help you, Professor Tulip?” she asked with hesitation.

With a knowing smile, Tulip looked at Matt, and then turned to Rivers. “Matt is also my student, Professor Rivers, and I have to talk about something very important to him.”

Rivers looked flustered. She nodded reluctantly. “Matt, you can talk to her but please take this conversation out.” Then she turned her eyes to Tulip. “But I don’t like this interruption, Professor Tulip. My class hours are limited.”

“I’m sorry, Professor Rivers,” she replied. “I’ll be careful next time.”

I watched them leave. Matt glanced at me, giving me a look that said that he would be back in a minute. Not that I cared.

As soon as they walked out, I couldn’t help but focus on their conversation with my hypersensitive ears even as Professor Rivers talked about the theory.

“Matt, there’s something important I need to talk to you about,” Tulip said. “It’s something that can’t be avoided and you have to come to my office.”

Matt’s irritation flared up. He lowered his voice, and muttered, “I don’t have time for your games. So what is it, Professor Tulip?” He emphasized the word professor.

Her voice hardened. “It’s regarding your project for Herbology. You missed your last assignment, and you know the Dean’s rule. Two strikes and you are out. If you don’t come to my office to discuss it, I’ll have to report you.”

“Tamara, wait!” His voice reached me, but I didn’t slow down. I had to get away from him, from everything.

I skipped the history class and went to the cafeteria instead, feeling the sharp stirfg of tears that I refused to let fall. I pulled out my phone, calling Bradley.