frostbite

Chapter 44: The Aftermath

The next morning, Eden woke up with a heavy sense of dread hanging over her. The previous night's events played on repeat in her mind—the break-in, Evelyn catching them, the disappointment in her professor's eyes. She groaned, burying her face in her pillow, wishing she could rewind time and avoid Amy's ridiculous plan altogether.

But there was no escaping what had happened. And the worst part? Evelyn hadn't even fully unleashed her anger yet. The idea of facing her today sent a chill down Eden's spine.

After dragging herself out of bed and dressing in something that would hopefully make her look more like a responsible student and less like someone who broke into the library, Eden headed to class. Her stomach churned with every step, wondering what Evelyn's reaction would be after she'd had time to process what had happened.

As Eden slipped into her usual seat at the back of the lecture hall, she could already feel the tension in the room. Evelyn hadn't arrived yet, but the very air seemed to crackle with the storm that was sure to come.

A few minutes later, Evelyn walked in, as calm and collected as ever. Her sharp suit was perfectly tailored, her dark hair pulled back into its usual sleek bun. But there was something different today—an edge to her movements, a coolness in her expression that made Eden's stomach twist into knots.

Evelyn's gaze flicked over the class briefly, but Eden could feel the way her eyes lingered on her for just a moment too long. There was no immediate acknowledgment, no sharp words aimed her way, but the silence between them felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap at any moment.

The lecture went on, though Eden could barely focus on the material. She was too aware of every movement Evelyn made, every glance in her direction, every unspoken word hanging in the air. Her mind raced, wondering if Evelyn was going to call her out in front of the class, demand an explanation, or worse—ignore her completely.

But as the lecture drew to a close, Eden's nerves began to fray. Evelyn still hadn't said a word to her.

Just as the class was dismissed and students began gathering their things, Eden started to stand, thinking she might make a quick exit before things got awkward. But Evelyn's voice cut through the air, cool and commanding.

"Miss Graves. Stay behind, please."

Eden's heart sank. She couldn't avoid it now.

Once the lecture hall emptied out, Eden stood awkwardly by her desk, feeling like she was about to be called into the principal's office. Evelyn was still at the front, gathering her notes with slow, deliberate movements, her silence somehow more terrifying than if she had been yelling.

Finally, Evelyn straightened, her sharp gaze locking onto Eden's. "Come here."

Eden obeyed, her stomach in knots as she approached the front of the room. Evelyn's posture was rigid, her expression unreadable, and the tension between them was thick enough to cut through.

"You've been reckless, Eden," Evelyn said, her voice low and controlled, but with a definite edge of frustration. "You've put yourself in unnecessary situations that I can't ignore. What exactly were you thinking?"

Eden swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "It was a stupid decision. I wasn't thinking, really. It was Amy's idea, and I just... went along with it."

"That's the problem," Evelyn replied, stepping closer, her eyes narrowing. "You didn't think. You allowed someone else to lead you into trouble, and I expected better from you."

The disappointment in Evelyn's voice stung more than any scolding ever could. Eden felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Evelyn. I really am. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Evelyn exhaled sharply, her eyes softening slightly but still filled with tension. "You should know by now, Eden. I care about you. I can't watch you make reckless decisions without reacting."

Eden blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She had heard those words before—Evelyn telling her she cared—but this time, there was something different in the way she said it. The way her voice dropped, the intensity in her gaze, made Eden's pulse race.

"I know," Eden whispered, her voice barely audible. "I won't do it again."

Evelyn's eyes searched hers for a long moment, and the tension between them shifted, becoming something else—something heavier, more charged. The disappointment and frustration seemed to melt away, replaced by something Eden couldn't quite name but could definitely feel.

"I'm not just mad at you for last night," Evelyn said quietly, stepping even closer, her eyes flicking down to Eden's lips for just a brief moment. "I'm mad because I can't stop thinking about you."

Eden's breath caught in her throat. "What?"

Evelyn hesitated for just a second, as if debating whether or not to continue. But then, as if she couldn't hold it in any longer, she spoke again. "You drive me crazy, Eden. And no matter how much I try to keep things professional, I can't seem to stay away from you."

Eden's heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts spinning. She had always felt the tension between them, the pull, but hearing Evelyn admit it sent a rush of heat through her. "I—"

Before she could respond, Evelyn took another step closer, close enough that Eden could feel the warmth of her breath against her skin. "You're reckless, but you're also irresistible. And that's what's been driving me mad."

Eden swallowed hard, her pulse racing as Evelyn's hand brushed against hers, the touch sending a shiver down her spine. She could feel the tension between them building, the air thick with unspoken desires.

Evelyn's eyes darkened, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "You should hate me for being so controlling. But you don't, do you?"

Eden's heart raced, her voice barely steady as she replied, "No, I don't."

A small, almost teasing smile tugged at Evelyn's lips, but there was something possessive in her gaze. "Then, maybe we stop pretending."

Eden's breath hitched as Evelyn's hand moved to her waist, pulling her just a fraction closer. The intensity in her eyes left no room for doubt about what was about to happen.

Without another word, Evelyn's lips brushed against Eden's, soft at first, testing. But when Eden didn't pull away—when she leaned in instead, deepening the kiss—the tension between them snapped. The kiss grew urgent, the weeks of frustration, teasing, and unspoken words crashing into this one moment.

Eden's hands tangled in Evelyn's hair, pulling her closer as their lips moved together, a perfect mix of frustration and need. It was as if all the tension that had built between them over the past weeks had finally found release in this single kiss.

When they finally broke apart, both of them breathless, Evelyn rested her forehead against Eden's, her voice still low and rough. "You're impossible, Eden Graves."

Eden smiled, her heart still racing. "So, I've been told."

Evelyn chuckled softly, her hand still resting on Eden's waist. "You're going to be the death of me."

Eden raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Does this mean you're asking me out on a date, Professor?"

Evelyn smirked, her eyes dark with amusement. "Maybe. If you can behave."

"I'm not making any promises," Eden teased, leaning in to kiss her again, softer this time, but still charged with that same undeniable tension.

For the first time in what felt like forever, the tension between them didn't feel like a burden—it felt like the beginning of something dangerous and thrilling.

And Eden was more than ready for it.