Shadows of Desire

Chapter 6

The library had become a sanctuary for Camille, a place where she could lose herself in the worlds of Austen, Hemingway, and Woolf. It was also, conveniently, as far from the science buildings as one could get on campus. As she settled into her favorite corner, surrounded by the comforting smell of old books, Camille felt the now-familiar pang of guilt. She knew she was letting Michelle down by skipping the biology study groups, but she just couldn't bring herself to face Steve again.

Her phone buzzed with a text from Michelle: "Missed you at the study group again. Everything okay?"

Camille sighed, typing out a response: "Yeah, just swamped with this lit paper. Raincheck on dinner?"

She hated lying to her friend, but what choice did she have? How could she explain that being in the same room as Steve was like trying to breathe underwater?

As she turned back to her books, Camille didn't notice the tall, handsome figure watching her from across the library.

Steve Carlson ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his eyes fixed on the empty chair where Camille usually sat during study sessions. He'd hoped that after their last encounter, things might start to normalize. But Camille's continued absence was like a physical ache.

As the students filed out, chattering about the upcoming midterm, Steve made a decision. He couldn't let this go on any longer.

"Michelle," he called out. "Could I have a word?"

Michelle hesitated, glancing at her watch. "Uh, sure, Professor Carlson. But I've got another class in fifteen minutes."

Steve nodded, waiting until the room had cleared before speaking. "I wanted to talk to you about Camille. I've noticed she hasn't been attending the study sessions lately."

Michelle's expression hardened. "With all due respect, Professor, Camille isn't even a biology major. She doesn't need to be here."

"I understand that," Steve said, trying to keep his voice neutral. "But these sessions can be beneficial for all students, regardless of their major. And Camille was showing real promise..."

"Cut the crap," Michelle interrupted, her voice low and angry. "We both know why you really want her here."

Steve felt the blood drain from his face. "I don't know what you're implying, but—"

"Save it," Michelle snapped. "Camille told me everything. The kiss, the coffee shop, your offer to leave my mom. How could you, Steve? I trusted you!"

Steve slumped into a chair, the fight draining out of him. "Michelle, I... I'm sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I care about your mother, I do, but Camille..."

"Don't," Michelle held up a hand. "I don't want to hear it. You need to leave Camille alone. If I even suspect you're trying to contact her again, I'll tell my mom everything."

Steve's head snapped up. "You wouldn't."

Michelle's eyes were cold. "Try me."

With that, she stormed out of the room, leaving Steve alone with his regrets.

Back at the dorm, Michelle paced the small room, her conversation with Steve playing on repeat in her mind. She'd meant what she said – she would tell her mom if Steve didn't back off. But the thought of blowing up her family filled her with dread.

A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts. She opened it to find a familiar face grinning at her.

"Surprise!"

Michelle's jaw dropped. "Billy? What are you doing here?"

Her twin brother swept her into a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. "Can't a guy visit his favorite sister without an interrogation?"