Damaged Beyond Repair by Kashmira Kamat (KittyKash) (best short books to read TXT) 📗

I touched his arm only out of worry, but as soon as I did, I was welcomed by a static jolt of electricity with just that little physical contact, it reverberated through every nerve. Not something I'd ever experienced.

He didn't yank it away like he'd done to that woman.

"Who was that woman?" I asked.

I had to stop poking my nose where it didn't belong, but curiosity was a bitch from the very start.

Normally, he would have sent me packing with questions like these being thrown at him without a warning; I was expecting to hear something like 'mind your own business. You're my student—know your place.' But all he said was, "an ex-girlfriend."

So you see, prying can do wonders sometimes, only when you have a sack full of luck on you.

Don't try this at home.

He tried to calm his erratic breathing; I noticed his breathing was a fast rise and fall rhythm, he ran his hand through his ruffled hair in frustration. Rummaged in his pockets for something, and pulled out a bunch of keys.

"It's not safe for you to be wandering alone in a place like this. Are you heading back to your dorm?" he was back to being the usual cold self. I found solace in the fact that he cared.

"Yes, sir."

"I'll drop you, it's on the way."

"Sylvia told me about some old course guides that you lend to your students. I could really use some help."

He seemed confused for a minute and nodded. "We'll stop by my apartment if you don't mind."

Low blow, Alana, you practically plotted through this to get to his apartment. That's a one dangerous step ahead.

He started walking across the road without waiting for a response which clearly meant he wanted me to follow, no questions asked.

I heard a silent car unlock as he pressed the automatic key, there were a lot of cars lined up on the street, with no particular space available for even a single bike to fit in. He came to a halt in front of a sleek black Hummer; I'd be kidding if I said I wasn't impressed.

He half-smiled at my reaction. Whatever was he doing, teaching at a university? This car costs more than your entire years' worth of college salary, double that and you still wouldn't get any closer unless of course he was paying it in installments and skipping most of his meals.

He took over behind the wheel, and I followed, taking over the passenger side, the unfamiliar fragrance of the leather seats engulfed me as I clicked the seat belt into place. The engine roared to life as he turned the key into ignition and revived smoothly backing the car on the street and on our way. I watched him closely, his fingers drummed on the steering wheel along the song that played, not very conscious of his actions or aware of the existing species sitting right next to him. I took a full advantage of the situation trying to figure out his mind.

The car was headed towards the general direction of our university, and I knew for a fact that he stayed nearby just across the street from it. I had planned on stalking him back to his place one day with some dumbass excuse about some equally dumbass doubts, but I guess I would have to put a pause to my devilish scheming, considering he offered himself to fall prey to my pre-planned fantasies.

The awkward silence throughout the drive was killing me. The voice of Amy Lee was the only sound that filled the void between us. To my utter sheer relief he drove us down a garage parking of a building. He turned off the engine and climbed out. I followed his lead.

Since he wasn't a great conversationalist, I decided to talk.

"Do you live here?"

To that, he nodded. It doesn't get old, does it?

The building elevator took us to the fifth floor, and he halted in front of an apartment door, I tensed. I wasn't sure who to expect since I knew practically nothing about his family other than his niece.

A pretty teenage girl opened the door; her honey colored hair was tossed in a round bun. She wore a black t-shirt, some band name printed on it. The shorts were too damn short even for her. "Hey. You're back."

She beamed at him and her face fell when her eyes traveled to me. Damn. Why am I having that kind of effect on people?

"No trouble, right?" Mr. Masters asked.

"Nope." She batted her Kohl rimmed eyes, "we've been watching Barbie movies all evening, right, Minnie?"

Minnie appeared to be sprawled on the floor, playing her girly kitchen set, talking to herself. We'd barged into her tea-party. She glanced up and grinned at Mr. Masters, showcasing two bright white teeth, "Daddy!"

"Look who's here with me."

She inclined her head to find me standing in the foyer; she made a run towards me. "Come to pay?"

"Yes. I've come to play."

She flashed me a grin; she could hardly keep her happiness bay as she dragged me towards her set of toys where Mr. Teddy and Mrs. Strawberry had already enjoyed their cup of tea. Minnie handed me a plastic toy cup and a saucer.

She mouthed, "Drink."

I pretended to drink invisible tea from the cup. She started at me doe eyed, I realized she was waiting for my verdict, "It tastes good."

Ten points for my shitty acting. "I might have to stop by again for your tea."

That's all it took for her to launch into a full imaginary explanation over how she made the tea.

Mr. Masters had an unusual smile on his face, one that I had failed to notice during classes. His mocha eyes were almost laughing; he was amused to see me get along with his niece. The babysitter standing beside him, glared at me with what I could only assume was envy. Clearly, she saw me nothing but a threat to her part time job. I wanted to tell her to cool her jets.

"I better get going." She reluctantly peeled her eyes away from me.

"Thank you, Cary."

"sure." she mumbled, grabbing for her bag. "Bye, Min."