Isabella's POV
Once I got home, I quickly locked the door with a wildly beating heart. My eyes darted to the windows as I rushed across my apartment, making sure every window was properly locked.
All I could think of were those stormy gray eyes that glared across me at the restaurant. When our eyes met, everything faded away until I gathered myself and looked away.
What was Mr. Volkov doing there? Did he stalk me? Was he keeping an eye on me, or did he follow me? I didn't know, and the more I thought about it, the more angry it made me.
Did he see Jerry? Of course, he had seen Jerry, but why am I so scared about this? He's my professor and nothing else. He has no say in my personal life, so I shouldn't be afraid of him. But why does it feel like he caught me doing something that I wasn't supposed to do? Maybe I'm thinking too much, and he was just there to dine with that woman.
That lady... Was she his wife? No, he doesn't wear a ring band on his ring finger, so he might not be married, but then was she his girlfriend? How could that be possible? He had one night stand with me, so if he had a girlfriend, then that means he cheated on her... Maybe I'm thinking too much, she could be his ex or just simply a friend. It's not my concern.
Shaking my head to get rid of his thoughts, I changed into my comfy clothes and plopped on the bed as I nuzzled into the pillows and sighed deeply. I grabbed my phone and texted Jerry, thanking him and telling him I had an amazing night. And next time I'll be taking him out to dinner. His response came instantly as he agreed and even mentioned the restaurant we'll be going to next time. We chatted for a while, and it was fun when I received a message that made me pause.
It was a message from the department saying I've been summoned for a disciplinary meeting tomorrow for a late file submission.
I blinked at the message for some time. How was this possible? I wasn't late; there was still plenty of time left before the due date, but then it clicked me.
Mr. Volkov!
He must be doing this on purpose.
Because of him, I couldn't get a proper sleep. He was on my mind, the memories of that night flashing in my head, followed by the dangerous glare he gave me at the restaurant.
I didn't want to assist him with his research paper anymore. Tomorrow I'll tell him I can't do this and will stay miles away from him from then onwards. That'll be for the best.
The next day, I stood outside his office mustering up the courage. Once I calmed my heart down. I knocked and heard a deep 'come in.' I stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of him. He was sitting peacefully, looking calm, collected, and dangerous. I've seen that dark side of his, the sinister side that he hides well under his job as a professor. His nightlife was far more sinful than what he looks like.
He raised his head from his file, and those piercing gray, unreadable, cold eyes rested on me, making me want to squirm under his scrutiny.
"You were late in your submission."
"The due date is Thursday, professor. I still have two days left." I said calmly.
"It was changed, the due date was last night. What exactly was more important than the file submission, Miss.Martinez?"
"But I wasn't informed about the change in due date-"
"So, you're saying I'm lying?" He raised a brow. I didn't like his mocking tone. It feels like he wanted to pick a fight with me. He stood from his chair and slowly began to round the desk. He didn't approach me, but that heated stare was making me nervous.
"I didn't say that," I said in a small voice.
My eyes darted to the door as I inhaled deeply and faced him. "I'm sorry for the late file submission. And from now on, I won't be able to assist you in your research work. I'm sorry, Mr. Volkov." I said as softly as I could with my eyes fixed on the desk while I could feel his gaze drilling holes in my head.
With a slight tip of my head, I pivoted on my heels and headed for the door. I grabbed the knob and barely opened the door when a big, veiny hand slammed at the door, slamming it shut, making me flinch at my place as my breath hitched and heart galloped to my mouth. I covered my mouth to stop the scream as I stared at his hand.
And then I could feel his body heat right behind me, making my heart shiver. I abruptly turned around only to come face-to-face with him. I gasped at the proximity and stepped back, only for my back to touch the door.
I was trapped.
"Mr. Volkov, p...please step back, you're too close-"
"Do you always go around dining with your classmates dressed like that?" His deep voice was sharp and cold, and his words made me pause as shock slowly consumed me.
"Excuse me?" My voice was small and shaky. I couldn't believe what he just asked, and what with this intimidating position of holding me against the door while he towered over me like a beast with raging eyes.
"Don't play naive, Isabella." He said my name... Not Miss. Martinez and not little dove. It was scary.
"With whom and where I dine is none of your concern, and especially what I wear is also none of your business, Mr. Volkov." My voice was firm this time.
"Now, please step back. This is inappropriate." I said coldly, and his eyes darkened, and his jaw clenched.
Instead of stepping back, he grabbed my jaw in a rough hold, squishing my cheeks and making my lips pucker out as he leaned closer.
"Don't test me, Isabella. F*cking don't!" He growled lowly like a deranged man, and my whole body trembled in fear.