36. COLD LUST.

MIA’S POV Did I make a fool of myself? Totally. Because I got thrown out and warned. Mr Hale has always been that professor whom no one dared to challenge. The kind of man whose presence was filled with authority. And yet, there I was, trying the most foolish thing ever. I didn’t even know how I’d face him again without dying of embarrassment. “I don’t care,” I said, though my voice trembled. “How much does it cost?” The way he looked at me sent a chill crawling up my spine. His gaze swept over my face like he was dissecting every thought I had, measuring. And then he smiled, not the kind that promised safety. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that, Ms Tyler,” he said calmly, each word dipped in authority and disappointment. “Now, go to your room before I report you.” I could only nod, swallowing the knot in my throat before slipping out of his suite. By the time I got back to my room, my legs were jelly. I threw myself onto the bed and buried my face into the pillow. The scream