Chapter 8

IRIS

The whole time I stood in the shower I continued to picture the stubbled chin of Ryker Lorcane. It shocked me that he didn't choose some unnecessarily large five-star restaurant. I knew he had the money for it, but he said he didn't need it. I respected that. I threw on a soft pair of pajamas and headed to my dorm. I saw Mage heading towards me and tried to dodge a conversation. "Iris wait!" I heard her shout down the hallway causing me to stop. I didn't want to be rude. She had always been very nice to me. I turned around acknowledging her presence with a smile. "Hello Mage, how are you today." She was wearing an oversized hoodie and red plaid pj pants. Her messy bun looked freshly done, and her eyes were lined in thick black like she was headed to a rave instead of a bed. "I am okay Iris. I hope you are well. How was your Philosophy class? Professor Lorcane gave you shit, I hear. If you need to talk to someone who can help you change the class let me know. I have so many important friends on campus that could help you." She said, her ego glowing around her. I shook my head slowly, "I was late, it's not a big deal." I hinted to her that I was tired and she reminded me that we are here to learn and not be bullied by a "Daddy funded lawyer with a god complex." I felt my body begin to heat up not liking the way she was speaking about him. I couldn't show it of course. I am sure it is poorly looked upon to want your professor to take your virginity. I smiled at her telling her I appreciated it. I added that if I needed any help I would keep her and all her important connections in mind. I threw in that I accepted a mentorship from him. I smirked before walking inside my room. Ryker had talked about his father and grandfather being lawyers before him in his class. He hadn't said anything about inheriting anything from them, but why would he tell his Philosophy class about his finances? I brushed my hair out well and braided it. When I wake up and take it down it will give it a wave a curling iron couldn't. I leaned back on my bed pulling out my phone.

After I sent him a message I lay there looking at the ceiling. What was I doing? I am wrapping myself up in a man I wasn't even sure wanted me. I didn't know anything about him. He was old enough to be my father. He was my professor, and now my mentor. What is wrong with me? He was so intriguing to me. The desire I had was something I had never felt before. I was bold, and open around him and I don't even know him that well. I wasnt usually that brave with anyone. I smiled. Part of me was terrified of the attraction I felt to the professor, but a bigger part was excited by it. Isn't this why I came to California? Wasn't it to escape all the small-town-minded country boys who wanted to take my virginity in the back of their daddy's pickup truck? To escape my mother and stepfather before I ended up hurt or as a runaway. I want him to want me though, even if it's wrong. Maybe I am not making the best decisio but I am ready to make that mistake. If he will let me, I am not sure he will. I can feel the desire he has for me but I can also see how hard he is fighting against it. Am I too young? Is he afraid of repercussions? Is he just not that into me, and I am seeing what I want to see? I think I will ask him. Maybe, if I can gain enough courage. I closed my eyes, picturing his broad strong shoulders and the muscles that creates lines in his shirt. I had never really had sex, but for some reason I found myself wanting his large manly hands on me. I resisted the urge to touch myself and pulled out my headphones. I blared some rock music and licked my lips. If I concentrated hard I could feel his hands rubbing the burn cream on my skin. I got chills over my body. Stop! I thought forcing my eyes open to see my dorm room surrounding me, I had to focus on what he had to teach me. I have to learn from him. Still, It bothered me that I could see his desire and he acted as if it wasn't as strong as I know it is. That kiss told me all I needed to know about how the professor was feeling towards me. I pulled out my phone...

You kissed me, and now act like everything is platonic, I can't pretend like I didn't feel what I did in that kiss. I'm sorry I know it's late.

-IRIS

I laid my phone on my stomach closing my eyes again, I assumed he was sleeping. He seems like he keeps himself on a tight schedule. I am feeling nervous about my first day as an assistant. The other students will probably look at me weirdly. To be honest, I am still not sure why he chose me. I got up to find what I was going to wear. I don't have many clothes that one would call, nice or fancy. I pulled out a skirt, I think I wore to graduation for high school, it's black and a little short so it would go under my gown. With a white tank and a black button-up vest, I look awful like a cheap Halloween costume for an office slut, or teacher's pet. I roll my eyes and shove them up on my stand for quick access in the morning. I decided on no eye shadow just some black eyeliner and mascara. Then my hair will be wrapped in a bun with my pencil. I won't make myself look too much like I am trying to impress Lorcane. I don't want him to think I am desperate for his attention. I place the makeup choice on my stand with my clothing, along with my peaches and daisies body spray. Super professional Iris, I think to myself. What the hell am I doing? Once I am lying back down on my bed I turn to look at the clock, 12:57 a.m. I need to try to get some sleep. I start to stream a movie on my laptop, and my phone buzzes. No way, I thought, it's too late.

I did, but it was a mistake, Iris. You are a breath of fresh air sweet Iris, but I am not the man for you. I am not the knight in shining armor, I have no white horse. I want to teach you. I want to see you succeed. Please understand this is about my sins, and not yours. You are perfection in a small little bottle, Sleep well Sweet girl, Goodnight.

-Ryker Lorcane.

Is he dangerous? What does he mean by his sins? I know he was some huge law firm CEO, and prosecutor before he came here to teach. Mage told me as such. He has spoken about it in class some as well. He had the most guilty verdicts in three states when he was still practicing law. I will have to ask him again what made him come back to Long Beach. He had everything he had worked for, all he needed.Damnit, I don't think this kiss was a mistake, I guess I'll just have to make it hard on him. I smiled as I lay in bed before finally drifting off to sleep. I heard a knock on my door waking me up early, "Hey Woman, wake up!" My groggy brain couldn't make out the voice. Who would be here this early, yelling that loudly? How has none of the upper-class girls come out and told them to shut the hell up? "Who is it?" I said softly jumping up and throwing a blanket around me. "It's Adam. You were supposed to meet me this morning for breakfast I was beginning to worry?" I opened the door, and he smiled at me like a kid who found out Santa had come. "Sorry, I had a rough time sleeping last night?" I said yawning and grabbing my outfit for the day. I headed into my small bathroom and changed trying to remember telling Adam my dorm number. "How did you find me?" I said laughing as I walked out of the bathroom, he was still standing by the door. "You were supposed to be an assistant to Professor Lorcane, and you are late. He sent me to look for you." I could feel my heart starting to pound realizing I didn't know what time it was. Adam must have read my facial expression cause he looked at me with pity. "It's almost noon." He looked down. I shook my head at him, "I can't be that late, I was supposed to show up at 9 am." He nodded at me slowly, "Professor Lorcane stopped me after I was leaving the gym, and asked me if I could come here and check on you." I put my face in my hands feeling like I might start to cry. "Its okay Iris, he said to tell you to come to his office."

Adam helped me pack up my things and I headed to Lorcane's office. I was pretty positive I was already fired. When I knocked he didn't answer, I had already seen all the messages from him. He was worried, but he sounded disappointed that I hadn't shown up. I knocked again after he didn't answer the first time. He came to the door, opened it, and walked back to his desk without speaking. "I am so sorry Professor, I was so tired, I couldn't sleep. I didn't mean to sleep so long. If you don't want to be my mentor anymore I understand." I said pleading with him to understand. "Iris, sit down," he said sternly. I looked up knowingly pouting, trying to gain some pity I suppose. He walked over to me running his thumb over my bottom lip, before leaning against the front of the desk.

"If you are late again tomorrow, I will not be your mentor." He said flatly. I shook my head yes to show I understood. I wasn't able to talk still feeling the burning from his thumb touching my wanting lips. "I want to see you tonight If you want to know more about me." He said, I nodded again. "Be ready by 8"