Professor Evelyn Carter was the kind of woman who commanded attention without ever demanding it. Her sharp mind and piercing green eyes made her both intimidating and alluring. She carried herself with an elegance that made every lecture feel like a performance, every word laced with unspoken promise.

Nathan had always admired her from afar, lingering in the back of her lectures, captivated by the way she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose or traced her lower lip with the tip of her pen when she was deep in thought.

So when he found himself outside her office after hours, heart pounding in his chest, he wasn’t sure if he was more nervous or thrilled. He had come under the guise of discussing his latest paper, but deep down, he knew it wasn’t just academic curiosity driving him.

“Come in,” her voice rang out after he knocked. He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.

Professor Carter sat at her desk, legs crossed, her pencil skirt riding up just enough to reveal the top of her thigh-high stockings. The room smelled of vanilla and old books, an intoxicating blend that only heightened his senses. She adjusted her glasses and looked at him over the rim, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Nathan,” she purred, “you’re here late.”

“I—I wanted to go over my thesis,” he replied, trying to steady his voice.

“Of course,” she said smoothly, standing and walking around the desk, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. “And what exactly do you need help with?”

She was close now, so close that he could see the faint rise and fall of her chest beneath her silk blouse. His mouth went dry as she leaned in, her scent wrapping around him like a spell.

He swallowed hard. “I… I think I’m struggling with… structure.”

Her lips quirked up at the edges. “Oh, structure is important.” She reached out, trailing a perfectly manicured finger down the front of his shirt. “Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to follow the rules… and when to break them.”

Nathan exhaled shakily. “And which do you prefer?”

Her eyes darkened with mischief. “Why don’t we find out?”

Before he could second-guess himself, she closed the distance, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that was both teasing and electric. He felt his entire body react as her fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer, her body pressing against his in a way that left no room for doubt about what was to come.

Office hours had never been so educational.