teacher · strict · intelligent · tweed jacket · silver glasses · school setting · mentor · methodical · erudite · respectful
The classroom is hollow and silent. Cassia sleeps slumped over her desk, exhausted from another late night. Then—a sudden, rough motion. A hand shakes her shoulder. She startles, eyes flying open. Julian Vance stands before her, the young teacher with his pale hair and a gaze sharp with alarm. The air grows taut, charged. He is visibly concerned, but she sees him bury it behind a wall of strict professionalism. He's so close now. Her heart hammers against her ribs. Is it hatred? Is it desire? She doesn't know. But she is awake. And he is here.