“Professor Blackwood. Interesting company you’re keeping.”
Elena froze, her heart thudding wildly in her chest as she turned to see another professor standing a few feet away, his arms crossed and a skeptical look on his face.
Adrian’s jaw tightened, and his entire demeanor shifted in an instant. Gone was the teasing warmth he’d shown her just moments ago. His face became unreadable, cold even, as he turned to address the man.
“Mr. Stevens,” Adrian said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of authority. He straightened his posture, towering slightly over the other professor. “Is there a problem?”
Stevens’ eyes flicked between Elena and Adrian, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Just curious. It’s not every day I see you giving students personal attention.”
Adrian’s expression didn’t falter, his gaze sharp and unwavering. “Miss Harper was chased by thieves earlier while she was coming to university. I happened to be in the area, so I stopped to help her.” His tone was measured, controlled, leaving no room for doubt.
Elena glanced nervously between the two men, unsure what to say or do. She wanted to speak up, to explain herself, but Adrian’s calm yet commanding presence made her hesitate.
“Thieves?” Stevens repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Adrian replied curtly. “It’s fortunate I arrived when I did. Otherwise, Miss Harper might not have made it back safely.” His words carried an unmistakable warning, a silent challenge for Stevens to question his actions further.
Stevens shifted on his feet, his smirk fading slightly. “I see. Well, it’s good you were there to help.”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly. “If that’s all, Mr. Stevens, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t waste any more of my time.”
The dismissal in his tone was clear, and Stevens gave a short, awkward nod. “Of course. Good morning, Blackwood.” With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the tension in the air to slowly dissipate.
Adrian glanced at Elena, who was still sitting stiffly, her hands gripping the edge of her seat. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice softer now, though his expression remained serious.
She nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed. “I… I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
“You didn’t,” Adrian said firmly, his cold composure melting slightly as he gave her a reassuring look. “But next time, Miss Harper, let me handle situations like this. Understood?”
Elena blinked, surprised by his protective tone, and nodded again. “Yes, Professor Blackwood.”
Elena stammered, her wide eyes fixed on Adrian. “N… Ne… next time?” she managed to whisper, her voice laced with confusion.
Adrian couldn’t help but chuckle at her expression, his usual composed demeanor softening. Without thinking, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair. “Silly girl,” he muttered, shaking his head.
Her cheeks flushed, and she blinked rapidly, unsure how to respond. But before she could say anything, Adrian’s voice turned brisk again. “You’re getting late for class, Miss Harper. Better hurry.”
Elena glanced at her watch, her eyes widening in panic. “Oh no, I really am late!” she exclaimed.
Without waiting for another word, she scrambled out of the car, her feet almost stumbling as they hit the pavement. Adrian watched her with a faint smirk, leaning back slightly in his seat as she composed herself.
As Elena hurriedly adjusted her bag and looked around, she froze again-this time at the sight of two familiar figures watching her intently. Gabriel and Andrew stood near the entrance of the university, their expressions unreadable but their eyes clearly focused on her.
“Elena!” Andrew called out, his face lighting up as he quickly closed the distance between them.
Gabriel followed closely, his pace steady, his gaze sharp as he studied her from head to toe.
Andrew reached her first, wrapping her in a warm hug. “You’re okay,” he murmured, relief evident in his voice.
Gabriel wasn’t far behind, stepping in to hug her as well. His grip was firm but comforting, and as he pulled back, his eyes lingered on her face as if making sure she truly was unharmed.
“What happened to you?” Gabriel asked, his voice low and serious.
“Yeah, you had us worried,” Andrew added, his tone softer.
Elena felt her face heat up under their attention. “I’m fine, really,” she said quickly, trying to downplay everything. “It’s nothing to worry about.”
But her words didn’t seem to convince them. Gabriel frowned slightly, and Andrew exchanged a look with him before both of them turned back to her.
“Still,” Andrew said, his usual playful tone returning as he ruffled her hair. “You should’ve called us.”
“Exactly,” Gabriel agreed, doing the same, though his ruffle was gentler. “Don’t make us worry like that again.”
Elena huffed, slapping their hands away. “Stop messing up my hair!”
Both boys chuckled, clearly unbothered by her protests. Andrew grabbed her bag from her shoulder, slinging it over his own, while Gabriel took her hand.
“Let’s go,” Gabriel said firmly, giving her hand a light tug.
Andrew nodded in agreement, wrapping his other arm around her shoulder as they guided her toward the university entrance.
From his car, Adrian watched the entire scene unfold. His fingers tightened around the steering wheel, his jaw clenching as he watched Gabriel and Andrew fuss over her. The way they ruffled her hair, carried her bag, and held her hand left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He couldn’t explain it, but the sight irritated him. She was his student nothing more. And yet, seeing her surrounded by those two boys stirred something unsettling in him, something he wasn’t ready to acknowledge.
As the trio disappeared into the university, Adrian leaned back in his seat, exhaling slowly. “Ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.
But no matter how much he tried to dismiss it, the irritation lingered.