The Hockey Roommate's Filthy Desire novel Chapter 51

11:47 Thu, May 14 d

Chapter 51

Chapter 51

ARIA’S POV

I barely slept.

77

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him walking away. I heard the door shut. Felt that hollow, aching silence all over again.

By the time morning came, I gave up trying.

I got ready for school slowly, mechanically. No music. No distractions. Just silence.

Julian wasn’t back.

His room door was still closed. Empty. Cold. Just like the space he’d left behind last night.

My chest tightened, but I forced myself to ignore it.

You’re fine.

I grabbed my bag and left. The moment I stepped onto campus, I knew something was wrong.

People were staring. Not the usual glances. Not the subtle curiosity I’d gotten used to.

This was… different.

Whispers followed me as I walked past. Phones in hands. Screens angled just enough for me to catch glimpses.

And then I saw it. A picture. Me and Julian. At the banquet. Kissing. My stomach dropped.

Of course.

Paparazzi. My grip tightened around my bag as heat crept up my neck. Great. Just great.

“Is that her?”

“That’s the girl-”

“She’s the one from last night…”

I kept walking. Head up. Eyes forward. Like it didn’t bother me. Like my heart wasn’t pounding against my ribs.

By the time class started, I couldn’t focus. Not on the lecture. Not on my notes. Not on anything.

Every now and then, I’d feel eyes on me. Hear hushed voices. I saw someone quickly look away when I glanced up.

11:47 Thu, May 14 d

Chapter St

Even Serena wasn’t subtle about it.

She sat a few rows ahead, turning back just enough to shoot me a look that was equal parts disbelief and irritation.

Good. Let her look.

77

“Aria. Stay behind for a moment. My head snapped up at the end of class. Professor Hensley. A knot formed in my stomach. Great. That couldn’t be good.

As the room emptied. I felt Serena linger, clearly trying to catch his attention.

“Professor. I had a question about-”

“Not now. Serena,” he said without even looking at her.

That alone made her stiffen. Her gaze flicked to me, sharp and annoyed, before she finally left.

The door shut. And suddenly, it was just me and him. I shifted slightly. “Is… everything okay, sir?”

He studied me for a moment, his expression not harsh—but serious. “I trust you’re aware of what’s circulating online.” he said.

My throat went dry. “…Yes.”

He nodded slowly. “You’re a bright student, Aria. One of the best in this class.”

That didn’t sound like a compliment.

“Which is why I’m advising you to be careful,” he continued. “Final exams are approaching. Distractions, especially public ones, can be damaging.”

I swallowed.

“I understand.”

“I’m not here to judge your personal life,” he added. “But perception matters. Especially when you’re this close to finishing.”

His gaze softened slightly. “Don’t let something temporary affect something permanent.”

That hit harder than I expected. “I won’t,” I said quietly.

He gave a small nod. “Good. You’re dismissed.” By the time I stepped outside, the sky had already darkened.

And then, the rain started suddenly, the downpour heavy and unrelenting. I sighed under my breath, tightening my grip on my bag. Of course.

I didn’t even hesitate. I started walking. I already knew Julian wasn’t coming. But before I could get far, I heard my name. “Aria.”

11:47 Thu, May 14 d

Chapter ál

I turned.

Professor Hensley stood a few steps behind me, keys in hand. “You’ll catch a cold walking in that,” he said,

“I’ll be fine.” I replied quickly.

“It’s not a suggestion.”

I blinked. “…Sir?”

“I’ll give you a ride.”

I hesitated. “It’s really okay, I-—”

“Aria.” That tone again. Firm. Final. I exhaled softly.

77

“…Okay.” The drive was quiet. Comfortable, in a way. No pressure. No tension. Just the sound of rain hitting the windshield and the soft hum of the engine.

When we finally reached my place, I let out a small breath. “Thank you, sir.”

He nodded. “Get inside quickly.”

I smiled faintly. “I will.” I stepped out, pulling my bag over my head as I hurried toward the door. Just before I went in, I turned and gave him a small wave. He returned it. Then I ran inside.

The apartment was quiet. Empty. Of course. I exhaled slowly, dropping my bag to the side.

For a moment, I just stood there. Listening.

Hoping. But there was nothing.

My chest tightened slightly. He still wasn’t back. I pushed the feeling down and headed for the bathroom. A shower would help.

By the time I stepped out, steam, still clinging to my skin, I felt a little better. Not okay. But better.

I wrapped a towel loosely around myself, running a hand through my damp hair as I stepped into my room and froze.

Julian. He was standing by the door. My heart jumped straight into my throat. “Julian-”

I cut myself off.

He looked different. His clothes were soaked, clinging to him, water dripping onto the floor beneath his feet. His hair was damp, slightly messy.

And his eyes…Dark. Heavy. Unsteady. Like he hadn’t slept. Like he’d had too much to drink. Or both. “What are you doing here?” I asked softly.

He didn’t answer immediately. His gaze moved. Slowly. From my face… down. My breath hitched. The towel

11:47 Thu, May 14 d

Chapter 51

suddenly felt too thin. Too loose. Too exposed.

I tightened it instinctively. “Julian…” He stepped forward. Unsteady, but purposeful.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice rough.

77

The words caught me off guard. “I shouldn’t have left,” he continued, quieter now. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

My chest tightened. “I didn’t mean it,” he added. “Any of it.” I swallowed.

“You don’t get to just-”

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