Bratva's Captive - Piper Stone Page 0,2

a standing position. While I acted incensed, I’d thought the same thing more than once. “And he’s our professor.”

“So?” Brandy demanded.

“Remember Miss Straight ‘A’ over here is the teacher’s pet. I have no idea why you’re acting extremely interested in Russian history. I certainly don’t plan on going to the wretched country any time soon.” Elizabeth snorted after issuing the statement.

There were days I felt like I was still in high school. While our blond, buff professor was the epitome of the perfect rugged man, he was also an excellent teacher, his passion for the subject undeniable. I’d enjoyed every minute in his class, even though my Russian education would be of little use in the real world.

“So,” I said, ignoring Elizabeth’s ugly insinuations, “that means he’s off limits.” I darted a look in Professor Lenkov’s direction, trying to keep any emotion from my face.

Or the burning desire I’d felt since the first day I’d set foot in his class.

Russian Studies.

I’d actually signed up at the last minute, needing the credits and with little else available, I’d taken a chance.

He was more like a god than a man, his intense sapphire blue eyes forever watching me, as if I was a little bird he’d wanted to protect. He had the dark intensity of a predator, although he’d never been anything but professional.

Still, I’d had the distinct feeling that he longed to devour every inch of my body.

“Why?” Elizabeth teased, elbowing me before grabbing her things. “You’re staying here over the summer. The professor lives here.”

“What are you suggesting?” I gave her a hard look.

She shrugged and headed away from us, looking over her shoulder. “A wicked little tryst, darling. You should try it sometime. That might make you less uptight.” As she laughed, I made a face. Elizabeth knew that my summer was going to be filled with double shifts, leaving me little time for anything else. I had no other choice if I wanted to obtain my bachelor’s degree.

I also took my studies very seriously. I didn’t have the luxury of having doting parents willing to pay for everything, including a lovely apartment in one of the wealthiest locations in town. I had student loans out the yin-yang and was forced to work long hours in order to support myself.

I stole a quick glance at the sexy Russian as he turned off the presentation. He’d already loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves, which was rare. Maybe he’d been mandated by the school’s officials to hide his colorful tattoos. Ink covered almost every inch of his muscular arm, the colorful designs drawing my attention. They only added to his extreme sex appeal. And the professional clothes he wore every day couldn’t hide his roughhewn body.

Sighing, I realized I was licking my lips like some lovestruck high-school girl. I’d worked far too hard to act immature over some guy who was entirely off limits.

Except he was sexy as hell.

And he drove one wicked Camaro.

“Don’t let her bother you. She doesn’t understand what you have to go through,” Brandy said quietly. “I wish you could take the summer off and come home with me. We’d have such a great time.”

“I know and I love your offer, but I can’t.”

She nodded. “I know but I’m going to miss you. I better get going. I actually have a date later this afternoon.”

“Good for you.” After she squeezed my arm, she headed out of the auditorium-style room. I hated the fact I’d been forced to work my way through college, but there was nothing else I could do since I’d been disowned by my family. To hell with them. I’d made a promise to myself the day I turned eighteen, realizing that if I wanted to make anything of myself, I would do it entirely on my own.

Never give up.

I’d worked for two solid years at three different jobs in order to save enough money to finally leave the two-bit town in North Carolina. So what if I was older than the others? That gave me certain advantages. I laughed to myself, realizing I’d been daydreaming long enough there wasn’t a single soul left in the room.

With the exception of the gorgeous professor.

A sudden flush of heat rushed into my system, my body tingling. I lifted my head, realizing Professor Lenkov was staring at me, his deep blue eyes managing to pierce the distance between us. I’d seen him looking at me before just like I’d admired his physique and prowess from day