Forbidden Flame

CHAPTER 1

A tall student walked into the room ten minutes after I started the class. I clenched my jaw when some of the female students began squealing in delight at the mere sight of him. I sighed. This is just a normal scene whenever he's around, but I still am not used to it. He is good-looking, that I can admit. He could pass as a model or a celebrity with his height, build, and facial features. Perhaps the main reason why these girls can't get over him.

The male student grinned playfully when he looked at me. Despite the strong urge to grimace, I tried hard to keep a straight face.

"You're late," I pointed out.

"Sorry, hockey practice," he stated rather unapologetically.

Right.

He is Kairos Thorne. One of the star hockey players of this university, on top of all the other achievements that the other professors are bragging about. He is also running for Latin honors and is a part of the student body organization. Everybody on campus probably knows him. I can say that he even has his own fandom.

"Take your seat," I grimly said.

"Alright," he gestured a salute before finding an empty seat. He even high-fived some guys on the way. How can he be so unserious? I was so close to hitting him on the back of his head. Instead, I took a deep breath to calm myself down.

"Market research is an important component of business strategy," I said, continuing the lecture rudely interrupted by Thorne's grand entrance.

I can feel his gaze on me the whole time, but I refuse even to glance at him while discussing our topic. Other professors may treat him like an A-list student, but for me, he is just another happy-go-lucky guy who depended on his Daddy's money. I know his likes far too well to fall for his charm. Rather, I will do my best to make others see him for what he really is.

I am a new professor at this prestigious university. I worked hard to get to where I am now. And I hate it when I see someone with his future handed to him on a silver or even golden platter. How can I not say that when I know that his father is one of the directors of this university?

He has the money and the connection. The least he could do was to use it to his advantage. Taking his studies seriously is just the bare minimum.

I, on the other hand, had to juggle multiple jobs at the same time while studying just to support myself. While here he is, already on his second degree just because he can afford it.

I bet he didn't have to work a single day in his life.

"Any questions?" I asked after finishing the lessons I prepared for the day.

Some students raised their queries and I answered them eagerly. I could see Kairos raising his hand through my peripheral vision, but I pretended not to see it.

"Yes?" I acknowledged another student instead.

"What's the use of marketing intelligence?" she asked.

I answered it to the best of my knowledge, as clearly as I possibly could. I sighed in relief when I heard the buzzer ring, indicating the end of the class. Finally.

It's getting harder and harder to breathe the air in the same room as him. It was slowly getting suffocating.

I picked up my things from the table, preparing to leave when a masculine scent wafted into my nostrils. I almost cursed out loud when I looked up and saw Kairos Thorne right in front of me. His towering height made me want to step back, but I stood my ground.

I refuse to be intimidated by a mere student.

"Do you need any help, Prof?" he asked.

What the hell is he doing? Why is he suddenly talking to me? Why is he invading my personal space? His sudden closeness made me feel uncomfortable. I glanced at the students leaving the room in groups. Some girls turn their heads back to see what their beloved Thorne is still doing.

I sighed.

"No, I'm good," I told him while picking up my bag. I turned to walk away, but he spoke before I could take a single step.

"I'm sorry, but do you have any problem with me?" I heard him ask.

I rolled my eyes before looking back at him. The audacity of this guy...

"None at all," I forced myself to smile. "Why do you ask?"

"Did you think I wouldn't notice the hostility?" he raised an eyebrow while intently looking at my face as if looking out for any change in my reaction.

Of course, he would notice. Why wouldn't he when all the other professors at this university sing nothing but praises of him? He must be intrigued why I wasn't fazed by his "greatness".

"I don't know what you're talking about," I told him casually. Why would I admit how I truly felt about him? I should remain professional no matter how much his mere presence annoys me to the core.

"Suit yourself, then," he shrugged.

"If you have nothing else to say, I have to go," I told him, ready to bolt out of the room.

"You forgot these," he held up my books.

Damn.

I must have forgotten about it on the table while hurrying to get away from him.

I reached out to take them from him, but he held them higher. Obviously, I couldn't reach it with our massive height difference. I looked at him. Our gazes fought. I kept a stern face to show him how serious I was, but he just grinned playfully.

"Let me carry these for you," he stated.

"No, thank you," I snapped.

"Come on, Professor Adams, don't be so uptight. Besides, I'm also heading to the faculty lounge to talk to Professor Macall," he shrugged. He headed out the door without waiting for my response.

"Tsk," I clicked my tongue in annoyance. He's starting to get under my skin. I don't want to be anywhere near him. Can't he get a hint?

I took a deep breath before following him. I can't show him how his presence affects me. He was waiting by the door when I got out. There were only a few students left in the hallway. Most of them turned to look at us, mostly at him while we walked side by side. I made sure to keep a safe distance between us though.

I felt a burning sensation in my back. Somebody must be staring at me. I looked around until my gaze fell on a pair of scrutinizing eyes.

Valerie Collins.

I looked away and briefly glanced at the man walking beside me. He seemed oblivious to her probing stare. Can't he feel how his girlfriend is looking at him?

Yes. Valerie Collins is his girlfriend. She's an equally impressive student. A classic beauty and brain. They are considered a power couple. Even I couldn't deny that.

"No offense meant, but how old are you Prof?" I heard him ask out of the blue.

I frowned. Why is he suddenly asking?

"Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious," he said. "You look too young to be a professor. Again, no offense meant."

I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes.

"None taken. Don't worry about it. I'm not "too young"," I said. I am twenty-seven years old, the same age as him.

Although I will never tell him that. From his perspective, yes, I may be too young to be his professor. But that's because he's already a senior in his second degree.

I, on the other hand, finished my teaching degree a year earlier than most students. Then I proceeded to take my postgraduate studies to become a professor. I have all the necessary credentials. As I have mentioned, I worked really hard to get to where I am now. And I am exactly where I want to be.

But this is just the beginning... The ball had just started rolling in my favor. And I will do whatever it takes to keep it that way...