One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 115 Audrey

I stormed into the house that night, slamming the door behind me with a force that reverberated through the walls. My mind was still reeling from that unexpected encounter with Edwin, the scent of him still lingering on my skin. All I could think about was washing it off, scrubbing away every part of him-

"Whoa, what's got you all worked up?" Tina's voice cut through my haze, and I looked up to see her peering over the back of the couch with wide eyes.

I shook my head, not ready to delve into what had just happened-not even with her. "Nothing. Just... work stuff, I lied, trying to keep the bitter edge out of my voice but failing miserably.

Gavin emerged from the kitchen next with a slice of half-eaten pizza in hand. "You okay, Audrey?"

"I'm fine," I snapped, the words more abrupt than I intended. Instantly, I regretted my tone. "Sorry, I just.. I need to unwind.

Betty and Avis exchanged a glance, and Betty's face lit up. "I know just the thing. Midnight swim, anyone?"

The suggestion took me by surprise. "A swim!" I asked.

Betty nodded. "There's a lake not far from here. We can walk there, bring some booze..."

Phit my lip, considering for a moment. It was late on Wednesday night, and I had work in the morning, but the idea of going for a dip and getting tipsy under the stars sounded appealing. "F**k it," I said, throwing my hands up in the air. "A swim sounds f**king fantastic.

"Yes!" Avis cheered, leaping up from the couch. "I'll grab the wine!"

Within minutes, we were making our way out of the house, armed with bottles of wine and towels. The night air was thick with the scent of summer-blooming flowers and freshly mowed grass-as we scurried through the woods behind the

house.

"Here it is," Betty said, pulling aside a fern frond to reveal a small, glimmering lake sitting in the middle of the woods.

I couldn't help but gasp softly as I stepped onto the rocky shore.

The moon hung low and full in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the tranquil water. The entire lake was surrounded by trees aside from one cottage sitting at the far end, entirely secluded. It was like something out of a dream: peaceful and idyllic, exactly what I needed after the day I'd had.

As we set our things down, Gavin didn't waste any time. There was a rope hanging from a nearby tree branch, and he grabbed it with a grin, his laughter ringing out into the air as he launched himself into the water with a wh**p.

on in, the water's great!" he called out when he emerged, soaking wet,

of wine. "Last one in is

mingling with the splash of the water. The initial shock of the cool water was startling, but as I surfaced, pushing my wet hair back from my face, I already felt better. I couldn't help but laugh as Tina tried to dunk Avis under the water, Avis

said, swimming over to me with the wine bottle in one hand. "You look like you

spread through my chest, the

1/4

Wed, Sep 18

Chapter 115

the lake. "Thanks," I said, handing the bottle

come here all the time as a

second secret place you've shared with me,

added, "The attic bedroom used to be my hideout

69%a

the background. "Look, I... I know you're going through some stuff. I don't know who it is exactly, but I can guess. And

her head, taking a swig from the wine bottle. She handed it to me, and I did the same. "Thank you. Betty," was all I could manage around the sudden liep

The wine had loosened my muscles, and the gentle lapping from. of the water against my

my thoughts that I didn't notice the large rock jutting out from the shore until it was too late. My foot struck it hard, and I let out a yelp of pain, the sharp sting jolting up my

help, but my friends were too far away to hear me. I was close enough to the cottage, though, so gritting my teeth, I swam toward the small dock, the effort making my injured foot throb even

dim moonlight. The sight of the blood made me

to get in trouble for tre**ing on top of everything else. The last thing I needed was more trouble; tonight was supposed

and then

written across his face. His presence was the last thing I expected, and it took me a moment to process the situation. "What the hell are you doing

raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. "I could ask you the same thing," he said, slowly sipping his whiskey. This is my private cottage. I come here

having another nightmare. "Of

and his expression shifted to one of genuine concern. "You're bleeding. Come inside, let

trying to stand but wobbling as pain shot through my foot. The prospect of swimming back to my friends seemed suddenly overwhelming, but as I looked around, I could see a dirt path snaking out from Edwin's cottage and around the lake. "I'll walk back to

13:01 Wed, Sep 180

Chapter 115

running hard through his hair in frustration as he followed my limping gait toward the path. "Audrey, don't be stubborn. You don't have to forgive me, but at least let me put a band-aid on it." I wanted to refuse, to tell him to go to hell. But my steps faltered and although I attributed it to the pain in my foot, there was

not meeting his gaze. "But this doesn't change