8.

SOLEIL

Ever since I gave Brice my number, i've had a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm anxious about our first night together. It sounds so wrong and yet so right, but completely besides the point of why we're meeting up.

To study.

He's been viewing my statuses on Whatsapp and followed me on IG. I've been over thinking everything ever since. My photos, my feed, the random thoughts I share or the dumb shit I re-post. I wanted to act normal but knowing he's watching makes me self conscious even if it's through the screen. How the hell am I going to make it through the coming weeks at this rate?

At dinner, I'm a wreck.

I peck at my salad on the side and nibble on some fries. I love fried chips and these are proper slap tjips, nice and thick. But for the life of me, I cant seem to stomach them. The butterflies in my belly are in revolt.

I barely slept last night in preparing my notes to tutor.

"Earth to Soleil," Char waves in front of my face with an annoyed look on hers.

"Huh? I'm sorry, I didn't hear a word you said."

"I know." she deadpans, clearly not impressed.

"I'm nervous and..." I bite my lip wondering whether I should share this with Char.

"And?" she prompts.

"And I'm wondering how I'm going to broach the topic of..."

"Of?" she eggs on.

"Whatever is going on between us," I attempt to finish the thought.

"Yes, what the ever is going on with you two? He was in my spot during chem and he's been eyeing you all day."

"Well he asked for my number last night and when I didn't respond he just handed me his phone during class."

"Ooo progress and a man who pursues what he wants. I'm liking this new season of Soleil & Brice. Is that why you've been more pre-occupied with your phone than usual?"

She steals a chip from my tray. I shrug. I don't want to admit how I've been stalking him and obsessing over what he thinks of the online rendition of me.

We're scheduled to meet up at 6pm. By 5.30pm, I abandon any notion of food and push the rest of what's left to my bestie as I bid her a good night. I head over to my dorms to grab my stuff before walking over to his.

As I approach the boys boarding house my heart beats at my throat and booms in my head. I take a few deep breaths like they teach you to in yoga, breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. I square my shoulders and step over the threshold.

He sees me before I can even look for him. Brice walks over to me in what's left of his uniform, beige pants and a white collared shirt sans the tie, jersey or blazer.

"Hey! Let's head upstairs."

I nod my head, too nervous to say anything, and follow behind him. I feel the lingering gaze of all the boys that are gathered in the common room and loitering in the halls as we make our way to his room.

Eagles row is nice. The dark wood finishes give the house a masculine feel.

"Welcome to my humble abode."

It's anything but humble. I'm sickened at how big his room is and that bed is queen sized. I approach the bathroom and can't help but squeal in disbelief.  Do the boys really need all this space while we're given what basically amounts to a wash closet?

"He chuckles coming up behind me. You're welcome to use my bathroom if you'd like.

I roll my eyes knowing how improbable and unlikely that is. Our eyes catch in the mirror that sits above a single sink, even though there's enough space for two, and covers an entire wall. The counter space is amazing and lost on him with its handful of men's products, cologne and toothbrush.

I step back and turn to face him looking directly into his grey eyes.

"Shall we get started," I say walking around him and back into the bedroom feeling more comfortable than I was yesterday. Being around him is getting easier.

"In a moment. We never finalized our agreement or should I say formalized it."

"What do you mean?"

Brice moves towards his desk and pulls out a few papers and a pen. "Our contract?" he waves the pages.

"Is that necessary?"

"Yes, I want to ensure we're clear on the offer, acceptance, and consideration. My 12 hours and your weekly $1500 in exchange for one-on-one private lessons. I don't even have your banking details Soleil," he grits out the last part.

I wince. Granted he has a point, I should have secured the bag. But I highly doubt Brice Le Roux would renege on our deal... or would he?

"I trust you," I say in a sort of meek defense.

He raises his bow in surprise. He stares at me intently and tilts my chin up. "Good." He leans down to give me a soft peck before setting the pages and pen down. "Read. Sign," he instructs in a monosyllabic manner pulling out the chair.

I go through the pages signing at the bottom of each one. It's pretty standard. Nothing nefarious stands out except the fact that he expects me to inform him 24 hours in advance if I can't make it and I must make up for any hours I have missed. I cannot even refund him the cash. I must fulfill the stipulated hours.

"Okay, all done. Anything else?" I ask, eager to get started. The prospect of the money is quite exciting with the holidays coming up. I never expected this influx.

"Come here," he orders.

He's been leaning against the wall in front of the desk, watching me. I hesitate but go to him despite my reservations. I stop a few feet away and cross my arms. He extends his arms to my waist, drawing me closer.

"I've been looking forward to this for a while now." His voice is low as he squeezes my waist.

"You do know we signed a working contract not some kinky agreement," I remind him in case he's getting any funny ideas from other grey eyed men and their contracts.

"I am aware," he smirks.

His hands move up to cup my face. He pulls me flush against him and leans forward.

"Brice." It's a week protest.

"Soleil," his voice is much deeper and he says my name like a plea.

Those eyes are hypnotic and before I lose the small hold of control I have I manage to ask, "Are you in a relationship or seeing anyone?"

His dark brows draw together in confusion. "No I'm single. Why do you think I asked you out? What do you think I'm doing here right now with you?"

I gulp and can practically hear the saliva I swallow down.

I don't know.

Because even though we're supposed to be working through chemistry, it looks like we're working out our own. My resolve weakens with his intense gaze that never wavers, crumbles when he rubs my nose with his own.

As soon as I close my eyes to catch my breath, I feel his lips cover mine in a consuming kiss. I'm lifted off the ground and wrap my arms around his neck as he picks me up and sets me on his desk. His tongue pushes into my mouth, forcing me to open up and exploring every crevice. His hands slide up to my waist and breasts squeezing them setting off a tremor down my spine and between my legs.

His kiss is overwhelming and his roaming hands are doing things to me I cant even place into words. I reach for them to stop his trails only for him to interlace our fingers and place our hands behind my back. He dominates the kiss, so much so that despite the knock at his door and me trying to break away I can't.

He has me locked in place.

He gathers my hands into one of his and his other wraps around my neck. He pulls back, nibbling on my lips before giving me one last peck.

"Sit," he orders, directing me to the chair as he helps me off the desk.

He doesn't need to tell me twice. I'm sat.