I stared at the lifeless body on the ground, my breath catching in my throat. My hands shook so hard I could barely feel them. This couldn't be real. That man...the one from earlier...he just killed someone. I just witnessed a murder.

My chest tightened as I tried to breathe, tried to calm myself, but I couldn't. The blood...his blood...was splattered across my shoes, my hands, my clothes. It was everywhere. My vision blurred, my knees gave out, and the world went black.

******

Gasp.

I shot upright, lungs burning, clutching my chest like I'd just surfaced from underwater. My head spun, pounding like a drum. I blinked hard, trying to understand what was happening.

I was home. In my bed.

"When...?" I whispered. When did I get here?

"Rose! Are you awake?" My roommate's voice called from the kitchen. Sydney. That was her name. That meant...yeah, I was home. But how?

The pain behind my eyes sharpened like a knife.

"Rose! Finally! You're awake," Sydney said, stepping in with her usual dramatic sigh. "You left me with all the chores again."

I groaned and sat up, holding my head. "Oh, my God... my head feels like it's going to explode."

"I brought painkillers," she said, tossing a packet onto my lap.

I swallowed them dry and asked, "Someone brought me here, right?"

"Yeah," Sydney nodded. "Some guy carried you in."

"Who?"

"I don't know him. Tall. Dressed too well for a student. He said something about you owing him...i didn't really see his face clearly...He said you passed out from alcohol"

A chill crept up my spine. A man? The memory flickered...dark eyes, a cigarette, a deep voice that made my knees weak. But I just couldn't remember

My temples throbbed as the fragments came rushing back. "Argh," I groaned, gripping my head.

"Hey, don't force it," Sydney said softly, patting my shoulder. "You'll remember when you're better."

"Right," I muttered, rubbing my face. "Did you at least make breakfast? I'm starving."

"Rose... it's four p.m."

"What?!" I jumped from the bed, panic flaring. "I missed all my classes!"

"Who cares about classes?"

"I do! I have assignments to submit!" I scrambled for my clothes just as the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" Sydney called.

A moment later, a familiar voice echoed through the apartment. "Babe?"

I froze. Ethan. My boyfriend.

He walked in, smiling. "There you are! I've been calling you all day."

He said giving me a quick hug

"I just woke up," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Just woke up?" He frowned. "What happened?"

"I don't know, I had a long night, I'll tell you later if I remember, but I need to go see my professor. I have an assignment due."

Ethan's expression darkened. "Rose... didn't you hear?"

I turned to him. "Hear what?"

"Professor Daniel passed away."

The room went silent.

"What?!" Sydney and I said at the same time.

"Yeah. The school sent out an email. They canceled all classes for the day...to mourn him."

The words hit me like ice water. My memories snapped into focus. The alley. The car. The headlights. The impact. The man in the suit.

I pressed a hand to my forehead as the images flooded in. "Oh God..."

"Rose, don't push yourself," Sydney said quickly. "Just rest, okay?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah, babe. Sit down."

But I couldn't sit. All I could think about was that man...the one who appeared out of nowhere, the one who killed Mr. Daniel. And somehow, he knew my name.

****

Two days later.

"We lost a good professor, and it saddens our hearts..."

I sat in the lecture hall, barely hearing the Vice Chancellor's voice as he gave his speech. The rest of the class listened, but I couldn't stop replaying that night.

I saw it happen.

I saw him die.

"I can't believe I shared a cigarette with a murderer," I whispered to myself.

"Mr. Daniel was a great professor," the Vice Chancellor continued.

I scoffed under my breath. "Yeah, right."

"A great husband."

I rolled my eyes.

"And a great father."

I muttered, "Sure he was."

The Vice Chancellor smiled tightly. "For now, we have a temporary professor who will take over his classes for the next few weeks."

The class clapped half-heartedly.

"Let's welcome Mr. Sebastian."

"Stupid name," I mumbled.

Then the door opened.

And my heart stopped.

He walked in...tall, sharp suit, that same confident calm that had both scared and drawn me in.

That jawline. Those eyes. That voice that could shatter me with a word.

It was him.

The man from that night.

The man who killed Mr. Daniel.

******

It couldn't be.

There was no way.

But as soon as he spoke, that voice ... low, rich, commanding ... I knew I wasn't crazy.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Professor Sebastian Adams, your temporary instructor. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Applause filled the room, but all I could hear was the sound of my own heartbeat.

He smiled, confident, untouchable... and then his eyes found me.

My stomach dropped.

That smile ... that smirk ... I'd seen it before.

The man who killed Mr. Daniel was now standing in front of me, wearing a professor's suit and a charming smile.

Why was he here?

What did he want?

And why did his gaze make my body react like this?

***

The class went on as if nothing was wrong. He spoke like any other teacher, and within minutes, the entire room was hanging onto every word.

"He's so hot," Wendy, one of the girl in front of me whispered to her friend.

"I'd let him pin me down and teach me a lesson," the other giggled.

I rolled my eyes, but my pulse betrayed me.

He was hot.

Too hot.

Tall, broad-shouldered, those long fingers gripping the desk as he spoke. His voice slid through my veins like smoke.

"Focus, Rose," I muttered, tapping my head to snap out of it.

When I looked up again, his eyes were already on me.

That same smirk curved his lips ... dark, knowing ... before he looked away and continued his lecture.

By the end of class, everyone was enchanted.

Everyone but me.

"Alright, class dismissed," he said finally.

Students began filing out, laughter filling the hall.

I grabbed my bag, ready to bolt ... but his voice stopped me cold.

"Miss Rose John."

The way he said my name... it wasn't just a call. It was a command.

I froze.

"Just a minute."

He added

Everyone had left except me

"I...I have plans. I need to go," I stammered without turning around.

"Don't make me repeat myself, Rose."

That tone ... low, dangerous, irresistible ... made my knees weak.

I glanced at the door.

"Relax," he murmured. "It's already locked."

Locked?

My heart started to race.

I turned slowly, only to see him watching me, leaning casually against the desk, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He was beautiful in a way that should've been illegal ... sharp jaw, dark hair, eyes that could see right through me.

I took a cautious step forward.

"Are... are you going to hurt me?"

He rose from his seat, unhurried, eyes burning into mine.

"I would never hurt you," he whispered, voice laced with something sinful.

Then immediately, he walked right past me towards the door, the click of the door echoed through the empty room.

He had locked it.

"I thought you said it was already locked," I whispered, watching the keys dangle from his fingers.

His smirk deepened.

He didn't answer. He just stepped closer... and closer... until my back met the edge of his desk.

"What do you want from me?"

My voice trembled.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear.

"You," he whispered. "I want you, Rose. To be mine."

“You,” he whispered, voice deep and sinful. “I want you, Rose. To be mine.”

I blinked several times, my heart pounding so hard it almost hurt. There was no way I just heard that.

"You are gonna marry me rose"

He added like it made what he said any better

“You’ve lost your mind,” I snapped, taking a shaky step back. “First, you kill someone. Then you show up here pretending to be a professor...and now you’re saying you want me?”

He didn’t answer. He just smiled. A slow, knowing curve of his lips that made my pulse quicken for all the wrong reasons.

“I’m not really a professor,” he said calmly, straightening his sleeves like he hadn’t just confessed to murder.

“Yeah, I figured that out,” I said bitterly. “You’re a murderer.”

He chuckled...a dark, velvety sound that made the room feel smaller. “Yes,” he said finally. “I killed for you.”

I froze. “What? I never asked you to kill for me!”

“But you did,” he countered, taking a slow step forward. “You wished he’d drop dead.”

“It was just an expression!” I shouted. “I didn’t mean it! That’s insane!”

His smirk deepened, eyes glinting with something dangerous. “If you think that’s insane, Rose… then you have no idea what I’ll do next.”

My blood ran cold.

He was beautiful. Terrifying. And completely unhinged.

“You’re a fucking psychopath!” I spat. “You’ve lost your mind. That’s it...I’m going to the police. I’ll tell them everything. I’ll tell them you killed Mr. Daniel!”

I turned toward the door, but before I could take another step, his hand shot out...grabbing my wrist and slamming me against the wall.

The air left my lungs. His grip was iron. His body towered over mine, close enough that I could feel his breath fan across my cheek.

“Don’t,” he murmured, voice low and smooth, like a threat wrapped in silk. “Don’t try anything.”

My whole body trembled. His gaze was dark, dangerous… but god, those eyes.

Why did fear feel so much like desire?

“Let me go,” I whispered, trying to push him off, but it was useless. He was too strong.

“What exactly will you tell the police, hmm?” he asked, leaning in closer. “That there’s a man named Sebastian Adams who doesn’t exist? That he killed your professor...the same man who tried to force himself on you?”

My chest tightened. “I...”

“I cleaned up your mess, Rose,” he hissed, his lips brushing my ear. “I saved you. And this is how you thank me?”

“I’m sorry,” I breathed out, my voice breaking. “Please… don’t hurt me. I won’t say anything.”

His expression softened instantly. His hand loosened around my wrist.

“Rose,” he said softly, almost tenderly. “I would never hurt you.”

He lifted his hand and gently brushed away a tear from my cheek. His touch was warm. Gentle. Confusing.

“Did I scare you?” he murmured, tilting my chin up.

I couldn’t speak. I just stared.

Then he pressed something cold into my palm...a key.

“Take this,” he said quietly. “But don’t test me again.”

He turned, walking back toward his desk with the same calm, confident grace he always had.

“See you soon, Rose.”

And that was all it took for me to bolt out of the room, my heart pounding like it might burst.

......

(Rose’s POV)

Should I just go to the police?

My thoughts tangled as I walked down the quiet street, my heels clicking against the pavement.

I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?

He said he wouldn’t hurt me… right?

But what if he lied?

What if he always lies?

Gosh, should I really report him?

It’s best if I do. I can’t risk it.

He’s dangerous...too calm, too powerful, too sure of himself.

I took a deep breath and pushed the police station door open.

...

Inside, the fluorescent lights buzzed above me as a middle-aged officer peered across the desk.

“So, what you’re saying is,” he began slowly, “there’s a man pretending to be a professor named Sebastian Adams in your school...and he’s also responsible for the murder of the late Professor Daniel? And he did this because… he wants you?”

“Yes!” I said quickly. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

He blinked, clearly trying to piece it together.

“Miss, nobody can just pretend to be a professor. You need credentials, background checks...”

“I know, I know!” I interrupted, running a hand through my hair. “But he told me he was one!”

The officer sighed, exchanged a glance with his partner, then leaned forward. “Do you have a picture of him?”

I paused. Then it hit me.

The school website.

I pulled out my phone, opened the staff directory, and scrolled until I found it. His photo.

The same sharp jawline. The same dangerous eyes.

“Here,” I said, handing them my phone.

The reaction was instant. Both officers froze. The younger one swallowed hard while the older man’s expression shifted from confusion to unease.

They exchanged another silent glance.

“Miss,” the older officer said carefully, “I’m sorry… but there’s nothing we can do.”

I frowned. “What do you mean? This man is dangerous!”

“We’re aware,” he said quietly. “But he’s not someone we can touch.”

“What are you talking about?” I demanded.

The younger officer finally spoke, his tone low. “How did you meet this man?”

“Why does that matter?”

“Because,” the older officer said, his gaze hardening, “if Rafael Santoro wants you, Miss John...then he will have you. And no one can protect you from him.”

The name hit me like ice.

Rafael Santoro.

It wasn’t Sebastian Adams. That was a mask.

Rafael Santoro...

I stumbled out of the police station feeling hollow.

The evening air felt heavy, suffocating.

Who is this man? How much power does he really have?

My phone buzzed.

Ethan: Been trying to call you all day. You okay?

I typed back quickly.

Me: Sorry babe, just busy. I’ll call you when I get home.

...

7:00 PM

Home. Finally.

I dropped my bag on the couch, kicked off my shoes, and went straight for the kitchen.

A note stuck to the fridge caught my attention.

Not sleeping over. See you in class tomorrow. Love, Sydney.

Good. I needed space. I needed rest.

I went to my room, exhausted. The moment my head hit the pillow, a chill ran down my spine.

“You disobeyed me, Rose.”

The voice...low, dangerous, and unmistakably his.

My eyes flew open. He stood in the shadows by my door. Shirtless.

His chest glistened slightly under the dim light, his expression unreadable, his presence suffocating.

“Rafael…” I whispered, barely breathing.

Before I could scream, he was on me...one hand covering my mouth, the other pressing me against the bed. His weight pinned me down effortlessly.

His breath brushed against my ear as he whispered,

“Now, I’m going to make you pay for running to the police.”

My heart thundered in my chest, but the strangest part?

I wasn’t terrified.

I should’ve been.

But when his lips grazed the side of my neck, I realized

I wasn’t scared.

I was trembling for an entirely different reason.

His voice was low, dark, and deliciously dangerous. It slithered down my spine, wrapping around my lungs until I could barely breathe.

My heart thundered in my chest, but strangely, fear wasn’t what I felt.

I should’ve been terrified.

I should’ve been screaming.

But when his lips brushed the side of my neck, my body betrayed me.

A soft gasp escaped me before I could stop it. His breath was warm, intoxicating, and the scent of expensive cologne mixed with danger made my head spin. I could feel the roughness of his fingers trace the line of my jaw, down to my trembling lips. My pulse raced beneath his touch...wild, reckless.

I didn’t even realize when my body leaned into him.

He wasn’t just touching me. He was claiming me...without a single word.

“Aren’t you supposed to be resisting?”

His whisper burned against my ear, pulling me back to reality.

I blinked, startled, and shoved him away. His dark eyes glinted with amusement as a slow, wicked smile curved his mouth.

“You do know that’s assault,” I snapped, breathless. “I’ll call the cops and...”

“And what?”

His tone turned sharp, almost a growl. The force in his voice sent a strange thrill through me.

“And…” I tried to find the words, but my throat was dry, my resolve crumbling.

“You know going to the police is useless.” He stepped back, buttoning his shirt with a deadly calm. “I could kill them all before they even reached you.”

My stomach twisted, not just from fear...but from the realization that he meant it.

I stared at his body, so well sculpted, so mesmerizing...

“I’m not going to hurt you, Rose,” he said after a moment, his eyes holding mine. “You’ll come to me on your own.”

My eyebrows rose

“I have a boyfriend,” I whispered like it will stop him

Rafael..no, Professor Santoro...chuckled darkly. “Yeah, I’ve seen him. It won’t last long.”

“What do you mean you’ve seen him? Don’t you dare hurt Ethan!” I snapped.

He stopped, his expression unreadable. “I’m not hurting anyone.”

“Tell that to Mr. Daniel’s corpse,” I bit out.

His jaw flexed. Silence filled the room before he finally said, “I kill those who hurt you. Mr. Daniel was an example.”

He turned to leave, his coat swinging over his shoulder.

“Why me?” I demanded, voice cracking. “Of all people… why are you after me?”

He paused, the tension between us thick enough to choke on. Then he looked over his shoulder, his gaze softening just enough to steal my breath.

“Because you make me feel something,” he said simply, and walked out.

Before leaving again, he paused and said

"If you really want to know who I really am...follow my whereabouts this night"

He added and headed through the door

I stood frozen, heart pounding as I watched him disappear into the night. Then, before I could think, I grabbed my scooter keys and followed him.

I needed to know who this man really was.

His car...a sleek black sedan...glided through the city like a shadow. I trailed it quietly until it stopped in front of the school. My school. What was he doing here so late?

I parked my scooter behind the trees, my pulse thundering as I watched him step out. A tall man opened the door for him before taking the driver’s seat. Rafael walked toward the building, followed by a group of men dressed in black.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I muttered, ducking behind the thorn bushes before slipping inside. The back door was unlocked...too easily.

Inside, the halls were silent. My heels clicked softly against the floor as I made my way to his office. It, too, was unlocked.

“What is with all these unlocked doors?” I whispered.

I searched everywhere...drawers, shelves, cabinets...but found nothing. No documents, no photos, no trace of who he truly was.

“Come on, there has to be something,” I hissed under my breath.

Then I heard it...footsteps. Heavy, deliberate.

Panic surged through me. I shoved the drawers closed and darted into the closet, holding my breath.

The door creaked open.

Rafael stepped inside, followed by someone else. My eyes widened as I peered through the crack. It was Wendy...my classmate. The same girl who once whispered in class about how “Professor Sebastian” want her pinned against his desk.

What was she doing here with him, at this hour?

“Are you sure you can handle it?” Rafael’s deep voice rolled through the room, commanding.

Wendy nodded, her voice trembling. “Yes, Professor…”

Then she sank to her knees.

My heart stopped.

Through the small slit in the door, I watched as she reached for his belt buckle...and my entire body went cold. She was undressing him. Oh God… As if realizing he was being watched, Rafael glanced around. Our eyes met briefly before he focused on Wendy once more.

She slowly unbuckled his belt, undoing each button with delicate fingers, then sliding her hands underneath his shirt. Her breasts bounced up and down as she breathed quickly, eyes fixed on his chest...as she undid each knot of his tie.

My breath caught in my throat.

I had never seen such a display of lust from anyone before. There was an animalistic hunger, a hunger born of lust and need, rolling off of him in waves. He moved like liquid sin, every movement smooth and controlled. I couldn't help myself as I pressed my face against the crack, breathing deeply.

I wanted to taste those beautiful lips...to see him lose himself, to hear him moan...oh, god, did I sound desperate? But I couldn't stop staring.

As he pulled the top two buttons of his jacket off, my eyes followed the exposed skin, reveling in the contrast between his pale complexion and darker brown hair.

He was tall, but not quite as tall as the other boys in my class. He was built differently, lean and muscular, his arms covered in tattoos. I wondered how many he owned, if there were any on his back or chest.

Then Wendy touched him gently, and my eyes flew open. His lips curled upwards in a smirk.