Somewhat long author's note: Sorry it's been so long, guys. My muse is quite unpredictable and independent, and tends to leave me for weeks at a time. However, this plot bunny revived itself and attacked me in the middle of lesson plans, and wouldn't leave, so here's an update!
On to the story!
Chapter Four:
Professor's POV
This was the third time she'd wandered around the corner and back. Hadn't the girl ever learned patience? He glanced around the deserted area, and clenched his jaw as screams rose nearby from the carnival. His headache was back in full force, and he suspected his conscience was attempting to revive itself as well. He refused to feel bad about anything that had happened with Nicky, or the way he'd left it, but that was only possible if he refused to think about it, or her, at all.
He'd tried to keep her out, he really had. He'd avoided her at all costs, been a deliberate ass, even tried scaring her off, but nothing had worked. She'd remained… curious… and constant. Even after he'd royally fucked everything up by actually kissing her…
Flashback.
He couldn't take it anymore. Not even her maternal bossiness was quelling his desire. He tried to remind himself of her innocence, or the fact that she probably wanted a boyfriend, to wander around Paris with, holding hands in public and being sappy together. But she smelled so damn good, and when she looked at him with such open yearning, he couldn't hide his own craving any longer.
When she kissed him, he felt like he'd fallen into another world. Caught up in the headiness of his longing, he kissed her back with all the intensity he kept hidden. There was no mistaking it; he needed her. It wasn't until she clutched at his leg and squeezed the cut that he was brought back to reality with a crash. What was he doing? He released her so suddenly he was surprised she didn't fall.
Anger flashed in him. What was she thinking, allowing him so near? She knew what he was capable of, she gave him the damn missions half the time! He was a killer, and she was letting him touch her! Pointing toward the exit in the room, he stood, intent on proving a point.
When she turned to face him, he saw the flash of hope before she shuttered her gaze. She needed someone who could give her hearts and flowers, someone who wasn't tainted by the ugliness of the dark side of the world. He tried to show her what she needed, and what he couldn't give her, in that last kiss. It had felt nice, to pretend to be gentle and almost loving. But he was part of the underbelly of life, and incapable of such emotions any longer. When he released her, he knew she understood, for tears were brimming in her eyes as she refused to look at him.
He lifted her chin, allowing the frustration he felt to show, as he told her to stay away for her own good.
End flashback.
He watched her stamp her foot impatiently, and allowed himself to smirk. He had to admit it, he was doing this to put her on edge. A bit.