Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

"She's not right for me, but you are?"

The voice cut through the night behind her.

Nicholas was still in his suit, tall and impossible to miss as he strode over and kicked the little table right over. Drinks spilled everywhere. Every student grabbing late-night snacks turned to stare especially when they realized who was at the center of the drama. Morgan, the famous professor, was sitting right there.

Morgan's classes were always packed-girls from every department tried to get in. He had that older-guy charm that drove everyone a little crazy. The last time someone confessed in public, the school sent out an official warning. Now, with Nicholas's looks thrown in, half the crowd had their phones out, snapping pictures.

Nicholas's glare could freeze water. "So this is why she's not answering my calls? You cornered her, huh? Morgan-Dr. Morgan-this is the university. You really want your students to think you're the other man?"

Morgan took off his glasses, a tiny smirk tugging at his lips. "Reputation's never meant much to me."

Nicholas almost laughed. This guy was obviously trying to stir up trouble. He could feel Morgan pushing at the cracks between him and Scarlette, probably loving every second.

Morgan slid his glasses back on, looking over at Scarlette, who looked pale and tense.

"Scarlette, I'll be free tomorrow. I'll do what you asked," he said quietly, then turned to leave.

Nicholas's fist shot out, aiming straight at Morgan. "You looking for trouble?"

But before he could land a punch, Scarlette stepped between them, blocking him.noveldrama

Nicholas was already furious, and seeing Scarlette defend Morgan just sent him over the edge. He let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "I told you to break up with him, and here you are sharing drinks? Scarlette, don't push me. End it with him. Now." The whole place was buzzing-nobody had ever seen campus drama like this. Without warning, Scarlette raised her hand and slapped Nicholas across the face. He didn't see it coming. His head snapped to the side. He wiped his mouth, eyes going red, looking like he'd just been slapped by fate itself.

Scarlette took a steadying breath. "I texted you. I told you I had things to do. This is campus, and Morgan's in a tricky position. Nicholas, don't you think you're out of line?"

He'd come barging in, flipped a table, dragged everyone's attention onto them. Now what was Morgan supposed to do, just go back to teaching like nothing happened?

“I don't care about his position. He's trying to steal my girl.”

"Shut up," Scarlette snapped.

She was terrified all this would get back to the Greenard family.

Turning to Morgan, embarrassment and frustration on her face, she said, "I'll call you tomorrow. We'll talk then. Sorry."

Morgan shook his head with a little smile. "Don't worry about it."

Scarlette left first-if she stayed, Nicholas would just keep making things worse.

Nicholas, still rubbing his cheek, glared at Morgan. He didn't trust this guy for a second.

His lips pressed into a thin line. "You just wait. This isn't over."

Morgan almost laughed. Boys-always so hot-headed.

Scarlette had been through a lot as a kid. It made her who she is. She was never going to be happy with someone as quick to anger as Nicholas.

Nicholas hurried after Scarlette, watching her walk away without a backward glance, which only pissed him off more.

"Why are you mad at me? Shouldn't I be the one pissed off? Why'd you even meet up with him?"

Scarlette was already getting into her car, but Nicholas caught up before she could shut the door.

"Say something! Why are you acting so cold to me?"

She glanced around-there were still students nearby, all pretending not to watch but hanging on every word.

College kids lived for gossip. By tomorrow, everyone would be whispering about her and Nicholas.

Nicholas never cared about

consequences. With the Greenard family name backing him, he thought he could get away with anything. Maybe some people had figured out how he felt about Scarlette, but nobody dared say it out loud. That would be scandal the Greenards could never live down.

Scarlette gritted her teeth. "Can you not make a scene? What if the Greenard

family hears about tonight?"

Nicholas let out a sarcastic laugh., "Oh, now you're scared? Then quit meeting up with him. I can't stand the guy. When I met you, he wasn't even around!"

Scarlette was done. She got in the car and slammed the door.

Nicholas had always done whatever he wanted, never thinking about who might get hurt. If someone crossed hima he'd pay them back right away. Everything else could wait.

Morgan was right-she and Nicholas just weren't a good match.

She drove home with Nicholas's car following close behind.

She was still fuming when she pulled up outside her building, and Nicholas's anger was boiling over too.

"This is ridiculous. Why are you mad at me? If someone hadn't told me you were meeting Morgan, were you just going to keep me in the dark?"

They reached her door. She lowered her head, fumbling for her keys.

Suddenly, Nicholas grabbed her, pinning her between the door and his arms.

His eyes were blazing. He tilted her chin up and kissed her, rough and desperate.