Chapter 3 Envelope

Julian West was a man of rules. He lived by them and taught by them. It was how he survived his career scandals and department politics. It was also how he had earned the reputation for being the university's most intimidating literature professor.

Until that Friday night.

Julian sat behind the desk, his fingers drumming against them. He was trying to review drafts submitted by his final year advisers but the email list was blurred. His jaw clenched when he finally got to hers.

Leah Morgan, the name title said.

He began to read through and was impressed already from the topic. Of course she would pick something clever, and bold. Something that made him remember the way her voice curled around sarcasm.

He hadn't spoken to her since than night. He'd left the moment she was safe. He made sure she and her friend had gotten a cab home and spent the next two days convincing himself that it had not meant anything.

He ran a hand through his head, "think rationally" he whispered.

What if she told someone?

Julian still remembered Elena's parting words at the club, "We can't be done, ever, not with what I know"

He hadn't believed her, maybe he should have.

A knock came at the door, invading his thoughts. It was soft and hesistant. How guessed it was her.

"Come in" how was right. Leah entered the office in a simple cream blouse and black jeans, different from the short body hug dress she was in on Friday night. Her hair was tied back and her make up very light. She looked very much like a student again.

Julian's heart twisted as he realized he had seen two sides of his student. He'd seen her tipsy and vulnerable. He had even almost kissed her.

She set a printed sheet on his desk and stood back with her arms folded. "My draft. As requested."

He nodded. "I received your email. Impressive topic."

"I tried my best" Her lips curved faintly, but it wasn't the usual smirk. It was quieter.

"I'm sorry about Friday night"he blurted out flatly, not looking at her

Her silence stretched. "You didn't kiss me"

"No I didn't"

"But you almost did"

"Yes" he said meeting his eyes with hers, "And I shouldn't have"

She swallowed. "I didn't mean to... I wasn't trying to seduce you. I was drunk. I barely knew what I was saying."

"But you knew who I was."

Leah exhaled slowly. "I'm not going to tell anyone, Professor West, If that's what you're worried about."

"It's not just about you and me," he said sharply, then paused. "This university has zero tolerance for impropriety. One wrong move and I'm gone and your academic record is collateral"

Her eyes narrowed. "You think I'd ruin you for fun?"

"I think I might ruin you," he said, voice low. "And I won't let that happen."

Then her expression shifted to cool and unreadable. She turned to leave. But before she could reach the door, Julian said, "Miss Morgan."

She paused.

"I meant what I said about your topic. It's exceptional."

Her shoulders relaxed. "Thanks." Then she was gone.

After a long day, Julian decided to head home early. He rarely left the office early but this day felt awkward, he wanted to be as far away as possible from the school grounds.

Getting home, the door clicked shut behind him. He dropped his briefcase near the entryway and shrugged out of his blazer. His apartment was calm and sleek with minimal furniture, but it had glass that made it look elegant like a hotel suite.

He loosened his tie and headed to the small set of mailboxes on the first floor of his complex.

Most days, it was junk; university bulletins, subscription renewals. That day, the mailbox had only one item.

It was a plain envelope, with no stamps, no addresses and no writings except for his name that was typed at the center of the envelope, Julian West.

His eyebrows furrowed as he turned it over. It was sealed but not with any department seal. He examined the envelope that seemed to contain a card. Stepping back into his apartment, he wasted no time tearing the seal off. A single photograph slipped out.

It was a crystal-clear image, taken from a perfect angle. A picture of him and Leah, from the night at the club. He recognized the moment instantly. She was leaning into him. Her mouth parted. His hand gripped her wais as their bodies connected. He remembered the tension and the heat.

Someone had taken that photo and it wasn't accidental. It was too precise. It was a perfect picture evidence.

He slammed his fist into his table causing it to sting. It was then he noticed a writing in the back with red ink. "You really should know better, Professor".

Julian stared at it, pulse pounding in his ears. He felt it wasn't just a warning. It was a message. The only thing that bothered him was that he hadn't offended anyone at least not of recent and not at the university.

"It's not Leah, she gave me her word" he whispered to himself but he had doubts.

At first he contemplated picking his phone and calling Leah, but he decided against that. He felt if she really did this, then he too can play the game.