DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50

1 swallowed will wing my leak determ

hey head dowly eyes treating mine in the martor “No, Belle This molt difer under wraps because the grond made you feel like you had to

Toes is you: The real you. Th

My heart gera hærd the

night. This wasn’t a costume. It was armes, ands wyn

”

“You ready to walk on that door the miked, stepping back but keeping her hands on my shoulders,

My pular spiked so fast 1 felt dizzy. I turned to face her, the movement making the drew shaft against my skin sent a shiver down my spine.

“What?” tara asked, brow furrowing at the sudden shift in my expression.

1 bit my lip, heart racing, so loud I was sure she could hear it. “I need a favor,” I whispered, voice trembling just a lit

She tilted her head, concern flickering across her face. “Anything, Name it.”

1 took a shaky breath, eyes flicking to the door, then back to her.

I took a shaky breath, eyes flicking to the door, then back to her.

“Walk me there. To his office. Just… stay close until I go in. I don’t think I can do this part alone.”

Lara studied me for a long second-searching my face, weighing the fear against the fire she’d helped ignite. Then she nodded, squeezing, my shoulders gently

“Of course. I’ll be right behind you the whole way. You won’t be alone until that door closes behind you.” Relief flooded through me, loosening the knot in my chest just enough to breathe.

r

“Thank you,” I whispered. Then, quieter, almost embarrassed: “Also… I want a jacket to cover me up. Just for the walk there. I can’t strut across campus like this without feeling like everyone’s staring. But I promise. I’ll take it off the second we get to his door. Before I knock. I won’t chicken out”

Lara’s expression softened, no judgment, just understanding. She stepped over to her closet, pulled out her own black leather jacket-cropped, fitted, the kind that would still let the dress peek through at the hem and neckline without completely hiding what we’d built.

“Here,” she said, draping it over my shoulders. The leather was cool against my heated skin, the weight of it grounding me like armor. “It’s yours until you’re ready to drop it. And when you do… remember that’s when the real Bella shows up. The

one he won’t be able to look

away

from.”

I pulled the jacket closed in front, fingers trembling just a little as I zipped it halfway. It covered enough-the deep plunge of the neckline, the cling of the fabric over my hips-but I could still feel every curve underneath, every shift of my body reminding me what was waiting.

1/4

Chapter 50

your nam

I nodded, smoothing

ace and prowed “tuu’ve got this. Now i go make Professor Black regret ever putting that E next to

eath the packet

The leather creaked softly ark moved, a quiet promise that I could still hide. but wot for long

one last time, feeling the fabiner hug my curves like a secret second skin.

Then I turned toward the door

Heart pounding so hard it echoed in my ears.

Body humming with nerves, fear, and something hotter, deeper, that coiled low in my selly.

Ready, or as ready as I’d ever be to walk into the lion’s den, shed the jacket like shedding fear, and turn the tables once and for all

The walk across campus felt endless, even though it was barely twenty minuies. Lara stayed chese, matching my steps, her presence the only thing keeping my legs moving. The leather jacket hugged fre like a shield, but underneath it, the wrap dress shifted with every stride, the fabric brushing my thighs, the absence of a bra making my nipples tighten against the silk from the cool morning air and sheer nerves. I kept my eyes forward, avoiding the occasional early-riser sturient who glanced our way, praying the jacket hid enough.

We reached the English Department building just as the first hints of sunrise turned the sky pale gold. The place was still mostly empty-only a janitor’s cart in the far hallway and the faint hum of a vending machine. Lara stopped me at the top of the stairs leading to the third floor.

She turned me to face her, hands on my arms.

“Okay. Deep breath.”

I inhaled shakily.

“You look like a goddess,” she said, voice low and steady. “That jacket? It’s armor. But the second you drop it, you’re unstoppable. Walk in there like the room belongs to you. Remember the plan: tease, tempt, get him to cross the line-just enough. The camera’s already watching. You control the narrative. You control him.”

I nodded, my throat tight.

“And if anything feels off, even a little, you walk out. Text me. I’ll be right downstairs in the lobby, phone in hand. You’re not trapped. You’re the one setting the trap.”

Her words steadied me, just a fraction.

She pulled me into a quick, fierce hug. “Go make him beg for mercy, Bella.”

r

Then she stepped back, giving me one last proud look before heading down the stairs. I watched her disappear around the corner, heart hammering so loud it drowned out everything else.

Alone now.

I unzipped the jacket slowly, fingers trembling. The leather parted, revealing the deep V of the dress, the curve of my breasts, the way the fabric cinched my waist before flaring over my hips. Cool air kissed my skin, raising goosebumps. I shrugged the jacket off completely, folded it over my arm for a second-then draped it over the banister at the top of the stairs. No turning back.

Bare shoulders. Bare confidence. Or at least the illusion of it.

I walked down the quiet hallway to his office door-312. The key we’d “returned” was gone; he must have found it already.

122 mm ppp

Chapter 50

I raised my hand and knocked once. It sounded firm, but not too loud.

Silence

I frowned. The door was slightly ajar-not locked, not even fully closed. A thin sliver of wartit lamplight spilled into the hallway. Why wouldn’t he just open it properly? Was he expecting someone? Or… avoiding someone?

I knocked again, sharper this time.

The door swung open wider.

And there was Jones.

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