The Hockey Roommate's Filthy Desire novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

ARIA’S POV

The rest of the day felt normal. Almost too normal.

After everything that had happened, I expected something to feel different. Heavier, Awkward. But it wasn’t. If anything, there was a quiet sense of balance settling into place.

Classes went by in a blur of notes, formulas, and whispered discussions about upcoming exams. Everyone was on edge. Focused. Determined.

Including me.

For once, I wasn’t distracted. Not by Luca. Not by Serena. Not even by everything that had happened over the past few days. I listened. I wrote. I understood.

And for the first time since I got sick, I felt like I was catching up.

By the time my last class ended, students began packing up quickly, some heading straight to the library, others rushing off in groups to revise together.

I gathered my things slowly, glancing toward the front of the class. Professor Hensley was already gone. A small frown formed on my face. Great.

I needed to return the notes he had given me and hopefully get more. Waiting until tomorrow didn’t feel like an option. Not when exams were this close.

With a quiet sigh, I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed out. His office wasn’t far. When I knocked lightly, his voice came from inside. “Come in.”

I stepped in, offering a small smile. “Good

afternoon, sir.”

“Ah, Aria,” he said, adjusting his glasses slightly. “Back already?”

I nodded, walking forward and placing the neatly arranged notes on his desk. “I came to return these. Thank you again for lending them to me.”

He waved it off lightly. “Not a problem.”

I hesitated for a second before speaking again. “Sir… if it’s okay, I was wondering if you had more notes I could study from?”

He studied me for a brief moment. Then nodded.

“Of course. I admire your dedication.”

Relief flooded through me. “Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it.” He handed over another set, explaining

11:43 Thu, May 14 d

Chapter 10

briefly what I should focus on. I listened carefully, committing everything to memory,

After a few minutes. I thanked him again and stepped out. By the time I made my way to the parking lot, the sun was already dipping slightly, casting a warm glow across the campus.

And there he was.

Julian. Leaning against his car, arms crossed, a deep frown settled between his brows. My steps slowed. Something wasn’t right. I approached him cautiously. “Hey…”

His eyes lifted to mine immediately. Sharp. “Where were you?”

I blinked. “What?”

“I went to your lecture hall,” he said, his tone controlled but tight. “You weren’t there.”

For a second, I thought he was joking. But the look on his face said otherwise. “You went to my lecture hall?” I repeated, confused.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

His jaw tightened slightly. “That’s not the point.”

I stared at him, trying to understand where this was coming from. “I went to see Professor Hensley,” I explained. “To return his notes and get new ones.”

His expression didn’t soften. If anything… it hardened. “You went to his office?”

Something about the way he said it made my brows knit together. “Yes…?”

Silence stretched between us. Then, “Why?”

That caught me off guard. “Why?” I repeated. “Julian, I just told you why. I needed to return the notes and get more. Exams are close.”

His gaze didn’t waver. “The lectures you get in class aren’t enough?”

My chest tightened slightly. “What?”

“Or do you need private sessions now?” he added, his tone sharper than before. That, I didn’t expect. “Julian,” I said slowly, trying to keep my voice calm, “I missed classes. A lot of them. I’m trying to catch up.”

“That doesn’t mean you have to go to his office.” I stared at him. Now I understood. And honestly… I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or surprised.

“You’re overthinking this,” I said. “I returned his notes. That’s all.” But it didn’t seem to matter. The tension stayed. Heavy. Unmoved. Without another word, he opened the car door for me.

11:43 Thu, May 14 d..

Chapter 40

1 got in. The ride back home was silent. Not the comfortable silence from before. This one was different. Thick. Tense.

Julian didn’t say a word. Didn’t even glance at me.

77

And for some reason… that bothered me more than I expected. By the time we got back to the apartment, I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

The door had barely closed behind us when I turned to him. “You’re being unreasonable.”

His head tilted slightly. “Am I?”

“Yes.” I crossed my arms. “I told you exactly what happened. I went to return notes. That’s it.”

His gaze stayed on me. Quiet. Assessing. “You’re overthinking things that don’t even exist,” I added.

Still… nothing.

A small breath left me as I shook my head. “I don’t even know why this is such a big deal to you.”

That finally got a reaction. His jaw flexed slightly. “Because I don’t like it.” The words were simple. But they landed. My heart skipped.

“Don’t like what?”

“The idea of you going to another man for ‘extra help,” he said, his voice lower now. Something about the way he said it made my chest tighten.

Not in anger. Not completely. But in something else.

Something warm. Possessive. Confusing. “Julian…” I started softly, stepping closer. “It’s not like that.””

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