"I... I can't go to his house."
The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them. I looked at the Principal, my eyes pleading. "Sir, is there any other way? A hostel? A shared room? I can sleep in the library for all I care."
The Principal chuckled, completely unaware of the predator sitting two feet away from me. "Nonsense, Luna. The dorms are overflowing. Professor Alex is doing us a great favor. You should be grateful."
I turned my head slowly. Alex was leaning against the mahogany desk, his arms crossed over his chest. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing tanned forearms, and he was watching me with an expression that wasn't "helpful" at all.
It was the look of a man who had just won a game I didn't even know I was playing.
"Is there a problem, Miss Jones?" Alex's voice was like velvet—smooth, dark, and dangerous. "I assure you, my guest room is quite... comfortable."
"No problem," I whispered, my heart hammering so hard I thought it might bruise my ribs.
"Good," the Principal said, clapping his hands together. "It's settled. Alex, why don't you help her gather her things? She can move in tonight."
The walk to the parking lot felt like a walk to the gallows. Alex didn't say a word. He just walked a step behind me, his presence heavy and suffocating. When we reached his sleek, black car, he opened the passenger door for me.
As I climbed in, his hand brushed against my waist. It was only for a second, but it felt like a brand.
"Buckle up, Luna," he murmured, leaning in until I could smell the faint scent of sandalwood and expensive ink on his skin. "It's a long drive to your new home."