My Husband's Son Wants Me

Elena’s POV

The next morning, I was a mess. I barely got any sleep and for some reason, my heart couldn’t stop racing. My mind was still reeling from the encounter with Julian.

The once calming halls of St. Jude’s now put my mind on edge. As I walked to my office, every student suddenly felt like they were watching me too carefully. I frantically searched for those silver-blue eyes.

His words from last night kept ringing in my head. “I’ll make sure your career is the first thing to burn,” he swore. I could only hope he was kidding or playing some sort of cruel prank on me.

When I arrived at my office, the familiar scent of old books and coffee that always calmed me filled the air. But today, the air felt thick with foreboding. As I approached my desk, a small, dark shape immediately caught my eye.

Resting in the middle of my arranged papers was a single rose. A black rose. And beneath it was a book. Not a textbook. This was a worn, leather-bound edition of an old gothic romance, its title long worn out.

My heart hammered. Who would dare to leave this on my table? I had no admirer and Arthur would never do this.

Julian.

Heat formed in the pit of my stomach. I stared back at the closed door. I knew I turned the key before leaving for my lecture. How was he getting in?

I picked up the rose, its thorns sharp against my fingertips. This was real.

My breath hitched. I looked around the office in panic to make sure I was alone. I dropped the rose and reached for the book. I flipped to the first page and my breath got stuck in my throat. It was a forbidden romance book.

Why would he dare to do this? To watch me become unsettled? He was pushing me, testing my boundaries and daring me to react.

There were a few things I could do, but I chose to remain calm, hoping he would get tired. I threw the rose into the trash can, as well as the book. Although I would have loved to read the book, I tried not to.

I took my seat, heaved a deep sigh and pushed a smile to my face as I got ready to get the day started.

The rest of the day was a blur of forced smiles and carefully controlled composure. I taught my lectures and feigned interest in departmental meetings, all while my mind kept going to the rose and book I had discarded.

After rounding up with another class, I strolled back to my office, seeking some rest. The day was going smoothly so far and I was relieved.

But when I pushed my door open, I froze.

On my table was another rose but this time, there were two. Two dark roses followed by a book. I didn’t have to check to know it was also a forbidden romance book like the previous one.

I took a step back and looked into the hallway but it only had a few students and Julian was not in sight. I walked into my office, closed my door and approached my table.

I picked the roses and trashed them without thinking but when I reached for the book, I noticed something was written on the cover. It was small but noticeable.

“Arthur thinks you’re going to save me from my academic fail. Do you think so too, mummy?”

It took a moment for me to digest his words and when I did, anger bubbled in my chest.

“What the hell,” I muttered as I felt my temper rise. I was done allowing him to ride over my head. I thought ignoring him would work, but absolutely not. I needed to act. I couldn't breathe in the same building as him anymore without an answer as to why he was on my very neck.

I knew his next class so I walked to the class and luckily, the professor wasn’t there yet.

"Mr. Thorne," I called out as I stood at the entrance of the door. "A word in my office. Now."

Julian didn't look surprised. He moved with that slow, rhythmic grace that made my skin prickle, following me down the hall. Not even a flash of fear showed in his eyes. The moment I shut the office door, I turned on him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? Do you think this is a game?” I spat.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said as he leaned against the wall.

"Stop it," I hissed, gesturing toward the rose. "Stop the gifts. Stop the staring. Stop whatever game you think you’re playing with my life and your father’s heart."

Julian didn't flinch. He leaned away from the door, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You think this is a game, Elena?"

"I am your professor, Julian. And I am the woman who loves your father. You will respect those boundaries. Leave me alone."

A harsh, bitter laugh broke from his lips. He stepped into my personal space, his height dwarfing me. I felt intimidated but didn’t let it show.

"Respect? You want respect from me? After what you did?"

"I haven't done anything but try to be a part of this family!"

“Which family?” he snapped, getting into my face. “Nobody wants you in my family, do you hear me?”

I took a step back to put some space between us.

“Your father certainly wants me there and there’s nothing you’re going to do about it,” I taunted.

“I see. You want to replace my mom so bad?”

“What are you even talking about?” I asked, frustrated. “I am only trying to find happiness, not replacing your mom.”

“I don’t believe you,” he said with a cold smile.

“What exactly have I ever done to you? I treat you the way I treat other students, what’s your problem with me?”

“That’s a really nice question which I’ve been hoping you would ask me,” he said, covering up the little distance I managed to create. “Do you remember that night?” Now, he was up in my face again.

“What night?” I asked, captivated by his hot gaze.

"Two years ago," he whispered, his voice a low rasp. "A club in Berlin called Der Schatten.”

I froze.