Chapter 2 ۵ Moreno

YARA'S POV

The morning hit me harder than ever. The bright morning light shone in my face and to make it worse my alarm was blaring. Instead of snoozing the alarm and closing the blinds like usual I got up and off my bed. Today was my first university lecture and I was excited more than ever. Actually that was a lie I was more nervous than excited. Mr Alejandro Moreno better be as good as his name sounds. As much as I hated Max's big ego it was good that I knew at least one person in my class.

I picked out my clothes trying to make myself look somewhat presentable and did my makeup.

I stood at the entrance of the lecture theatre, my heart pounding. Why was this so scary. I lowered my head trying to not make eye contact with all of the people already seated.

The Mathematics building was sleek and modern, with large windows that filled up the space with light, making it both welcoming and a bit menacing.

Clutching my bag, I scanned the rows of seats, searching for a familiar face. Let's just say I didn't find Max, he found me or more so he found a way to embarrass me "YO! Yara, over I saved you a seat!" He shouted from the other end of the lecture room with a big smile on his face. He had to be some sort of social experiment. I awkwardly smiled at the people giving me weird looks and made my way over to Max. I slid into the seat next to him "thanks......" I forced a smile.

"Got everything you need princess" I rolled my eyes.

"Stop calling me that" I whisper shouted. He only grinned more. "Aww is someone getting embarrassed" he mocked making me sigh.

Just as I was about to reply, the door to the massive lecture hall opened abruptly and the room fell silent. My eyes flicked toward the front. In strodeProfessor Moreno. To say I was shocked would be an understatement, he was nothing like I imagined. He wasn't a stuffy, old professor instead he was tall and powerfully built. He barely looked over 25 how was that even possible. He had sleek black hair, not even a single hint of brown coming through. He had sharp and defined features and his dark blue almost navy eyes were deadly. His slightly tanned skin only emphasised the severity of his features, there was no warmth in his expression, it was completely monotone. His eyes surveyed the room with a cold intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if he was looking for prey.

He strode to the lectern with a confidence that bordered on intimidating, rolling up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt as he moved. He put his muscular forearms on display. I could practically feel the tension in the room shift as every girl seemed to hold their breath.

"Good morning," he began, his deep voice carrying a thick British accent, clipped and precise. "As you already know I'm Professor Moreno, and I will be instructing you this term. Let me be clear from the start, if you're here expecting a leisurely stroll through basic mathematics, I suggest you leave now" his instructions was stern come to think of it form what I could see his whole personality was stern. He was intimating.

A hush fell over the room, the weight of his words sinking in. The way he spoke left no room for doubt. His gaze swept across the lecture theatre, as if daring someone to get up and walk out.

"I expect nothing less than your full attention and effort. If you're not willing to put in the work, you're wasting my time and yours. I have no patience for excuses, and I will not hesitate to fail anyone who does not meet the standards of this course. Understand?" Small nervous murmurs and nods spreads through the lecture hall. His sharp and final tone made me shiver. Now I had to make it my one goal to never get on his bad side.

I could feel the tension in the room ratchet up another notch. The girls who had been whispering excitedly before were now sitting in stunned silence, their infatuation seemingly tempered by the harsh reality of what they were up against.

I glanced over at Max, who was watching the professor with a scowl. His usual cocky expression had turned into something much darker, and when he caught me looking, he forced a tight smile. I could tell he was jealous about the professor getting more attention than him. I almost felt.....bad.

"He's really something, isn't he?" I whispered, attempting to tease and trigger him.

"Yeah, if you're into that sort of thing" Max muttered under his breath. His eyes flicked back to Professor Moreno, who had begun writing equations on the board with quick, almost aggressive strokes. "This is going to be hell. I don't think I've seen him smile once" Max complained. And for once I agreed with him.

I bit back a laugh seeing Max still scowling at Mr Moreno without knowing. Max's irritation was almost palpable, and while I didn't share the extreme desires and feeling the other girls had for Professor Moreno, I could see why Max was annoyed. The man had an air of superiority that made him seem unapproachable, even if he was undeniably good-looking.

As the lecture continued, I tried to focus on taking notes, but it was hard not to be distracted by the atmosphere in the room. Professor Moreno's teaching style was just as severe as his personality, he moved quickly through the material, giving little room for error. If someone dared to ask a question that he deemed unnecessary, his response was curt, almost dismissive.

"I trust you've all done the required reading," he said at one point, his tone icy. "If you haven't, that's your issue. I'm not here to spoon-feed you. You're adults now" he spoke in a brutal manner.

His eyes suddenly made contact with a girl. She was laughing and giggling I could already tell she was talking about him. "Get up" he spoke dominantly. He didn't need to shout his deep voice was already intense enough. He ripped through the girls soul with his deathly stare. She looked beyond frightened as she slowly trembled off her seat.

"Mia was oh?" He asked. I was surprised he already knew her name "y-yeah" she answered.

"Would you like to share what you were talking about?" He spoke.

She looked as if she was going to pass out. "I-I.....I was" he taunted her by laughing at her face with mock.

"You were speaking fine before Mia. What happened?" He stayed calm.

"I'm sorry......it won't happening again" she said looking down.

"Get out of my class Mia. Clearly you aren't here to learn" his harsh voice echoed throughout the room. But, nothing was louder than the sound of Mia pleading. The poor girl, I really did feel for her she was being kicked out of the course for saying a few words. Mr Moreno ignored every word that came out of Mia's mouth until she finally left the room crying. How heartless was he? He acted as if nothing happened the next second. Now I had a proper reason to dislike him and so did Max.

I couldn't help but look over to Max, we both shared the same what the fuck expression. If Max wasn't scared before I could tell he definitely was now.

The girls around me were clearly entranced, hanging on to Professor Moreno's every word as if he was some sort of enigmatic figure.

By the end of the lecture, I was relieved to have made it through without drawing any unwanted attention from Mr cold and emotionless himself. I had pages of notes and a mind buzzing with equations, but there was also a strange tension in my chest that I couldn't quite shake.

As we packed up our things, I overheard a group of girls behind me talking animatedly.

"What he did to Mia was actually too rough I feel bad for her but honestly.....I'd let him boss me around like that" one of them giggled.

"I'd let him do more than boss me around girl" another added. Did they even see the same thing I did? He embarrassed a poor girl and ruined her future.

"Honestly he's attractive but his personality is shit like why can't he be more free" a third girl said, her voice tinged with both awe and fear. "Can't wait to sit in silence for every lecture" she rolled her eyes.

I glanced over at Max, who was still brooding. His jaw was set, and there was a hint of irritation in his eyes that made me stifle another laugh.

"Cheer up Maxie" I chuckled playfully. "It's only the first day"

"Yeah, well, let's see how long it takes before they are all sick of Mr. Perfect over there" Max grumbled, stuffing his notebook into his bag with a bit more force than necessary. But there was a hint of a smile on his lips, and I knew he'd get over it eventually. Wow, the things I'd do to have an ego as big as his.

"Mr Perfect? I'd say he's anything but that. He's a dick" I crossed my arms.

Professor Moreno was going to make this term far more challenging than I had anticipated.

Max and I soon parted ways at the entrance to the building, and I trudged up the stairs, my thoughts still swirling with doubts about the equations and the professor's harsh words. I couldn't help but feel a bit deflate. This was just the beginning and I already felt like I was on the back foot.

I pushed open the door to my room, dropped my bag on the bed, and flopped down beside it with a sigh. It was only when I reached for my phone with the intention to FaceTime Leila that a sudden, sinking realisation hit me, it wasn't there. Panic flared in my chest as I rifled through my bag, hoping it had just slipped between the pages of my notebook. But no matter how hard I searched, it was clear my phone wasn't in the room. At first I thought Max took it maybe this was some weird tactic to help him feel less insecure. There's no way I let in the lecture theatre.....right?

I sat up quickly, my mind racing.

Loudly, I knocked on Max's door "oh....hey Elijah....where's Max" he looked at me slightly petrified. I think the fact that I looked furious had something to do with it. Max must've taken it. Without another thought, I walked into their dorm but was stopped in my tracks by Max who stood there with a towel wrapped around his waist. All of a sudden I became shy, facing the ground.

"Wow, come to pay me a visit love?" He jeered.

"No, actually I've come to ask for my phone back" I spat.

"Phone?" He said confused. At first I thought he was lying but the longer I looked at his face the more I realised he was not lying.

"So you don't have my phone?......" I raised a brow.

"Fuck no, why did you lose it?" He smiled almost mockingly making me even more pissed off.

"I think I might've left it in the lecture hall" I said sadly. I really didn't want to go anywhere near that stupid room.

A loud chuckled rang through my ears "Mr Perfect is going to grill you for that. Poor little Yara" I rolled my eyes.

"Don't jinx me like that......wait do you think he'll kick me out the course like he did to that girl?" I looked at Max for reassurance.

"Hmm.....who knows I guess you'll find out right?" He joked.

"This isn't funny Max I'm genuinely petrified" I started playing with my fingers thinking of all the negative possibilities.

"How about I do you a favour and go get it for you. If he tries anything I'll just beat him up" I gave him a disturbed look as he flexed his non existent muscles.

"Yeah I doubt that's happening bro considering you're 5ft 4 and according to you your professor's talk as fuck" Elijah chimed in making me laugh "yeh and not to mention Mr Perefct actually has muscles" I continued teasing Max.

"No offence Max but on second thoughts I'll go by myself" Max looked relived to me saying that. It's funny he acts so tough but really isn't.

I sighed. And with that I left. Well what's the worst that could happen it's not my fault I left my phone. Let's just hope he isn't even in the room.

I mentally prepared myself before going near the lecture hall, it was empty. Thank God! My breath caught in my throat as I pushed open the heavy door, the echo of it creaking was the only sound in the vast, dimly lit space. I scanned the rows of seats, my eyes darting from one to the next, until I spotted it, my phone, lying on the desk where I had been sitting. Alright, just make it quick Yara.

Relief flooded through me as I hurried up the steps, eager to retrieve it and get out of there. But just as I reached for it, I heard a voice behind me, sharp and cold.

"Miss Malik, what exactly are you doing here?" When did he come in. I didn't even hear the door open. My heartbeat increased.

I froze, my hand inches from my phone, and turned slowly. Professor Moreno was standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression as severe as ever. The dim light cast shadows across his face, making his already harsh features seem even more unforgiving.

"I—I left my phone," I stammered, my voice trembling slightly despite my best efforts to stay calm. "I just came back to get it"

His eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "And you couldn't wait until tomorrow to retrieve it? Do you make a habit of wandering around university buildings after hours?" Why was he all worked up over a phone?

I swallowed hard, my nerves jangling under his icy scrutiny. "No, sir. I just, I needed my phone. I didn't think it would be a problem"

"It's not about what you think, Miss Malik" he spoke roughly, his tone was dark and his voice was deep. "It's about what's appropriate. You are a student at this university, not a child who needs to run back for a forgotten toy. I expect more maturity from you, especially in my class"

His words stung, each one like a lash against my already frayed nerves. Just as I opened my mouth to apologise, his gaze swept over me, he analysed my who whole face and he frowned, his voice dropping to a colder, more cutting tone. "And another thing, your makeup is too heavy. This is a university, not a club. I suggest you tone it down if you wish to be taken seriously" a gush of embarrassment hit me.

I blinked in surprise, a surge of heat rushing to my face. The comment was unwarranted, unnecessary, and completely out of line. I wasn't someone who usually caused a scene, but this was too much. My own professor commenting about my makeup. What an emotionless dick.

"Excuse me?" I shot back, my voice rising despite the knot of fear tightening in my stomach. "With all due respect, Professor, my makeup has nothing to do with my studies. I don't see how it's any of your business" I said avoiding eye contact with his captivating eyes.

His eyes flashed with something dark and dangerous, and he stepped closer, his presence overshadowing mine, filling the space with a menacing air. He didn't just stand over me, he seemed to command the very space around him, making me feel smaller with each passing second. "You think you're in a position to argue with me, Miss Malik?" he asked, his voice deceptively calm, though it was laced with an unmistakable threat. "I am your professor. I set the standards here, not you. If I say your appearance is inappropriate, then it is. Now, I suggest you take my advice if you want to remain in my course."

My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears, but I forced myself to stand my ground. "I don't see how my appearance affects my ability to learn, sir. I'm here to study mathematics, not be judged on how I look."

For a moment, there was only silence between us, thick and suffocating. Then, Mr Moreno's expression hardened further, if that was even possible. "You seem to be under the impression that you have a choice in the matter. Let me make something very clear, Miss Malik. You are in my course, under my rules. Disobey me again, and you'll find yourself out of this university. Do I make myself clear?" He promoted. His voice didn't raise once but still hit so chillingly.

The threat hung in the air, and I knew he meant every word. My anger warred with the cold fear that had settled in my chest, and I clenched my fists at my sides, trying to keep my voice steady. "Y-yes Mr Moreno" I forced out, each word feeling like a bitter pill.

"Good girl" he said with a sinister smirk. I looked down at my hands as he turned away as if the conversation was already over. "And next time I suggest you turn off your notifications. Leila was quite eager to talk to you" he spoke sounding unconcerned.

I didn't need to be told twice. I grabbed my phone, turned on do not disturb, my hands shaking slightly, and stuffed it into my pocket. Without looking back, I hurried down the steps, my footsteps echoing loudly in the empty hall. I could feel his scrutinising gaze on me.

Before leaving I looked back he was sat at his desk flicking through papers with his reading glasses on, as if our encounter hadn't affected him in any way, didn't he even feel the slightest built guilty for embarrassing me like that. There was no warmth in his expression, no hint of understanding, just the cold, unyielding presence that had intimidated me from the start.

The door shut behind me, and I let out a shaky breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding. My hands were still trembling as I made my way back to the dorm, my mind replaying the harsh words over and over. I knew university would be challenging, but I hadn't expected this. I hadn't expected to feel so small, so unimportant, in the eyes of someone who was supposed to be guiding me.

As I reached my dorm room, I finally allowed myself to relax, but the tension from the encounter lingered like a dark cloud. Professor Moreno wasn't just a strict teacher, he was something more, something colder. And as I lay back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't shake the feeling that this term was going to be a lot harder than I'd ever imagined.

A/N

chapter 2!!!! Please vote and comment I need suggestions guys lmao