What were you doing with Professor Wiseman after class?” Stefani asked the question the second Kristen walked in the door.

Kristen looked up at her in surprise. It was unusual for Stefani to be home this early, and even after recent events, it was still unusual for Stefani to question her about the things she’d done that day.

Normally, they would ask how their classes went, then they’d move on as though the other didn’t exist, outside of the normal social conventions.

“Asking him for advice on homework.” Kristen did her best to keep a neutral face. If there was one thing she’d learned in life, it was that she didn’t have to share everything, even if she did break down that one time and spill how she felt to Stef.

“Bailey Ferguson told everyone she walked in on you two. It looked like you threw your clothes back on and his desk was a pile of messy papers.”

“She doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” Kristen scoffed.

“If I heard about it, you know she’s told a lot more people. Just letting you know.” Stefani’s voice was flat, and there was something about it that sent a chill racing up Kristen’s spine.

Kristen knew Bailey was a gossip hound, and they didn’t really get along. It was no surprise she’d told anyone and everyone who’d listen.

“She’s hardly a reliable source. She spreads rumors faster than an STD. You don’t really think I’d do something so royally stupid as to fuck a teacher during class, right?” Maybe if she made the situation sound insane, Stefani would brush it off. Of course, there was little she could do to redeem herself in this situation. Stefani probably knew the truth already. And to Kristen, it wasn’t lying, because she hadn’t fucked him, yet.

Stefani completely ignored Kristen’s attempt and saw right through the bullshit. “You realize this could cost you your scholarship? Maybe worse? I thought you were smarter than this.” Stefani shook her head.

Kristen’s face heated up. Who was Stefani to judge her? Or insult her intelligence? “You have crushes on married professors. You’re one to talk.”

“I don’t act on it.” Stefani winced, like Kristen’s words had cut her.

She felt a little bad, but Stefani should’ve just dropped it. It wasn’t her business anyway. Why was she always trying to act like her mother? “I can do what I want, with whoever I want. It’s my business.” She couldn’t help but feel a little bad for upsetting Stefani. The girl was sweet and trying to look out for her. But, fuck, she was an adult. “But I didn’t fuck him. I promise.”

Stefani glanced over at her. “Well, good. And I didn’t say you were stupid. I said you were acting stupid. What do you think will happen if the school finds out? What good can possibly come from this? Not to mention he broke your heart the other night, and today you’re in there with him all alone. Perception is reality. It only matters what it looks like.”

A pang of guilt hit Kristen in the stomach. She knew Stefani meant well, but she also knew it was her life and happiness at stake.

So what if it went against the school policy? He was hot and so was she, and they made each other feel good. She’d never felt this way in her life. And the way he spanked her and ordered her around, made threats. The way he came in and saved her at the bar—God, the man was a magnet, practically yanking her into his arms.

She knew there was risk involved, but everything in life was a risk. There wasn’t any proof, after all, and if Stefani knew what was at stake, surely Professor Wiseman did too. He obviously thought she was worth the risk.

“I know you’re telling me this because you care, but I’m an adult, same as you. He’s an adult too. I don’t give a flying fuck what Bailey says. It’s not her life, and she needs to get one for herself.” Kristen threw her books on the bed and grabbed the pot of cold coffee sitting on the fridge. She’d skipped coffee that morning, and her head still pounded from the night before.

Ahh, caffeine.

“Seriously? This is Bailey Ferguson. She’s a journalism major too. This is like a story to her. She’ll do anything she can to expose the two of you.” Stefani’s hand went to her forehead and pushed back her overgrown bangs. They fell right back into place over her eyes.

Kristen couldn’t help but think how much better she’d look with a haircut, but that was beside the point. Stefani was right, as much as she hated to admit it to herself.

“God, she’s such a bitch.”

“That doesn’t change anything.”

Kristen sighed and looked away. “Fuck, this complicates things.”

“So, something did happen.” Stefani stared at her.

Kristen winced. She hadn’t meant to betray herself, and she’d practically admitted something had happened. Stefani refused to let anything go. She might as well admit it. She wasn’t sure she trusted Stefani with the information. But what choice did she have?

She told Stefani everything while Stefani’s mouth turned up into a satisfied smile, as if she’d already known she’d get the story out of her. Surely Stef knew what it was like to be in love with someone who wasn’t the best option.

“You’re not thinking clearly. Something like this could end up in the news.”

Kristen stood there, thinking about Professor Wiseman, and Stef’s words turned into rambling gibberish. All she could think about was his hands on her, spanking her, tossing her around. He practically owned her at this point. She’d do anything to be with him, and that included ignoring sound logic.

“It’s not that big of a deal. It’s not newsworthy. Bailey’s just being a bitch.”

Stefani shot her a look, and Kristen’s smile faded. Why was she was being punished? It wasn’t fair. Why did Stef care so much?

“This is what I mean. You could end up on the actual news. These stories are always on the news.” Stefani’s tone was short, as if she were trying to shake some sense into her.

Kristen’s thoughts bounced between being angry with Stef to not caring about any of the consequences she could face. She wanted Stef to quit scolding her and be on her side.

She reached out and put a hand on each of Stef’s shoulders. “I know you’re doing this because you care about me. You’re an amazing friend. But I can’t help how I feel. I wouldn’t tell you all this unless I trusted you. Why can’t you just be on my side?”

Stefani relaxed a bit, and she looked away at the wall and shook her head.

Kristen thought changing the subject might be the best idea. “How was class for you?”

Stefani’s head turned back to her, as if she knew what she was doing, and she smiled. “Same as always.” She paused for a second. “Not nearly as exciting as your day. For what it’s worth, I told Bailey I didn’t believe her. And that’s what I’ll tell anyone no matter what. And I told her she needed to get a life and stop spreading rumors about people. That it’s dangerous.”

Kristen smiled, and her face warmed. Anxiety still ran through her body, but somehow, Stefani’s words lightened it a little.

She fell back onto the bed, allowing herself to sink into the pillows and blankets. Her hangover still lingered, but the worst was past.

“Thank you.”

Stefani stared, grinning. “I knew something was going on though. You were acting weird, and I knew it wasn’t because of Jordan. I mean, you’d never get all dressed up for Jordan like that. And I knew he’d do something to screw it up.”

Kristen propped herself up on her elbows. “I didn’t know how to tell you.” She sighed and noticed a flash of sympathy on Stefani’s face.

Stef turned back to her homework.

“Probably would’ve done the same thing. He’s hot.” She put a lot of emphasis on her last word.

Kristen’s fingers tightened on the sheets. She knew Stef was just being honest, but the thought of anyone else even looking at her professor caused her blood to run hot. What was he doing to her? She had to hold it together. She needed Stef on her side.

“Right?”

“Just be careful.” Stefani’s head didn’t come up from her book.

“I will.”

Pulling out her phone, she smiled to herself as she flipped through her contacts, trying to find Professor Wiseman’s number. She didn’t have anything important to tell him but wanted to let him know he was on her mind. He was always on her mind. If she texted him every time he was, she’d spend her day blowing up his phone. She hadn’t spoken to him since that morning, though, and she wanted to see how he was doing.

A little smiley face couldn’t hurt.