The next morning, Gustavus was gone before she woke up. The driver dropped her at the campus gate.
Heda met Roxy in the back of the lecture hall.
"Jesus, Heda," Roxy whispered, staring at Heda's neck. "Is that concealer?"
Heda pulled her hoodie up. "Don't ask. It's a disaster."
"Well, distract yourself," Roxy said, leaning in. "We have a guest lecturer today. Rumor is he's big finance. And hot."
The heavy oak doors opened.
Caspian English walked in.
He wasn't wearing a suit today. He wore a cashmere sweater and slacks, looking approachable and deadly.
Heda dropped her pen. It clattered loudly on the floor.
Caspian scanned the room. His eyes locked on hers. He held the gaze for a fraction of a second too long, his smile widening.
He turned to the chalkboard. Caspian English. Business Ethics.
"Ethics," Heda muttered. "That's rich."
"Today," Caspian said, his voice smooth like velvet, "we are going to discuss the ethics of land development. Specifically, the displacement of non-profit organizations for commercial gain."
Heda stopped breathing.
"Let's say," Caspian continued, walking up the aisle, "there is an orphanage on prime real estate. The developer wants to build a mall. What is the ethical move?"
He stopped right in front of her row.
"You. The girl hiding in the hoodie. Miss... Roman, is it?"
Every head turned.
Heda stood up. Her legs felt like jelly.
"I would..." She cleared her throat. "I would prioritize the children. Human life is worth more than profit."
Caspian chuckled. It was a dark sound.
"How naive, Miss Roman. That is why you will always be... a victim."
The bell rang.
Heda grabbed her bag and bolted. She needed air. She needed to get away from him.
She turned the corner near the lockers and slammed into a solid wall of chest.
Caspian.
He boxed her in, his hands resting on the lockers on either side of her head.
"Long time no see, 'Wildcat'," he whispered. "Or should I call you 'Sister-in-Law'?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Professor," Heda said, her voice shaking.
Caspian reached out, twirling a lock of her hair around his finger. "I remember a girl from that trailer park... one who was remarkably good at picking locks. Does Gustavus know about your... special talents?"
Heda slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me."
Caspian's eyes went cold. "Drop the act. I know you married him for the money. Work with me, Heda. I can give you more than he can."
"I am loyal to my husband," she spat.
"Loyalty?" Caspian laughed. "In the English family, loyalty is the cheapest commodity."
Heda's phone rang. It was the special ringtone for Gustavus.
Caspian glanced at the screen. He stepped back, straightening his sweater.
"Answer it. Tell him I'm looking forward to the family dinner tonight."
Heda answered.
"Wait at the gate," Gustavus ordered. "I want to check on your 'studies'."
Heda hung up. She watched Caspian walk away, whistling. She was trapped between a monster who wanted to own her and a monster who wanted to destroy her.
