The rumors were spreading like wildfire through Hawthorne University’s ivy-covered halls.

By the next afternoon, Sophia could feel the weight of curious glances everywhere she went. Whispers followed her like shadows, "Did you hear about Professor Voss?" "Someone saw him with a student…" Her stomach twisted with a potent mix of fear and forbidden excitement. Every step across campus felt like walking a tightrope, the thrill of almost being caught only heightening her awareness of the man who now consumed her every thought.

Alexander had texted her once that morning, short and commanding: My office. 9 PM. Wear something easy to remove.

She spent the entire day in a haze,...