For the first time in as long as I can remember, I wake up with a smile on my face, Raya’s perfume lingering all around me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I didn’t think she would be so easy to talk to. I genuinely enjoyed her company, and the chemistry between us… it was unreal. Neither of us wanted the night to end, and we stayed up late, drinking wine and playing truth or dare, until we couldn’t keep our eyes open any longer. I carried her to my bed and kissed her goodnight, and for the first time in years, I fell asleep next to someone.
My eyes flutter open as I reach for Raya as carefully as possible, so I don’t wake her up… only to find her side of the bed cold and empty. I sit up in surprise, my gaze roaming around the room in search of her, only to settle on the note left on my nightstand. My heart sinks as I pick it up.
Truth: Last night was amazing, and getting to know you was a little surreal. They say don’t meet your heroes, but you surpassed every expectation, every notion of who I thought you were. You’re incredible, Lexington Windsor.
Dare: I won’t leave you my phone number, Lex. I have no intention of being yet another fling, and realistically, we just live in different worlds. It probably won’t happen, but if we ever run into each other again, I dare you to play Truth or Dare with me again. It’s the most fun I’ve had in a very long time, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to play this game again without thinking of you.
Love,
Raya
I shake my head as I lift her note to my lips, my eyes falling closed. It even smells like her. I sigh as I fall back onto my pillow, my thoughts racing. She knows who I am and still walked away. Is she scheming and playing an elaborate game that I’m falling for? Very few women would pass up the opportunity to get close to me, and I’m surprised Raya did.
Her background check revealed how involved she is in her father’s projects, so there’s no way she doesn’t know what state his company is in. Surely, she realizes I could help. Why would she walk away when she’s perfectly positioned to use me to her advantage?
I stare at my ceiling for a few moments, unsure what to make of her. Is this all an elaborate ruse? I sigh as I reach for my phone, my mind on Raya as I scroll through my list of contacts until I find one of my closest friends. I hesitate for a split second before clicking on Leia Astor’s name.
“Lex?”
“Leia, sweetheart. I need a favor.”
“No,” she replies instantly.
“You’re not even going to hear me out?”
She laughs, the sound of her kids playing in the background. “Every time you call me asking for a favor, it’s something weird.”
I run a hand through my hair and smile. “That’s not true, Ley.”
“The last time I helped you, you made me automate parts of your latest car, but you conveniently forgot to tell me you’d programmed the whole operating system to say lewd things in your brother’s voice.”
I bite back my laughter. That was funny as fuck. “Wish I’d filmed Luca’s face when I demonstrated that. I’m devastated that my brothers wouldn’t let me put it in the final car. It would’ve sold even better if it’d had Luca’s voice.”
Leia laughs. “To be fair, you aren’t wrong. That man’s voice is delicious.”
“Hey!” I hear from the background. Leia bursts out laughing, and seconds later, I’ve got her husband on the phone. “Lexington Windsor,” he growls. “Let me guess, you’re calling to corrupt my wife. What kind of trouble are you two getting into now?”
“Adrian. A pleasure, as always.” My tone is entirely in contrast with my words.
He huffs, clearly not amused to speak to me. I love riling him up. He’s just like my brothers, completely obsessed with his wife and so easy to mess with. “What do you want?” he barks.
“A favor from both of you, actually.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I’ll babysit your kids so Leia and you can have a couple of child-free evenings.”
He chuckles. “I have amazing in-laws that love taking care of the kids.”
Damn it. “I’ll throw in an all-expense paid holiday to any Windsor Hotels resort.” He’s silent, contemplating. It’s near impossible to bribe an Astor — they’re as rich as we are. I have to try, though. “Private jet. I’ll fly you myself if you want me to.”
“He’s just messing with you,” Leia shouts from a little further away, clearly hearing me over speakerphone. “Just tell me what it is. I can tell you’re anxious, Lex. Whatever it is, you know I’ll always help you.”
I hesitate for a moment. “I want a guest teaching position at Astor College. I’d like to take over the Mechatronics class you teach, Leia.”
“That’s it?” Adrian asks, his voice dripping with suspicion. He and his family run Astor College, so it won’t be difficult for him to grant me this favor, but considering how much I’ve knowingly annoyed him in the past, I have no doubt he’s tempted to say no.
“Yes. Just one semester, one class.”
“You got it, Lex,” Leia says, causing her husband to groan.
“You’re kidding me, right?” he mutters, the sound muffled.
“Don’t be petty,” Leia whisper-shouts back, and I vow right there and then to stop messing with Adrian Astor. “I’m not sure what you’re up to, Lex, but we’ll grab drinks soon, and you will fill me in. Something is up with you, and I want to know what it is.”
I smile to myself, so tempted to tell her all about Raya, but knowing that I shouldn’t. Hell, I shouldn’t even know about her myself. In the back of my mind, I keep thinking about what Silas said about our engagement not being confirmed yet. The words seem more ominous now than before.
“There’s someone I want to learn a little more about, and she’s a student at Astor College,” I end up admitting, unable to keep much from Leia. “I can’t quite figure her out, and I just need to observe her a little longer.”
She falls silent, no doubt reminded of the way she fell for her own professor, back when Adrian was her thesis supervisor. “Well.. don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she says, moments before her husband bursts out laughing in the background.
